THINKING ABOUT HAVING THE SLEEVE INSTEAD OF THE RNY??
I have been second guessing wether or not I should have RNY or the sleeve, when I 1st started out on my journey I wanted the sleeve, but was unsure about it, because they did not have to many stastictics on it, and I thought that since the RNY has been around longer it would probaly be a safer option! When I went to my 1st appt with my surgeon he said that he could do the sleeve for me if I wanted, but I said no, and sense I still have not got a surgery date---- it is still not to late! So my question is to my SLEEVE veterans why do you think the SLEEVE is the better option? Please I need help!
HW:338 SW:316 CW:203 GW:190 MY HT IS 5"11"
Well, I'm not a veteran but I can tell you why I chose the sleeve over the RNY. I am actually a LapBand revision (emergency removal...long story) but my doctor said I could get either the RNY or the sleeve. He and I both felt that since I did so well with the band that restriction was all I needed to complete this weight loss journey. The RNY is restriction and affects absorbancy. He felt I didn't really need that and I agreed. This is why I chose the sleeve.
Good luck to you, do your research and talk with your doctor...then you can go into the operating room with the confidence that you selected the correct procedure for you.
Good luck to you, do your research and talk with your doctor...then you can go into the operating room with the confidence that you selected the correct procedure for you.
HW 315 - Lapband 11/7/07 Lapband emergency removal 3/17/11 -weighed 159
VSG Pre-op diet 10/21/11 weighed 256 - Surgery on 10/31/11 weighed 239.8
VSG Pre-op diet 10/21/11 weighed 256 - Surgery on 10/31/11 weighed 239.8
I have not had the surgery yet, most likely in early January...so maybe not a veteran of the sleeve but certainly convinced based on my research. These are my reasons in favour of the sleeve:
- no rerouting of intestines and no change in the way my digestive physiology is wired
- restriction only with no malabsorption apart from possibly vitamin b12
- preservation of the pyloric valve
- no dumping or reactive hypoglycemia
- there are studies and some fairly long term indicating similar weight loss and maintenance as the RNY
- faster recovery
- sleeve will hold 4-8 oz whereas RNY pouch about 1 oz at the start but sleeve less likely to stretch than RNY pouch because stretchy part of the stomach is removed
- it induces same hormonal changes and resolves diabetes type II similarly to RNY
- fewer post op risks and long term risks such as ulcers, hernia
- malabsorption of calories in RNY is 2-3 years whereas of vitamins and micronutrients for life
- sleeve is reviseable into a DS or even into RNY if need be
- my first consult for bariatric surgery five years ago was with a surgeon who seemed to me to be a marketing expert and my instinct told me to run, which I did hoping something better suited to my physiology and psychology would come along, which is the sleeve - for me
Ultimately you have the same chances of long term success with both. You have to research, consult, read, lurk on the forums, talk to surgeons who do all bariatric options and who can advise you without the marketing pitch and in the end it has to feel right to you. Because in the end, you have to live with your choice and live well.
Good luck!!!
- no rerouting of intestines and no change in the way my digestive physiology is wired
- restriction only with no malabsorption apart from possibly vitamin b12
- preservation of the pyloric valve
- no dumping or reactive hypoglycemia
- there are studies and some fairly long term indicating similar weight loss and maintenance as the RNY
- faster recovery
- sleeve will hold 4-8 oz whereas RNY pouch about 1 oz at the start but sleeve less likely to stretch than RNY pouch because stretchy part of the stomach is removed
- it induces same hormonal changes and resolves diabetes type II similarly to RNY
- fewer post op risks and long term risks such as ulcers, hernia
- malabsorption of calories in RNY is 2-3 years whereas of vitamins and micronutrients for life
- sleeve is reviseable into a DS or even into RNY if need be
- my first consult for bariatric surgery five years ago was with a surgeon who seemed to me to be a marketing expert and my instinct told me to run, which I did hoping something better suited to my physiology and psychology would come along, which is the sleeve - for me
Ultimately you have the same chances of long term success with both. You have to research, consult, read, lurk on the forums, talk to surgeons who do all bariatric options and who can advise you without the marketing pitch and in the end it has to feel right to you. Because in the end, you have to live with your choice and live well.
Good luck!!!
