Too Many WLS Choices
Good Morning!
So I’m in the beginning stages of WLS and frankly have already had bouts of emotions regarding the changes to come. I’m working intensively with a therapist to tackle this anxiety and get to the underlying issues and my BF of 4+ years is joining the therapeutic exchange too, thankfully. Soooo… research. I’ve been thinking about this for the last 7 years or so. Once I got serious, everyone said, “Do your research!" So I HAVE been. J However, I am having a hard time getting some facts straight based upon comments from people at other forums. Can you help?
1. RnY patients only tend to lose 50% of their excess weight in the long term. So if I’m 400 pounds and I have 225 excess pounds, I’m going to eventually be at 287.5? What? I can’t believe this. Everyone i****ting “ONEderland." Does this mean that I’ll be in for a big regain simply due to how the stats go? WTH!!!!
2. DS’ers say that they are the platinum standard but and chide RnY’ers for the dumping problem. But they have LETHAL GAS and BAD BM’s for a long time, maybe forever. Why are do they think they are the “platinum standard?"
3. Has anyone had ANY luck talking to a surgeon without attending their seminar? I want to talk to a surgeon on DS just to get his professional opinion but I have to sit through another seminar since my current doc doesn’t do the DS so is likely not to have as much info on it.
4. Did everyone go through this “which WLS solution is better" debate? I wonder if I’m starting to crack up a la Humpty Dumpty. Does anyone have a good, non-biased source? I find stats on DS websites that are obviously biased to DS and find similar good news stories for RnYers. I want the good, the bad, the ugly and the “most likely."
Happy Thursday. Time for another cup o’ joe.
Liz
Hi, and welcome.
1. What I've read is that RNY patients lose an average of 85% of their excess weight. It's fairly common, though certainly not inevitable, for patients to gain a little back, something like 10 to 15%. It's important to keep in mind that this is just an average, so some patients lose more, some lose less. I lost more than 100% of my excess weight. I'm below my goal weight.
I think a lot of factors go into how much you lose and whether or not you regain. Some things we may not have much control over. If you have certain metabolic problems, for instance, or need to take meds that cause weight gain, there may not be much you can do about that. But part of how much you lose and keep off will depend on how willing you are to comply with certain guidelines. Are you willing to exercise regularly? Are you willing to give up a lot of junk food? That doesn't mean you can't ever have a treat, but are you willing to eat mostly healthy stuff? Are you willing to stop drinking with your meals? How much effort are you willing to put into this?
2. Many DS folks say they do not have lethal gas or bad BM's.
3. I did not attend a seminar. When I called my surgeon's office to see if he took my insurance and stuff, the receptionist asked if I wanted to sign up for a seminar and I said no, I prefered to just make an appointment for a consultation. You can explain that you've been to another seminar but just want to talk to the doc about the DS. You can also say that you prefer to ask questions in private, not in a group setting.
1. What I've read is that RNY patients lose an average of 85% of their excess weight. It's fairly common, though certainly not inevitable, for patients to gain a little back, something like 10 to 15%. It's important to keep in mind that this is just an average, so some patients lose more, some lose less. I lost more than 100% of my excess weight. I'm below my goal weight.
I think a lot of factors go into how much you lose and whether or not you regain. Some things we may not have much control over. If you have certain metabolic problems, for instance, or need to take meds that cause weight gain, there may not be much you can do about that. But part of how much you lose and keep off will depend on how willing you are to comply with certain guidelines. Are you willing to exercise regularly? Are you willing to give up a lot of junk food? That doesn't mean you can't ever have a treat, but are you willing to eat mostly healthy stuff? Are you willing to stop drinking with your meals? How much effort are you willing to put into this?
2. Many DS folks say they do not have lethal gas or bad BM's.
3. I did not attend a seminar. When I called my surgeon's office to see if he took my insurance and stuff, the receptionist asked if I wanted to sign up for a seminar and I said no, I prefered to just make an appointment for a consultation. You can explain that you've been to another seminar but just want to talk to the doc about the DS. You can also say that you prefer to ask questions in private, not in a group setting.
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
From what I understand, statistics are an average of highs and lows-including extreme highs and lows (for some studies, some they throw out the extremes), this is why you are seeing only 50% average EWL in some statistics. My surgeon gave me an average of 70% EWL average for his patients. I have 17 lbs to go to get to 100% EWL, it can be done. I would think that if you follow your plan, you too can reach your goals. From what I have read, regain is not a given when you follow your plan.
Again, from what I understand, dumping is not a given for everyone. There are mild and severe cases of dumping - from just not feeling right to extreme lethargy and illness during a dumping episode. I would not rule out RNY based on dumping only. I have had a couple of episodes of mild dumping after eating something with too many carbs/sugar. I have gotten a stomach ache (mild) and just don't feel right. I have not had an extreme case of dumping yet, but I do try to keep what I choose to eat within my plan in hopes that I don't have to experience that.
Can you find a surgeon that does several forms of WLS, so as to get his/her opinion on what might be best for you? Based on what I wanted for my life and lifestyle, my surgeon recomended RNY. I attended his seminar and they discussed all forms of WLS, then was able to meet with him.
