why?

Just wondering about VSG , RNY, Lap-band. How do they decide what would be best for you??

I know for me the lap band was out of the question, I didn't want it because of all the complications associated with it.  I did my research and I knew it wasn't for me.  I also don't live in Edmonton and the travelling back and forth for fills and un-fills wasn't something I wanted to do.

Also, I want to have children and I was worried about the potential mal-absorption from the RNY so, for me, I didn't want that.  I was told I could lose more with the RNY, but the side effects weren't worth it to me.

I chose the VSG because they don't have to re-route anything, they just make what I have smaller.  I don't have any mal-absorption issues or dumping, so, for me, it was the best option.

During my consultation with Dr. Birch, we discussed all 3 options and came to the consensus that the VSG was what was best for me.  I had really done my research and I had already known that and was relieved that he agreed.

Jill

I had already lost a lot of weight before surgery and my BMI was under 40.  The doctor recommended that the easiest, quickest recovery and one HE was leaning towards for me was the LAP BAND but that it was ultimately my choice and to go and think about it (after he explained ALL of the procedures).

I hate surgeries so it was a very careful decision for me.  I think I hate needles MUCH more. 
I know I didn't  really want the RNY because I didn't want things re-arranged,  I know my problem is volume eating, not necessarily eating poorly,  constant hunger feelings....so I chose the VSG.   I also didn't want fills and unfills, (needles), extra appts, spontaneously needing to go for an unfill because things were too tight. Or the port/bump, possible wearing of the ring/band around the stomache.  (of course there are risks with all surgeries, and of course some people feel that this is the least invasive of surgeries...but for my lifestyle and personal feelings it was way more invasive than the sleeve).  

I lose slowly and continue to lose slowly even with the sleeve, at least i'm still losing though!   Eventually the sleeve will get me to goal...I just have to be patient and try not to let my mind play games with me.  I do get envious of my RNY brothers and sisters who lose at a faster pace...but I'm comfortable with my decision and I do feel great.

I'm only about 2.5 months out but I can already eat about .75 - 1 cup of food at a time, depending on the texture of the food.  I can eat almost anything.  I keep thinking 'whoa' that's alot of food I'm eating...but compared to 4 pieces of pizza and 10 chicken wings plus a large drink....that I USED to be able to eat...it really is NOT. 

Just think about what you feel comfortable with and trust that the doctors are skilled in what they do!

Sincerely,
Dreena

That's my problem! I eat EXCEEDINGLY heathy, just too much!! I can eat a big bowl of 3/4 cup 0%yogurt mixed with 1/2 c. chipmunk cereal (healthy and high fibre) mixed with 1/2 c. berrries for breakfast and be hungry an hour later!! Supper is always protein and veg. I might have 4 little potatoes once every three months! I hadn't thought about all the travel with band fills. I think I need to research a little more after reading your responses! It sounds like you can discuss with the dr. which is the best solution for you and have some input so that's great. I have an app't with Dr. Sharma April 19th and am excited an nervous. My BMI is 39.5 and I have Type 2 diabetes which I hope to improve with help.......How many surgeons are there in this clinic??

Two surgeons are at the clinic:

Dr. Birch and Dr. Karmali

I had Dr. Birch.

Dr. Davies does surgeries too, but he's not 'at' the clinic, I'm not sure where his office is or what the arrangement is there...

 

Thanks for your continuing guidance and patience with all the questions Dreena! Today was the first day this spring I was able to take the dog for a real walk. He's a fair weather soul and the second it started snowing he just layed on the sidewalk with his paws in the air!! I've only been mall walking this past winter with no pedometer but think I did good today. Our "route' takes us 5000 steps (I put batteries in the pedometer today and found a safety pin to attach it to the yoga pants!) So, if I can walk Mr. Dog twice a day, I should be at my 10,000 steps!  I guess I worked harder mall walking this winter than I thought to be able to do this much! Someone on a post said you need to be able to do 10,000 steps so that is my goal. I hope that's right is it??? Thanks again Dreena! You are a fountain of info!!!! Cheers! Wendy (Tige-Girl)

Hi Wendy,

GOOD FOR YOU for being able to do 5000 steps.  That's amazing!  Seriously, when I started the program I was getting about 900 A DAY. 

I don't think I get 10 000 still.  But I teach hula hooping fitness classes now...so I think with my increased activity, and the constant movement while hooping...I must average close to 8K on a good day.

The hula hooping is what made the difference for me, there's a video about it on my hooping site about my journey, my before picture, and what I looked like about 30 lbs ago. 

I can't wait for spring this year...I think I'm like your dog....this weather and general blah has made me want to lie around with my paws up too! Heehee!

Take care,

Dreena

I followed the dog's lead and I too ran for the house. I'm going to get a membership at my local leisure centre for next winter, that way when my son has soccer practice I can walk the track above him, still watch the practice a  little but get in some winter steps. Closer than WEM from Stony Plain!!! The Hooping sounds fun! Unfortunately with back injuries (Old nurse ya know) I'm afraid to attempt it! I'm going to follow Chista H's hot tip and go to the surgeon lecture on the 15th. Have a GREAT weekend Deena!!!!    Cheers, Wendy

I guess first I want to say that They don't choose your surgery for you but they do recommend what they feel would be the best options for you.

Dr Sharma didn't go over any surgery's with me, my visit with him was like a file review and then he made the decision to refer me to the surgeon. That last appointment with him can make or break your weight loss surgery dreams. People have made it that far just to have there dreams shattered, including personal friend of mine. All your team have to sign off on your file stating that they are a "yes" for you to have surgery.

I researched the web for info on all 3 surgery's and use Obesity Help as well. I think in total I spend 100's of hours doing my research and months doing it. I wanted to be sure of what it was I wanted to achieve and how I needed to achieve it and what surgery would get me there in the end.

When I finally had my consult with the surgeon I was told immediately that I wasn't a candidate for rny and I was fine with that cause I didn't really want to have anything re-route and I didn't like the malabsorption part of it. We discussed lap-band and I expressed my concern with the fills and unfill where I live outside of the city and I'm not originally from Alberta so if I wanted to move back home I wouldn't have a doctor who could do fills or even one who knew much about the surgery's. So for me it was the sleeve which is what I had chosen for myself anyway.

I love my sleeve, at 6 months out I can eat about 1/2 cup of food per serving unless it's a slider food which I have discovered to be things like popcorn, chips, chocolate. I don't eat these things often but I have given into these craving a few times since surgery. I think for me the key is measuring my food and listening to my body. I usually hiccup just one time when I'm full and if I ignore that first one and take another bite it's gonna come right back up.

All that said it's definitely a personal choice and you have to go with what works for you. Good Luck.

Kee.

I was at a module earlier this week and the nurse said that the doctors who do the surgeries for the clinic are having a drop in meeting for anyone who has questions about the different surgeries.  It is in the Jean Hamilton Lounge at the royal alex on April 13th at 5pm.  Thought you might be interested in this.  I know I'm going for sure!

Christa