Why did you choose RNY over The Sleeve?

I had VBG in 2001 after doing years of research and comparison. I never lost much weight, gained even more back, and had a revision to RNY  19 months ago.

The reason I would never consider VSG is because I already failed at that type of surgery.  I needed the additional benefits of the RNY. I should have held out for it from the beginning, but I let the Dr. convince me I could be successful with VBG despite the 98% failure rate. The VSG has it's own set of advantages and drawbacks. Even though it's a newer procedure, the description of it feels like it's just a re-branded "stomach stapling-" which also has an extremely high failure rate.  VBG has been re-branded "lap band." The "band" surgery is now "adjustable" instead of inflexible like the one I had with the VBG. 

That being said- malabsorption affects both calories AND nutrients.  My BMI is 23- right in the normal range. If I eat enough protein, I get UTI's. If I don't get enough protein, I can't exercise, and I'm FREEZING  despite a heat lamp on my desk and land wearing long sleeves in AUGUST! I have frequent fatigue and constant insomnia. I wake up cold but drenched in sweat every two hours. My diabetes and asthma didn't go away with weight loss. 

I know now that my success is not about malabsorption and intake restriction. Fortunately for me, there is more to the RNY.The unpleasant side effects of dumping syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia are the reasons I've managed to avoid much re-gain so far. 

Do I regret it? not for a second. Even if I gain again, I've still added years to my life by this time of having better fitness.  

My recommendation- choose the best option for You. We are all different!

I needed to lose almost 200 lbs. My insurance only pays for one weight loss surgery per life time. I needed more bang for my buck so to speak. I was fearful that the sleeve would not assist in the large amount of weight I needed to lose. Then in taking with my surgeon he felt rny was better for me. He does the sleeve and instructs others on how to do it so he really does not just prefer one over the other. He really reviews your file and let's you know which one he feels is best for you as an individual.

Good luck either way!

Reflux issues for me, too. I had a second opinion since I was certain I wanted the sleeve. After much research and considering both opinions I decided RNY would likely give me better quality of life. A friend has the sleeve and suffers from GERD now. She didn't before. Both have pros and cons. Good luck making the decision that suits your body best! :)

Thanks y'all! I will continue to research both options and will , of course, discuss ( probably more than he wants to) the options with my surgeon.

 

 

I had pre-diabetes and was on Metformin since 2006, which I happily discontinued right after my surgery as my levels returned to normal. I needed to lose over 150 lbs. as well. I did have on and off reflux issues as well which I've not had a single episode of ever since. While I'm not thrilled that I'll be malabsorbing vitamins for the rest of my life, I feel my vitamin regimen is very tolerable and much nicer than taking Metformin (which causes various malabsorption issues too). I discussed it in depth with my surgeon and we both felt this was the best choice for me.

With the mess that remained after my Lap Band eroded, my surgeon felt RNY was a better choice. There are several people in my bariatric support group with sleeves and they all seem very happy with their decisions!

I know myself, and I needed as much restriction as possible. I'm a binge eater, and was worried the sleeve would leave me too much room. I needed a full on 180 lifestyle change, and knew that the bypass was the best tool to help me achieve that. I couldn't be happier with my choice.

There are a lot of things you need to consider, because your choice will affect you for the rest of your life. As Lora pointed out, NSAIDs are pretty important to many of us, and there's just no good substitute for them. Do you have any health issues, like diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, GERD, sleep apnea, etc? Do you currently take any meds that you'll probably have to take for the rest of your life? After the RNY, extended-release meds often don't work. What about thins that run in your family, but you don't have yet? Of the two, the RNY is more likely to put diabetes into remission. (The form of WLS with the very BEST stats on this is the DS. The DS has the best stats on maintained weight loss, too.)

You got shares in that blog?      First four posts you have ever made and you link the blog every time ...

LOL.  Well, no one can say you don't pay close attention to what you read!  

Lora