For me, I felt I could live the rest of my life following the RNY plan. I think the best way for people to decide how to choose a surgery is based on what they really think is best for themselves and what they believe they can do forever, cuz it is a long time!
Best of luck in your decision making process!
Again, from what I understand, dumping is not a given for everyone. There are mild and severe cases of dumping - from just not feeling right to extreme lethargy and illness during a dumping episode. I would not rule out RNY based on dumping only. I have had a couple of episodes of mild dumping after eating something with too many carbs/sugar. I have gotten a stomach ache (mild) and just don't feel right. I have not had an extreme case of dumping yet, but I do try to keep what I choose to eat within my plan in hopes that I don't have to experience that.
Can you find a surgeon that does several forms of WLS, so as to get his/her opinion on what might be best for you? Based on what I wanted for my life and lifestyle, my surgeon recomended RNY. I attended his seminar and they discussed all forms of WLS, then was able to meet with him.
For me, I felt I could live the rest of my life following the RNY plan. I think the best way for people to decide how to choose a surgery is based on what they really think is best for themselves and what they believe they can do forever, cuz it is a long time!
Best of luck in your decision making process!
I have to say I would stay away from the forums and asking what one because you will get even more cracked ala Humpty Dumpty. LOL People are biased as to what worked for them or sadly what didn't work. So I suggest talking to a Dr in person. Do what the above posters said find someone who does both but be prepared mine does lap, DS, and RNY and he said RNY is the way to go for me. That didn't bother me as I went in wanting the RNY. I didn't even ask him why as that is what I wanted anyway but you got me curious and I might ask him that.
I wish you luck in finding the right surgeon and procedure for you. I have been looking at WLS for 11 years finally this summer I will join the losers bench. All I can say is do your research make a decision and get moving on it. I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. Also find out what your Ins. requires for pre op stuff because if you need medically supervised WL assistance you can start doing that at this point with your PCP. One patient at my seminar was prepared with all of that she attended her seminar had surgery the next week. I wish I was that prepared!
I wish you luck in finding the right surgeon and procedure for you. I have been looking at WLS for 11 years finally this summer I will join the losers bench. All I can say is do your research make a decision and get moving on it. I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. Also find out what your Ins. requires for pre op stuff because if you need medically supervised WL assistance you can start doing that at this point with your PCP. One patient at my seminar was prepared with all of that she attended her seminar had surgery the next week. I wish I was that prepared!
Michelle
Did the happy dance onto the Loser's Bench March 18, 2013!
Visit my blog at http://skinnyundermyfat.blogspot.com/
You really have to take a lot of "answers" to your questions with a pinch of salt!
For some reason people think they have to talk up their surgery and trash all the others ... If you read the common propoganda, you'd think that all RNY'ers only maintain 50% of their excess weight at best, dump on protein shakes and get RH and all DS'ers get to goal, never regain but have BM's that strip wallpaper! I'm sure these are true for some, but definitely not all ...
READ the forums instead of post and you will get a much truer picture of the worst of each surgery (people rarely post that they are problem free - but they are actually in the majority).
Surgeons will tend to give you glowing stories of the surgery they do too so a visit to them is really best done once YOU have decided what YOU want ... Run away from any surgeon that does ALL the different types - "jack of all trades and master of none" comes to mind!
So, take it all in, marry it up with what you know about yourself, and make your own decision as to what surgery you think will work for YOU! Any recommendations you get on here are worth squat to be honest because we are all individuals with different lives, lifestyles and medical histories!
For some reason people think they have to talk up their surgery and trash all the others ... If you read the common propoganda, you'd think that all RNY'ers only maintain 50% of their excess weight at best, dump on protein shakes and get RH and all DS'ers get to goal, never regain but have BM's that strip wallpaper! I'm sure these are true for some, but definitely not all ...
READ the forums instead of post and you will get a much truer picture of the worst of each surgery (people rarely post that they are problem free - but they are actually in the majority).
Surgeons will tend to give you glowing stories of the surgery they do too so a visit to them is really best done once YOU have decided what YOU want ... Run away from any surgeon that does ALL the different types - "jack of all trades and master of none" comes to mind!
So, take it all in, marry it up with what you know about yourself, and make your own decision as to what surgery you think will work for YOU! Any recommendations you get on here are worth squat to be honest because we are all individuals with different lives, lifestyles and medical histories!
Proud Feminist, Atheist, LGBT friend, and Democratic Socialist
You might want to check with your doctor. I am going to Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown NY and they ONLY do two types of WLS....RNY and LapBand. Any others you have to go to another hospital. Also, Bassett requires you to go to 2 Group Meetings as part of their program. You don't have to talk, but you MUST attend. My surgeon stated that it's common that her patients lost appx 60-65% of their excess weight. This is what I figure; that's a damn good start and then it's up to me, to make the healthy choices with food and exercise to lose the rest. It's a marathon, not a sprint to your individual goal weight. It's a lifetime change. I wish you the best in finding what you think will work for you. We are all different, results are different, attitude is a key to success. I will soon found out the struggles (I have yet to get my surgery date). So far the pre-weight loss that's required before Bassett will even consider scheduling the surgery, is where I am. I really struggled with the loss and I have even lost more than required; if I gain it back; they cancel surgery. Good Luck.