5ft0; highest weight 222; surgery weight 208; current weight 120
Ugh. This question gets asked a lot and is hard to answer. First of all I'm not a veteran, so take my opinion as you will.
It's all about choice. The Sleeve is relatively new as a bariatric surgery, but partial gastrectomies have been around for many years. IMO, all of the surgeries are good and valid for different reasons, you just have to figure out what fits your lifestyle best.
Personally, I picked the sleeve because I didn't want to deal with all the malnutrition issues common in the bypasses (RNY, DS, etc.). I didn't want the Band because I saw WAY to many of those folks looking for info on Revisions. I wanted to be able to take my time-release meds (although some of them are going away soon *grins*) without a problem.
I was also lucky and got to watch a friend lose over 100 lbs in about 15 months. It took her a little longer than some people but she had some personal stuff going on during the process.
The sleeve seemed to be the best choice out of all the WLS for me.
Do some research on partial gastrectomies.
Good luck.
It's all about choice. The Sleeve is relatively new as a bariatric surgery, but partial gastrectomies have been around for many years. IMO, all of the surgeries are good and valid for different reasons, you just have to figure out what fits your lifestyle best.
Personally, I picked the sleeve because I didn't want to deal with all the malnutrition issues common in the bypasses (RNY, DS, etc.). I didn't want the Band because I saw WAY to many of those folks looking for info on Revisions. I wanted to be able to take my time-release meds (although some of them are going away soon *grins*) without a problem.
I was also lucky and got to watch a friend lose over 100 lbs in about 15 months. It took her a little longer than some people but she had some personal stuff going on during the process.
The sleeve seemed to be the best choice out of all the WLS for me.
Do some research on partial gastrectomies.
Good luck.
VSG 10/18/11 If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.-Dolly Parton
I'm closing in on 2.5 years post-VSG, this is my standard reply when this question comes up. It's long, wordy, but read all the way through the to the bottom as the most important stuff just recently occurred with my pregnancy, and it makes me extremely grateful that I chose the sleeve over RNY for my revision from the band.
The VSG was my 2nd, and final WLS. I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning.
1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer.
2) 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. This process is called adaptation, and it happens with intestinal bypass surgeries.
3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity.
4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me
5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight.
6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. Pouch or stoma dilation, strictures, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, ulcers,
7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years.
8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise.
9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion. The big scare for me is medication restrictions for life. NSAIDS and steroids are a NO GO for life with a RNY pouch. I realize that I may never be diagnosed with a condition or disease that requires steroid use, but it is possible. I want the best long term results with the least amount of complications. Malabsorption is not anything to play with in my mind, and I was not willing to take that risk.
I lost all my weight in my ticker with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve, and I did it in 10.5 months. The 115lbs fell off the first 6.5 months, and then the rest I lost as I was getting into maintenance over another 4 months.. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues for nearly a year at this point. I want to add that every WLS regardless of your choice will require discipline. Only a percentage of RNY patients dump on sugar/fat, pouches and stomas stretch, then you have the medication restrictions. I'm not trying to convince you, but these were my concerns when I knew I had to revise from the band. I started at 263 the day of my revision and today I weigh 127lbs. I bounce on the scale 125-130lbs any given week, and I couldn't be more ecstatic!
Best wishes in your research!
(I delivered my daughter 20 days ago so the dates and times on these notes are off, but I wrote them as things occurred in my pregnancy).
P.S. I wrote this before pregnancy. And, just as an update, I'm 8.5 months pregnant and thriving. I have zero issues consuming enough calories/protein/carbs to support my body and another developing human. My labs have remained stellar throughout the pregnancy, and life is pretty good. I am over 2 years out at this point, and couldn't be happier with my decision to have VSG over RNY for my revision. It's been an amazing journey.
P.S.S.
Since the pregnancy, I have been diagnosed with a genetic clotting disorder and the ONLY treatment (zero cure) is a daily aspirin therapy. With VSG, this treatment is possible, if I would have gone with RNY my doctors (surgeon, 2 ob's, PCM) are unsure how this condition would have been treated especially during the pregnancy. Grant it, I only take a baby aspirin every day of my life, but it is an NSAID. Least to say, when my high risk ob found out I had a partial gastrectomy and NOT RNY, he was elated because there really is zero other option for treatment at this point, and the aspirin therapy is working well with my platelets and if all goes as planned, I will be able to have an epidural for my c-section instead of having general anesthesia. Maybe a small issue to some, but being awake for the birth of my daughter is top priority for me.
