advice on VSG vs RNY...... trying to decide

 

Hello

Wondering if I can get some pros and cons to both surgeries and reasons why you chose yours

I am looking at getting a Sleeve or RNY in May 2013.... I meet the Dr Karmali in Edmonton in  2 weeks and want to be as well informed as I can :)

 

Thanks So Much

Well, I can tell you why *I* chose the Sleeve over RNY, but your choice needs to be right for you.

2 deal breakers for me:
1. I was taking NSAIDs 2-3 times a day for chronic pain. VSG allows occasional NSAID use, RNY - never. Antibiotics can also be a problem after RNY.
2. VSG involves removing that part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the main hormone involved in feeling hunger. With RNY that part of the stomach is still there, flopping about, pumping out ghrelin.

My diet was very healthy, but I had no "full" switch and I was hungry pretty much all the time. Either surgery would help with portion control, but VSG would get rid of the constant hunger as well. Hunger will return down the road, but never as bad as before surgery.

My comorbidities were extremely high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, chronic bursitis and sciatica. I was off my BP and cholesterol meds within a month of surgery, and now need medication for pain only occasionally. I get mildly hungry (more like a running on empty sensation than truly hungry) and am comortably satisfied with 1/2-1 cup of healthy food, depending on what it is. I'm careful to get in all of my protein and water, but otherwise eat a mixed diet that includes lean protein, low fat dairy, veg, whole grains and occasional small servings of fruit. I don't "dump" and have had very occasional small servings of sweets. I feel better than I have in 20 years or more, and it just gets better.

Other considerations:
*With RNY the pouch can stretch over time, the Sleeve is formed from the part of the stomach that has very little stretch, so once the sleeve reaches it's mature size at about a year - that's it. (For most people, about 1-1.5 cups)
*With RNY there's an open stoma between the pouch and the newly attached small intestine. The Sleeve has a normally functioning pyloric valve. Do a search on this site for pyloric valve and decide for yourself if that matters to you.

Something you need to know: there is no cure for obesity. There is no magic bullet. Either surgery will only work if you are prepared to radically change the way you eat and relate to food. If you are - you will succeed.

But I bet you'll be happier with a sleeve.
Kelly-Anne

I went with Rny, mostly because if I ever needed it, it can be reversed as nothing is removed. I also liked the idea of not being able to tolerate large amounts of sugar with out getting ill. I also went with Rny as that is what the dr recommended for me. Good luck, and congrats on deciding to be a healthy you!

Hi !  I had my appointment in Oct with Dr. Karmali too.  I went into the meeting thinking VSG all the way. Then when I left I was so confused.  I didnt know which to choose.  I had done a lot of previous research but I went out and asked the same question you are. 

I have since decided on the VSG ....here are my reasons.  I dont have any co-mobids other than high cholesterol.  I am relatively young (33) and what concerns me with the RNY is the malasobrtion issues. Although, malabsorbstion can be considered a bonus I think about way down the road.  I worry when Im 70 and Im already having issues with calcium and other vitamin issues that come naturally later in life, do I want the extra issues what come with the RNY.  I dont like the idea of dumping (which I know can be avoided however, it really just dosnt sound pleasent to me :).   Really though the malabsorbstion and lack of co-mobids really helped me make my mind up on VSG.  All that being said, if I was diabetic I would have the RNY hands down. 

I would go to to the RNY and VSG  formums and also check out the WLS Regrets forum.  I found the latter to be very informative. 

 

Good Luck !!    Keep in contact ....maybe we can be surgery buddies

Where you Nichole at the BSG meeting in Nov..... your having surgery in Dec ..... you have a young child???

Just wondering if its the same person....... if yes or no..... yes we be surgery buddies lol..... we can meet for coffee if you are interested... looks like we have lots in common... same age, same problems lol

Thanks for the info

HI ....sorry not me :)  I had my meeting in Oct and I am not sure when Im having surgery yet.  I have to have my scope done in April and I am actually going to request that I dont have surgery until the summer. ( I drive school bus and it would be very hard for me to take time off)   I  do have two younger children (5 and 6).  Where do you live.  Sorry cant use my question mark right now lol my stupid keyboard is messing up.

I hope to have surgery before summer ..... fingers crossed

I live just outside the city in Tofield.... I have one son 3 yrs old

I live in Fort Saskatchewan.  I know where Tofield is ....not too far away :).  My husband use to hunt out that way.  If you would like you can text me at 780 293 9910 sometime....I dont come on here too often.