The surgeon I used did all three, I was lucky enough to be able to see his specific statistics to decide. Honestly, vanity made my decision, I wanted the surgery that would give me the greatest weir loss. Although it happened to be the surgery he had done the most of anyway, with the greatest long term success.
It just happened that I shared a hospital room with someone 8 years out that had a fistula and started not being able to keep anything down, they had to do a more of an emergent repair for her, but she was really worried about starting over on the liquid diet. But after 8 years she admitted to not keeping on track lately which I'm sure didn't make things any easier.
Anyway, I agree, talk to you team. I can email or call my team 24/7 and they welcome the interaction.which I think is very important.
It just happened that I shared a hospital room with someone 8 years out that had a fistula and started not being able to keep anything down, they had to do a more of an emergent repair for her, but she was really worried about starting over on the liquid diet. But after 8 years she admitted to not keeping on track lately which I'm sure didn't make things any easier.
Anyway, I agree, talk to you team. I can email or call my team 24/7 and they welcome the interaction.which I think is very important.
http://poundsago.blogspot.com/. My daughters weightloss blog, would love if you all support her in her journey. 
Use facts and figures and consultations with doctors to determine what is best for you. Only you can pick the one that is best for your unique situation.
This highlights the need for a tool that would ask you specific questions, then make recommendations, and tell you why the recommendation is being made.
Read books on WLS. Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies helped me.
In regards to your questions:
1) As the others have stated, averages are generally reported. You can regain after any WLS and you WILL regain, if you do not change your lifestyle. WLS is not a magic bullet-it will give you advantages to assist in quick weight loss, but those will only be temporary if you do not change how you eat and how you move.
2) Statistically speaking, the long term results are showing the DS to be the better tool for overall weight loss maintained. Every surgery has risks, rewards, and requirements. You have to weigh (pun intended) the long term results against what is required of you for each surgery and use that information to make a decision. Comorbities also should be considered-if you have some, include in your research how each surgery may resolve those. Only approx 30% of RNYers have dumping and it ranges from very mild, to very severe. There is no way to know how you will be affected by dumping.
3) I never attended a seminar before seeing my surgeon.
4) If you go asking for opinions, debates will erupt and yes, you will think you are losing your mind. Try to do as much of your research as possible in an unbiased format. You can get a lot of info from Google (try to follow links to medical studies, not surgery specific websites).
Good luck, and yes, do your homework and be prepared to make PERMANENT lifestyle changes for whichever surgery you choose.
Kim
This highlights the need for a tool that would ask you specific questions, then make recommendations, and tell you why the recommendation is being made.
Read books on WLS. Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies helped me.
In regards to your questions:
1) As the others have stated, averages are generally reported. You can regain after any WLS and you WILL regain, if you do not change your lifestyle. WLS is not a magic bullet-it will give you advantages to assist in quick weight loss, but those will only be temporary if you do not change how you eat and how you move.
2) Statistically speaking, the long term results are showing the DS to be the better tool for overall weight loss maintained. Every surgery has risks, rewards, and requirements. You have to weigh (pun intended) the long term results against what is required of you for each surgery and use that information to make a decision. Comorbities also should be considered-if you have some, include in your research how each surgery may resolve those. Only approx 30% of RNYers have dumping and it ranges from very mild, to very severe. There is no way to know how you will be affected by dumping.
3) I never attended a seminar before seeing my surgeon.
4) If you go asking for opinions, debates will erupt and yes, you will think you are losing your mind. Try to do as much of your research as possible in an unbiased format. You can get a lot of info from Google (try to follow links to medical studies, not surgery specific websites).
Good luck, and yes, do your homework and be prepared to make PERMANENT lifestyle changes for whichever surgery you choose.
Kim
well i would suggest you find out what our insurance covers...with my insurance my only options were lapband or bypass....i was leaning towards the sleeve, but insurance did not cover that so back to just lapband or bypass.. so there was no sence in looking into the others that was not covered by insurance....i choose bypass as i wanted off my diabetic medicines, blood pressure, hich cholestrol...that was my goal along with the weight loss...i am little over year post op and i have lost 110 pounds and somewhat hovering at that..i am happy where i am....i was taken off my diabetic medicine while i was still in the hospital, taken off my blood pressure within a week of being home...so met those goals right off the bat.....i am currently on no medicines at all, my cholestrol is the best it has ever been, and finally my bad VS good levels are where they should be, i have more good than bad...before i had more bad than good....i do get a little tired of taking all the vitamins as there are some days i just slack off...so i am trying to do during the week follow the rules and then slack on the weekends...i will see how that goes...i was out of town for my daughters college graduation and i just did not take my mirlax or vitamins with as i did not want to deal with that while being in a motel and on the go for those few days..so i had a few days off, and now getting back to the normal...
you need to figure out what your goals are, and what your insurance covers....then you will be able to make the right decision for you
good luck
debby
you need to figure out what your goals are, and what your insurance covers....then you will be able to make the right decision for you
good luck
debby
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