Questions and more questions

Hi everyone! I have so many questions. I met with my doctor and he suggested the RNY vs Gastric sleeve. Has anyone had the sleeve? And what is the difference between VSG and VBG? Anyone else having (or had) problems deciding which kind of surgery to do? Please help! Thanks!

Leah, From what I read, the current info lists the RNY, DS & Lap-Band as the most frequently used procedures with RNY the most used by far. I'm sure you can find info on each of the procedures you're researching online as well as in books. I found several books at the local bookstore (& the public library may have some as well) that gave me lots of info about the various wls procedures. