I Know it's my Choice BUT...

Why can't the bariatric team just tell me what they think is best for me??!!! I'm so indecisive.

I've been making my own choices concerning my weight for a long time and we all see where that has gotten me - to my BMI of 49! I DON'T want to screw this up. The nurse did tell me that she thinks VSG would be wise for me because I'm young (31) and the long term malabsorption issues aren't as drastic with the sleeve but that I could only expect to loose 50-60% of my excess weight. Is 60 pounds really worth it when you are 4'-11" and weigh 245? The bypass would give me 70% possibility which is far better. I have issues swallowing pills and I know if I don't take my vits with RNY that I will be in trouble. I know it's important with VSG too but the dietician and nurse both eluded to the fact that it's not as extreme. Then I don't know many people personally that had the sleeve and I keep wondering what they will do with 85% of the stomach they remove and what if "something" (don't ask me what because I'm too paranoid to know) comes up and I "need" it back and I know once its gone it's gone. I was even told I didn't need a psych eval by a nurse. They really must not know me very well. 

I know it's my choice but I wish my family would learn more about this with me and hold my hand through the process and even offer their own positive opinions. I get plenty of reasons why I shouldn't do anything of this. Most of them think I'm just lazy or crazy. Then there are those that are tired of hearing about it and say just get the sleeve because it's safer and shut up. I can't even be mad because I've become so obsessed with all of this.

I know it's my choice but I'm kinda hoping that I can speed through the process before I change my mind.

Thanks for sharing. I know I'm all over the place. Truly, this website has been the best site I've found in a LONG time. You guys are stuck with me. Thanks for listening (reading).

If you can not make up your mind maybe it is not your time to have the surgery yet. No one can make your mind up for you. If this is something that you want then you have to make all the decisions.... its your body and you cannot expect people to hold your hand thru everything. Just pick one and stick to that decision. Good Luck

Hi... I've thought about that. I guess I'm so afraid of failure and really just looking for someone else to blame. SMH

I read your comment and thought "that is the absolute truth". I really can't expect to put this on anyone else.

Thanks!

This is your journey. Everyone can walk through it with you, but ultimately you stand alone. You need to make an informed decision that you will be able to live with.... Sending prayers!

Thank you for your words of wisdom and your prayers. Much appreciated!

Your surgeon should be able to tell you which surgery he recommends for you and why.  If the nurse is telling you that "malabsorption issues aren't as drastic with the sleeve," she seems very uneducated about the very basics of VSG and I would not ask her for advice.  There is NO malabsorption with the sleeve and if she doesn't even understand that, she should not be advising patients about anything related to VSG.

If the dietician and nurse are suggesting that it's not important to take your vitamins after VSG, both are giving you dangerously incorrect information.  VSG patients usually need fewer vitamins than RNY patients, but if you do not take a multivitamin and calcium citrate daily, you will almost certainly end up with nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis in just a couple years.  If the dietician you are seeing isn't clear about that, I would consider consulting with a new registered dietician with experience and training with bariatrics.

Hi Poet__Kelly,

I hope to meet with the surgeon at the next appointment. I may move it up. I took a far out one so that I could maybe have enough time to make peace with my decision by then. The nurse said that they are starting to see sleeve patients with Calcium Citrate deficiencies and osteoporosis as you said. But she did say that the dr. knows best.

The program actually recommends that sleevers take the same vits as RNYers but that they see less complications with sleevers. They also said that it could be because the sleeve is becoming more popular and it could be the patients are more compliant or complications haven't had enough time to present themselves yet. I'm hoping the former is true.

You are very knowledgeable! Thanks for your help! I really need to learn more. Can you recommend any books?

Hi there,

Knowledge is power!  The more you know about any procedure will give you more decision power.  Do the research.  Search your soul and heart.  Your gut will tell you which one and know what you think you can live with the rest of your life.  Also, get your supports in place.  As I said many times, you can have the best procedure, but if you don't deal with the gray matter between the ears, motivation usually dies in time.  We have to search inside to find the root of our obesity and deal with it or it may come up and bite you later.  The surgery is just a tool.  So, read, read, read.  Set up your nutritional, emotional, psychological and physical support systems now.  Equip yourself to succeed.  GO FOR IT!!

Hi Shoutjoy,

Thanks! I really need to learn more about everything so I can stop flip flopping back and forth everyday. I'm making myself sick. I also hope to attend and information session in this Saturday to learn more.

The only thing that I might add...(you've gotten great advice from the above posters) is those stats with weight loss are average losses.  I made up my mind I was going to lose all my weight and I have only 8# left to goal.  I may lose another 5# after that. Good luck.  This is a huge life changing decision and you have to be ready to make the change.