approved for surgery

My co-morbidities were high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, bursitis and sciatica. The first 2 are resolved, the others hugely improved, and I'm only 3.5 months out and 45# down.

I went with the sleeve because I needed help for constant raging hunger as well as portion control. Since the part of the stomach that was removed is the part that produces ghrelin, I'm able to be totally satisfied with my new, small portions.

The RNY has short term malabsorption of calories (way cool!) as well as long term malabsorption of nutrients and some medications (not so cool), but the remnant stomach is still in there, pumping out ghrelin. I don't think that I'd have done well with maintaining small portions if I was still hungry all the time. Also - a pouch can stretch, I'd have to work very hard to stretch "Fred."

My other concern is that I take NSAIDs for pain and will continue to need to. The sleeve is the only one that allows that. Admittedly, I don't take them twice a day anymore (maybe once a week) but I wasn't eager to give up easy pain control.

There are studies out there that say that people who have RNY are at higher risk of developing alcoholism, presumably because the alcohol dumps into the small intestine VERY quickly, producing a high very quickly. I'm not much of a drinker, but have a family history of alcoholism, so that made me a bit leery as well.

Remember that we can "eat through" ANY weight loss surgery and they all have their pros and cons. Only you know which challenges you can cope with long term. Do some reading and question asking on the dedicated boards - find out what challenges each surgery has and then examine yourself.

well, im already and alcoholic so that part isnt really a risk lol.....Ive been in recovery for a long time mind you.  I know that either surgery is simply a tool....the only thing holding me back from the bypass is the malabsorbtion of vitamins.  That is my greatest concern for long term. Like when Im elderly and need all the extra vitamins I can get or say God forbid I ever get sick.

another question was your high cholesterol due to heredity?  or do you know that?

Because I ate an exceptionally healthy diet and was active my nurse at the WW clinic said it was most likely genetic. HOWEVER I was 258# at that point and just being that fat increases your risk of high cholesterol. Drugs to treat it have their own issues, so I'm off my statin for now and my Dr will be watching my levels. I'm hopeful that getting rid of lots more body fat will resolve the issue totally.

Eating foods that contain cholesterol doesn't affect your cholesterol level a whole lot, but eating simple carbs does, as does the amount of body fat you're carrying and your activity level. I'm finding that the more I lose the more active I enjoy being, so figure that's a win-win for me.

There's also malabsorption of some antibiotics, and I've been reading about people not absorbing synthroid. (which I'm on)

I get you about when we're old or sick. I can get by with less calories, but don't want to have to be hyper vigilant about vitamins et al. My doctor is great about checking for deficiencies, and I take what I need to without moaning, but...

When you're doing your research look for stuff on the pyloric valve, which is maintained in a VSG and bypassed in RNY. It won't necessarily be a deal maker or breaker, but is worth reading about. The sleeve is a fully functioning, normal stomach, it just has very small capacity and hugely reduced physical hunger. (I don't think any surgery does anything about head hunger)

It'd probably also be worthwhile to read the failed WLS forums, which would really help in knowing what the particular challenges are for each surgery so you can decide for yourself which you personally can live with. For instance, VSG patients sometimes have issues with reflux. I do, my sister doesn't. The answer is 1/2 pill every morning. I don't have a problem with needing to take it, but a person with a strong aversion to taking pills might have one. (That same person is going to have problems with ANY of the surgeries)

I'll be saving you a spot on the loser's bench. We Canucks need to stick together.

thats very interesting about the synthroid.  I have sever hypothyriodism.  (when I was first diagnosed I had myexedmia and my numbers were 168.  So I am already on a very high dose and I dont want to play around with my thyriod. Ive been to hell and back with it !!  Also my cholesterol is heritary as well....and knowing that your lowered witht he sleeve is very good news.  I also had no idea that cholesterol was effected by simple carbs and not food high in cholesterol.  That is completely new to me and great info !!   And yes I will deff. look into that valve.  Thanks for all the info.  It is greatly appriciated !!

I wouldn't say your cholesterol isn't affected at all by eating high cholesterol foods, but from what I've read your body makes 80% of the cholesterol in your body and genetics, exercise and other aspects of your diet have a much greater influence than the egg in your breakfast.

I was a perfect example - the only meats I can tolerate are fish and poultry, I rarely eat eggs or cheese and even before my surgery my overall fat intake was maybe 15% of my calories, but my cholesterol was still high, with my good cholesterol too low. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like at a healthier weight.

Hi. When I went thru this -dr Karmali said the exact same to me. I chose sleeve for many reasons. There is tons of research you can do on pros and cons. I found the recovery of the sleeve -which is what I choose way shorter. I wanted the sleeve but when I left him I was feeling confused. I booked the scope and he put on my paperwork either one. I decided after research and talking to tons of folks. I would suggest to do the research and decide what is best for YOU! Hope that helps.

I have decided on the sleeve. For many reasons but mostly because the malabsorbtion issue with the RNY concerns me later in life and the dumping syndrome as well. I know for some people these are a bonus but for me I just think of my future health concerns. I know that the RNY is a life saver for many people but I also know that the sleeve has great success as well.   

Congratulations on your choice! The dumping thing was a small player in my decision, too. I really like the fact that I can eat normally - just small portions. Ok, very small portions. Lol
I'm in weight loss mode right now, so seldom indulge, but knowing the sky won't fall if I have a cookie is pretty nice, too.