RNYers and Sleevers

OK. I'm still pre-op and moving right along in meeting my insurance requirements.

I'm have days where I find myself still going back and forth between the RNY and VSG but find myself leaning more towards RNY. However, the hospital that I work for seems to be doing more and more sleeves and I'm hearing about great success stories that sleevers are achieving without malabsorption. I still find myself fearful that once they remove the belly that it's gone and never to return (yes, I know RNY is supposed to be permanent too). And with RNY, I'm worried about vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I don't know many people personally that had VSG or are far enough out to really judge by them. But, I do know plenty of RNYers. I've been hearing many people with RNY lately say that if VSG had been an option, they would have went that route which leads me to today's question:

Are you an RNYer and wish you could have gone with the sleeve? Why?

How many people out there with the sleeve wish they had went with the bypass? Why?

Thanks, guys!

Do you have problems with GERD/reflux?  This was the reason why I had to go with RNY over sleeve. 

Hi Alice,

Nope... no medical problems at all, except my scaita (sp) aka back pain. I may have sleep apnea too but my study isn't until next month then I'll know for sure.

What was appealing to you about the sleeve?

Do you take NSAIDs for your sciatica pain?

Hi Ms. Batt,

Sometimes I do. I asked the nurse about it and she said that it's not that RNYers can't take it, they just don't want them on the meds for a long period of time. It sounds a bit risky to me knowing that they cause ulcers.

Over the ten years I've been reading here, I've seen RNYers who took NSAIDs a lot with no problems, and I've seen RNYers who got terrible ulcers from taking ONE dose. It's one of those YMMV things, I guess. I knew going in that I couldn't function without daily NSAIDs, so there was no way I could have the RNY.

Also keep in mind that it doesn't matter how the NSAIDs get into your bloodstream. You can swallow them, you can inject them, you can use a topical cream---the effect is the same. They thin the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, which in some cases allows the stomach's own acid to cause ulcers. Do you, or have you ever, had any trouble with ulcers or acid reflux? Heartburn?

Well for one, I was self pay and it was considerably less expensive.

I also am hoping that I don't have dumping syndrome.  I don't really have a sweet tooth anyway so I don't feel that I require the negative reinforcement, and that it will just give me anxiety.  But I know that a lot of people consider dumping to be a perk.

RNY was less expensive? Interesting, it seems like more "work" for the doc to perform. I don't have a sweet tooth either but I do crave carbs all the time. Not the good ones either. I'm talking about baked potatoes, fried potatoes and potato potatoes. Guess you can tell I like potatoes. LOL

The nurse was trying to encourage me to go for the sleeve but I think I only get one shot at this so I don't want to mess it up.

Oh no, the sleeve was less expensive.  I ended up getting RNY because of my GERD and it cost more.  I do think that it was a good decision for me though, and it was helpful that I know several people who have had RNY (including my best friend who had the same surgeon) and have done really well.

I had the sleeve and I had GERD years ago it came back with this surgery. I take a acid reducer and I am fine. Sometimes I forget to take it (I am bad with pills) but when i get the burning I remember LOL. I love the sleeve but consider this.... If you are like me and is a heavy snacker you may want to think about the bypass because you may get not be able to digest the suger and carbs.  Since I love too snack I have to be extra careful of what I eat. Its a struggle.  I didnt make my goal yet after 2 1/2 years but thats due to bad habits. Remember that you get the surgery but u still keep ur brain.  Good Luck I hope that helped.