sleeve or RNY

Just a question for all you. How do I decide which option is better for me. SLEEVE OR RNY? ANY ideas? Information? Advice for me?

It's very individual, but first off, know that the long term weight loss is about the same for both.

Questions you need to ask yourself - do you have severe GERD? (Reflux) If so, RNY is pretty much the cure. Type 2 diabetes goes into remission about the same with both - slight edge to RNY. Do you take/need NSAIDS for arthritis or other issue - sleeve is your better bet, since someone who has an RNY should never touch them again - including NSAID creams. (Deal maker/breaker for me)

How are you about taking vitamins and blood work? RNY needs more supplements and needs slightly closer monitoring for deficiencies. Only you know if that's a problem for you.

Are you a volume eater? Slight edge to the sleeve, since the RNY pouch is easier to stretch than the sleeve.

Do you have a family history of stomach cancer/ulcers? Personally I'd give an edge to the sleeve, because although you can totally live without any stomach at all if you have to, the remnant stomach of RNY can't be scoped to check for problems, so there's a potential for issues to develop down the road, "hidden" until they become serious.

Do you have Crohns? Don't even ask about RNY - sleeve is the only option you'll be offered.

How much do you need to lose? Although the 2 have about the same long term success, a sleeve can be revised to an RNY or DS for further loss. An RNY can only be revised to a tighter RNY or Band over RNY as far as I know.

Do know that there are many people who have lost a great deal with either surgery. As my surgeon told us,"I will do surgery on your stomach, and I'll do a good job, but I don't do surgery on your brain. If you don't do your share - change what and how you eat - you will not have the results you want."

Every WLS can be "eaten around." This is not the surgery failing, it's the person failing to be compliant. If you aren't prepared to make significant changes in what and how you eat you need to get yourself to the point of BEING prepared before you have any WLS.

I don't mean to sound harsh - just realistic. WLS is a BIG deal, even though the incisions are small. Make sure you're ready for the challenges - and the rewards.

Kelly-Anne

Thank you, Very Informative and this was not too harsh for me.... i need harsh right about now. Thank you for being honest!!

I agree with everything that Kelly-Anne has posted. It really is an very intimate decision based on your lifestyle and needs. I am almost 3 years out now from sleeve surgery and I don't regret my decision at all. It suits me and my lifestyle and has given me everything I expected it would.

Good Luck making a decision.

 

Kee.

I also agree with everything Kelly-Anne said, except the NSAID part. Regardless which surgery you have, you shouldn't use NSAIDS (including creams and injections) ever again. While they are slightly tolerated better in the sleeve, they have the potential to do severe damage in either surgery.

I should have given a caveat on the NSAIDS. From hours and hours of reading, it seems the sleeve (or DS, whi*****ludes a sleeve) is the only one that allows NSAIDS for occasional use, BUT they'd ideally be used only occasionally, (and never on an empty stomach unless you think throwing up is fun)

People who need them daily, as I expected to need to (but don't! Yay sleeve!!) need to work with their doctors and take stomach protecting meds alongside. That includes NSAID creams and injections, since they ALL thin the mucous lining of the stomach, which is why they can allow ulcers to develop. They don't CAUSE ulcers, but rather reduce the body's own defense against them.

Someone with an RNY absolutely can't afford to mess with the mucus layer, and needs to work with their Dr in finding alternate ways of dealing with pain.