My choice - so I need advice

Hi everyone,
I am going througn the weight loss classes at Kaiser and I get to choose which surgery I want.  They offer the sleeve, lapband and RnY with RnY being the one that is pushed.  I am a female, 5'7 weighing 277.  I started the classes and the research on lapband because that is what I originally wanted.  Now after taking the classes, I don't want lapband but the sleeve.  The person teaching our classes is all about the RnY because there is more research and data coming out about the health benefits.  They don't tell you much about the sleeve although it is an option.  I like the fact that it isn't as altering as the RnY.  Do I weigh too much to have the sleeve?  Is there anyone who could give me their expertise? 
Thanks,
Joye2bwith

Your sitiuation is almost just like me.  I was 277 when I started looking into the lapband...went to the meeting and came out totally wanting the Sleeve.  I have lost all my weight plus some extra and I'm maintaining with EASE!  I happened to be that 1% that had a leak but PLEASE don't let that scare you off...I would do it again in a minute.  Click on the link to find out more info on the VSG.

http://www.vsgfaq.com/forums/

Lisa

Joye2bwith:

Your weight should be no problem for the VSG.  Actually the VSG sort of came to be as part 1 of the 2 part DS.  In people with very high BMI's, they would do the VSG portion of the DS first, let the patient lose some of the weight and then proceed with part 2, the switch.  Patients found that they lost significant weight with just the VSG and didn't go on to have "part 2" of the DS.

I am currently starting the process to appeal with Kaiser Fremont to let me have the option of the VSG.  They are only doing the RNY or Band.  They will do the VSG if the patient has a medical issue which prohibits them from having the RNY.  I REALLY don't want the RNY.  So I'm fighting with the big insurance bullies.

Do as much research on VSG as you can (see the FAQ page here), ask loads of questions, and do what you feel is right for you.

I'm sure you'll get loads of responses and information here.

Good luck,
Terri

Hi Terri,
Fighting those bullies is never an easy thing - it is funny that I have So. Cal Kaiser and they don't recommend the lapband.  They said that they have only done 4 in the past 2 years and they are easing out of this and going towards VSG.  They really are pushing the RnY though and not the sleeve.  I have to talk to a surgeon to see if he will even do the sleeve and not the RnY.
Good Luck!
Joye2bwith

I think the sleeve is a great option for people who want to lose 150 pounds or less.  There are many who have lost more than that with a sleeve alone, but I would say 150 or less is without a question do-able, as I've seen it done many times. 

I didn't want to trade one problem (obesity) for another (malnutrition) so I thought I'd go with the sleeve and if it didn't do the trick it can be revised to the DS.  That never came to pass, but knowing it's an option made it easier to decide.

Just keep doing your research and talk to your doc.  You're right that there's a bias toward RnY out there because the sleeve is newer, but figure out what you want and why and stick to your guns.  If you can get it paid for by insurance then that's all the better.

GOOD LUCK with whatever you decide, and welcome to the board.

Good to know...thank you so much!  One reason that I really think the sleeve is for me is the fact that my mom is an intensive care nurse and she has seen the worst of the gastric bypass cases - they call them the gbgb's  - gastric bypass gone bad so she told me all of the worse case scenarios and scared the you know what out of me.  I know things have changed alot since then and surgeries are constantly being perfected. 
Thanks again,
Joye2bwith

I am 5'8" and started at 285 and lost 75 lbs in 6.5 months without really trying. Its awesome! I wouldhave lost more in the last two months but I fell back into some old habits. Im working on it and I know I will reach goal eventually hopefully by one year but hey it didnt take me a year to get to 285 so I am being patient. i am 210 now and my goal is 175.
this has been the best thing I ahve done for myself!
welcome to the board! 

Hi.  I was in your position 10 months ago.  I was resolved to look at the lap band as it sounded "removeable" and not major surgery.  The more I looked into it, the more complications I saw.  I think about 1/3 of the people have some type of complication.  When I stumbled upon the sleeve, I was so excited about a possibility that was less invastive but effective.   It has been wonderful.  I went to Dr. Guillermo in Mexico and had a great experience.  Recovery was quick and  uneventful.  I am now 6 and 1/2 months out and down 102 pounds.  It has gone fairly easily though I do try to work it (protein first and exercising).  It was a big decision, especially as I had never had surgery, a stitch or broken bone before (and I am 53).  I am so grateful for this opportunity to live life more fully and in better health.   Research carefully, there is more info coming out all the time about how the effectiveness of the VSG is as good or better than the RNY - plus fewer complications and quicker recovery.  From what I have read and seen, it seems that people are less likely to gain weight back with the VSG compared to the RNY.  Good Luck and God bless.  Good for you in getting serious about weight loss.   Susan

I have Kaiser So Cal and had my surgery at the Harbor City facility.  I weighed 302lbs on the day of surgery and I know weight 216.  I'm still loosing and I think 277 is perfect weight.  What are you trying to get down to?

MS Shell

HI MS Shell,
I would like to be about 140 pounds but right now that doesn't even seem feasable (does it?).  I can't even think that is attainable.  I see the pictures and read the posts and it is so hard to believe that that could be me!  I'm scared and excited. 
Thank you so much,
Joye2bwith