Gastric Sleeve

My Dr is suggested to my sister that I have a gastric sleeve done as opposed to an rny as its less invasive, since I am older and considered a high risk. The last few days Ive been reading up on it as much as I can. It looks like they usually do this and once the patient is not such a high risk go back in and do an rny. Im going to call his office Monday and see if I can get another pre-op appt with him to discuss it. It has really been a confusing couple of days trying to think of what is the right decision. I haven't been online the last few days so I would like to welcome all the new Augusteers to our little group and wish you all the best of luck. Patty

Patty, I have never heard of Gastric Sleeve, I think you are doing the right thing checking it out with your surgeon, it will put your mind at ease!! We have the same date!! What ever you do we are all here for you!! I'll keep you in my prayers. Best in all things, Linda

I would definately ask the dr. why would he tell your sister and not you??? Questioning him is definately in order, who knows you might even be able to discuss it on the phone with him. But whatever you do get comfortable with the procedure before you go ahead with it. By the way, i've never heard of a gastric sleeve either. But your doctor may be on the forefront of new procedures and knows what's best. Good luck and God Bless you.

Thanks for your reply. The reason he told her is because she was there for her post op check up. He knows he usually never sees one without the other and we have both been very involved with each others surgeries, knowing my sister she probably asked him if he was going to talk to me about it, lol. I def will call his office though and ask to talk to him about it. I just want to make sure that if needed and Im sure it will be, that the rny is still going to be available to me when the risks are lower. Patty

Patty, I know exactly what you are talking about. My surgeon said to me that if he cannot finish the lap RNY because of obstacles I can do one of two things: 1. have the RNY done open right then and there 2. do the sleeve and go back a year later to finish the lap RNY He does not like to do the sleeve as a rule, because it can cause major vitamin and mineral deficiencies (sp?). But he has done it on one other patient because of the "high risk" thing. But now that patient doesn't want to go back into surgery to finish the lap RNY. I have decided I want surgery only once. If he cannot do it lap, he can revert to open. Two surgeries is insane, especially since my insurance company is no longer going to cover any WLS. *~Amber~*

Thanks for your reply Amber. That is my main concern I need to talk to him about, I want to be sure that it wont rule out me having an rny also once the risks are lower. Making your stomach smaller alone just doesnt seem enough since it will grow again. And I sure don't want to lose all that weight and put it back on. I will call him though and see if I can go in and talk to him about it. Patty