My doctor is a tease!
Jim-
The VSG is a great procedure for simply reducing capacity-- many VSG patients have great weight loss results without the complications that can sometimes follow the RNY (because of the re-routing of the intestines and the creation of the stoma) or Banded patients (because there is no band inserted and no need for periodic fills). However, the VSG is not without complications of its own and is not a one-size fits all procedure. With its slower weight loss, those of us who start super morbidly obese probably should look for a procedure that will produce quicker results.
Secondly, I appreciate your desire to have your procedure performed laparoscopically (it was a deciding factor for me in picking my surgeon in 2002)-- although there is a slightly higher risk of leaks for those of us who have had an RNY performed laparoscopically, the risk is significantly reduced with an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. I weighed over 500 pounds at the time of my laparoscopic RNY with a BMI of over 61-- I was only on the table less than 80 minutes and had no leaks. Most experienced laparoscopic surgeons can do perform the RNY in less than 60 minutes-- due in large part to new and improved stapling and suturing equipment.
Certainly, there are some risks associated with an open procedure and some increased inconvenience in the recovery. BUT, AS SO MANY OPEN PATIENTS HAVE RECOUNTED TO YOU, THE RECOVERY PROCESS IS NOT INSURMOUNTABLE-- IN FACT, MANY OF OUR PEERS ON THIS BOARD REPORT RELATIVELY EASY RECOVERIES AFTER OPEN PROCEDURES. If you can overlook the miscommunication with your surgeon's office and still feel that you trust his ability to perform the RNY (as well as his aftercare program), it would be my friendly suggestion to not deviate from your original plan to have the RNY.
The VSG is a great procedure for simply reducing capacity-- many VSG patients have great weight loss results without the complications that can sometimes follow the RNY (because of the re-routing of the intestines and the creation of the stoma) or Banded patients (because there is no band inserted and no need for periodic fills). However, the VSG is not without complications of its own and is not a one-size fits all procedure. With its slower weight loss, those of us who start super morbidly obese probably should look for a procedure that will produce quicker results.
Secondly, I appreciate your desire to have your procedure performed laparoscopically (it was a deciding factor for me in picking my surgeon in 2002)-- although there is a slightly higher risk of leaks for those of us who have had an RNY performed laparoscopically, the risk is significantly reduced with an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. I weighed over 500 pounds at the time of my laparoscopic RNY with a BMI of over 61-- I was only on the table less than 80 minutes and had no leaks. Most experienced laparoscopic surgeons can do perform the RNY in less than 60 minutes-- due in large part to new and improved stapling and suturing equipment.
Certainly, there are some risks associated with an open procedure and some increased inconvenience in the recovery. BUT, AS SO MANY OPEN PATIENTS HAVE RECOUNTED TO YOU, THE RECOVERY PROCESS IS NOT INSURMOUNTABLE-- IN FACT, MANY OF OUR PEERS ON THIS BOARD REPORT RELATIVELY EASY RECOVERIES AFTER OPEN PROCEDURES. If you can overlook the miscommunication with your surgeon's office and still feel that you trust his ability to perform the RNY (as well as his aftercare program), it would be my friendly suggestion to not deviate from your original plan to have the RNY.
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