Need Help Making a Decision

Hello OH Friends,

I'm looking for advice. I started this journey in February of this year with plans on having the VSG, but with recent test results from a UGI it looks like the VSG is no longer an option, and I'm going to have to have the RNY instead due to an extremely large hiatal hernia. Here's where I need help I'm SCARED! no other way to say it! I'm afraid of the complications that can happen after the surgery a few years out that have been mentioned on this site. I have a really amazing surgeon and I trust him completely. I'm 54yrs old, and I would like to know if anyone close to my age had a lot of complications after having the RNY, and if you had any regrets of having this surgery.

Thanks you  for all your help in advance!

I'm a newbie. I've had no complications thus far (4 months tomorrow), my surgery went great, as did my recovery. I'm still learning to eat and chew well enough because my pouch is extra small according to my surgeon, but I'm good with that.

I know other's will come by and talk to you about the things they know better about.

Oh, and I'm 51. So while it's completely normal to be nervous and worried, don't think you're the only person in their 50's that has done this... there are older folks who are doing great too!

Do your due diligence and read up on the surgery as much as you can. You owe that to yourself 

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I just found out this morning that I'm not able to have the VSG. I guess I just need some time to adjust. My surgery date was set for 9/26/16 for the vsg, and there's a good chance now my date will change, but I'm ok with that. I can use the time to research and collect all the good info I need to help me have a good outcome. This site has been an amazing help to me with all the information and support. Thank you again for your reply! And by the way you're doing awesome with your weight  loss so far! Something for me to look forward too!

other than a stricture early out (which are minor and an easy fix), no complications here.  The PA in my surgeon's office said complications are pretty rare once you get three months out.   

and yes I would do it again - in a heartbeat!

Opinions seem to vary widely both in medical professionals and WLS patients.  Trust or not, have you considered a second opinion in the light you were planning on the VSG instead of the RNY?  Learning about complications was especially important because I wanted to be educated on many aspects of WLS before taking the plunge.  That plunge happened on 11/26/2012 in my early 50's with the surgeon telling me WLS would give me fifteen more years I would have never seen otherwise. How could I ever regret WLS after hearing that.  Although hard to prove, my belief is constipation straining contributed to an internal hernia which contributed to a bowel obstruction at the hernia site.  I do regret poor management of constipation issues.  I do regret being a poor health example to my children in their growing years.  I don't regret WLS.  If it helps any, I think your fear means you are taking the decision seriously and more apt to strive for success if you decide to go for it.

I'm 51 and would do it again in a heartbeat. No complications. I feel sooooo much better not having GERD anymore- and that's due to the RNY.  Of course, weigh your options, but I"m happy with my RNY.

I was 53 and had surgery 13 years ago. No regrets, not once. Hiatal hernia surgery at same time. Sure don't miss the heartburn. I would do this over in a heartbeat. At goal and do fine as long as I remember to take those dang vitamins 

I had RNY 19 months ago at the age of 52.  I did not have "complications" from the surgery.

BUT - I have had what my doctor refers to "side effects from rapid weight loss".  This is a whole 'nother thing.  

At 20 pounds below my goal weight (yet still well within normal BMI guidelines)... I've had some bothersome problems.  My nerves are so much more exposed now, so I developed neuropathy and foot drop (caused by damage to the paroneal nerve from crossing my legs again) and in my hands from pressure on my ulner nerves at the elbows.  The pain and numbness is no fun... I assure you.  

I've also had trouble with my ears - diagnosed as Patulous Eustachian Tubes, meaning I lost so much weight in my face so quickly that I didn't have enough tissue surrounding my Eustachian tubes, and they wouldn't close properly.  Drove me crazy for months, but as with most of these side effects... the body seems to eventually redistribute the fat/tissue over time, and these things have greatly improved.

Had I known about these side effects would I have still done it?  HECK YES!!!  A THOUSAND TIMES YES!!!

BEST THING I EVER DID FOR MYSELF.  Only wish I had done it sooner.

So, maybe talk to your doc about "side effects" as well as possible complications.  Both are important.

Many of the complications that pop up here can occur after EVERY type of surgery. If you don't take your vitamins, don't eat enough protein, or otherwise fail to follow your surgeon's guidelines, you'll be in a world of hurt. If anything, surgeons are MORE aware of RNY-specific long-term complications (if there are any) since there's far more data on that as opposed to the VSG.

had my surgery at 49 years of age, no problems at all.  best thing i ever did for myself.  

NOT ONE REGRET