As a very recent addition; as of 10 days ago, I was advised I would have to be given a steroid(dexamethasone or prednisone) to help get my platelet count up as they have dropped. If I would have had the RNY, this would NOT be possible, and pretty much general anesthesia would be required for the csection. We're looking at other options for delivery such as a spinal block instead of a full epidural, but the doctors are positive the steroids will get my numbers up. At any rate, if I would have chosen RNY, I would surely not be able to have steroids. Looking back, I can't tell you how grateful I am that I was able to choose VSG.
The VSG was my 2nd, and final WLS. I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning.
1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer.
2) 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. This process is called adaptation, and it happens with intestinal bypass surgeries.
3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity.
4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me
5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight.
6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. Pouch or stoma dilation, strictures, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, ulcers,
7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years.
8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise.
9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion. The big scare for me is medication restrictions for life. NSAIDS and steroids are a NO GO for life with a RNY pouch. I realize that I may never be diagnosed with a condition or disease that requires steroid use, but it is possible. I want the best long term results with the least amount of complications. Malabsorption is not anything to play with in my mind, and I was not willing to take that risk.
I lost all my weight in my ticker with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve, and I did it in 10.5 months. The 115lbs fell off the first 6.5 months, and then the rest I lost as I was getting into maintenance over another 4 months.. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues for nearly a year at this point. I want to add that every WLS regardless of your choice will require discipline. Only a percentage of RNY patients dump on sugar/fat, pouches and stomas stretch, then you have the medication restrictions. I'm not trying to convince you, but these were my concerns when I knew I had to revise from the band. I started at 263 the day of my revision and today I weigh 127lbs. I bounce on the scale 125-130lbs any given week, and I couldn't be more ecstatic!
Best wishes in your research!
(I delivered my daughter 20 days ago so the dates and times on these notes are off, but I wrote them as things occurred in my pregnancy).
P.S. I wrote this before pregnancy. And, just as an update, I'm 8.5 months pregnant and thriving. I have zero issues consuming enough calories/protein/carbs to support my body and another developing human. My labs have remained stellar throughout the pregnancy, and life is pretty good. I am over 2 years out at this point, and couldn't be happier with my decision to have VSG over RNY for my revision. It's been an amazing journey.
P.S.S.
Since the pregnancy, I have been diagnosed with a genetic clotting disorder and the ONLY treatment (zero cure) is a daily aspirin therapy. With VSG, this treatment is possible, if I would have gone with RNY my doctors (surgeon, 2 ob's, PCM) are unsure how this condition would have been treated especially during the pregnancy. Grant it, I only take a baby aspirin every day of my life, but it is an NSAID. Least to say, when my high risk ob found out I had a partial gastrectomy and NOT RNY, he was elated because there really is zero other option for treatment at this point, and the aspirin therapy is working well with my platelets and if all goes as planned, I will be able to have an epidural for my c-section instead of having general anesthesia. Maybe a small issue to some, but being awake for the birth of my daughter is top priority for me.
As a very recent addition; as of 10 days ago, I was advised I would have to be given a steroid(dexamethasone or prednisone) to help get my platelet count up as they have dropped. If I would have had the RNY, this would NOT be possible, and pretty much general anesthesia would be required for the csection. We're looking at other options for delivery such as a spinal block instead of a full epidural, but the doctors are positive the steroids will get my numbers up. At any rate, if I would have chosen RNY, I would surely not be able to have steroids. Looking back, I can't tell you how grateful I am that I was able to choose VSG.
Band to VSG revision: June 3, 2009
SW 270lbs GW 150lbs CW Losing Pregancy Weight Maintenance goal W 125-130lbs
SW 270lbs GW 150lbs CW Losing Pregancy Weight Maintenance goal W 125-130lbs
And to add, when I heard her amazing story, that calmed my fears to choose VSG vs. RNY. There is a lot to think about because you are the one that has to live w/your decision and new body.
HW: 550+ SW: 502 CW: 342.4 SDt: 9/20/11
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV
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