Lost more than 200lbs with RNY?

Just posted this on the RNY board but thought I'd give it a go here too. Just wondering if anyone has been able to lose more than 200lbs with the RNY? I have approximately 250lbs to lose and have heard that the DS would be a better choice with that much extra weight to lose. My surgeon does not do the DS and I have heard the DS has a higher complication rate and that it is a riskier surgery. I was thinking RNY because I am a sugar addict. Just curious what others think about this and/or if they have any personal experience with this issue. Thanks!

Hi there! I am almost three years out with my RNY and have lost 331 pounds. My doctor did make me aware of the DS and offered to refer me to a doctor that did it if I wished, but deep down I truly felt the RNY was best for me. So far so good!

My husband had the RNY and lost 200 lbs.

My MIL had the RNY and lost 200+ lbs.

I lost 170 lbs.

I haven't lost over 200 but am close at 171 lbs.  I'm not the right person to ask about complications because of all that I went through. (that's another story)
Good Luck with what ever you decide.

For the record, the DS complication rate is the same as the RNY.
Also, if you want the RNY because you are hoping to dump, please keep in mind that only about 1/3 of those who get the RNY actually dump and even then it generally improves over time.

While it is possible to lose 200+ pounds with a lap band as well, the DS is statistically better for those who start at a higher BMI to not only lose more weight but maintain that loss over the long haul.

Anyway, if you want to research the ds check out www.dsfacts.com and we would love to see you around on the DS forum.

I am glad that you are doing your research. Good luck with whatever surgery you decide is best for you.

Feel free to PM me if you have any DS questions.

It's wonderful that you are doing your research!  Please spend time asking more good questions on both the DS and RnY boards, here.

The DS is often better for people with higher BMIs, BUT ... if you really are a sugar demon (and I know that I am) it might be better to shoot for the RnY because dumping.

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, about 85% of Roux en Y patients experience dumping.  I do, and while the sensation of dumping after consuming sugar is pretty horrible, it certainly keeps me on the straight and narrow!  Dumping helps me NOT to eat sugary foods.  

If you think that you might not be able to avoid sugar without the dumping component, then please talk to the folks at the DS forum about the consequences of eating sugary carbs following that surgery.  

Lisa

There is no surgery that allows you to malabsorb refined carbs like sugar and bread. Even with the DS they are absorbed 100% Those were my main problems, too. I had a malabsorptive surgery and I had a lot of problems because I couldn't stop eating them and I regained most of the weight I lost and I had issues with smelly gas, bloating and diarrhea.
If they ever come up with a surgery that malabsorbs refined carbs I am there.
I have little to no malabsorption now and I have learned that if I want to be sucessful with weight loss I have to avoid those things. It is not as hard as it sounds. Eating those things made me crave more of them. Now I have no cravings. I don't miss them and if I want a treat I make a protein shake. I have a ton of sugar free syrups and I can make a shake in just about every flavor there is. I am also waiting on an ice cream maker so I can make protein ice cream.

Wow that sounds wonderful (the sugar free flavored syrups/protein shakes). Can you send me the info on the name and where I can purchase these? As far as the smelly gas, bloating and diarrhea, that is what scares me because I do not want to have that problem. And to have to go to he bathroom several times a day would be terrible for me because with the type of work I do, I am out and about and not always near a bathroom. I would be afraid of not being to control it and messing myself. That would be terrible. And just like you, I crave sweets and can sit and eat one after another until the box or whatever is gone. I am glad to hear that the cravings will stop. I need to develop self control and get my life and eating habits back on track. Anyways, thanks again for sharing with me.
Tammy

Hello,
I had RNY on August 17, 2010, just over 5 months ago. My highest weight was 390; and this morning I weighed 300 pounds! I had RNY because I was a carb (white bread, white sugar ADDICT!). I dump, but I do not vomit. If I eat carbs I get so tired that I cannot function. I bloat, and get terrible, unbearable gas pain. It just isn't worth it; and I literally cannot function.
On the bright side, I am off all pain medications and have not had this much energy in 20 years. I am confident that I can lose 200 pounds with this surgery, or more, and I am looking forward to getting to my goal of 160 pounds.
Good luck on your journey.
Shelley

I've lost 207 lbs with the RNY.  I can eat a little sugar but not much.  Just beware of sugar free candy.  I gained some during Christmas.  

I think not eating carbsand sugar really did the trick!  RNY changes your taste buds too.  I'm 15 months out and beginning to tolorate more flavored foods but food still doesn't "flip my switch" like it used to.

Best wishes in making your decision!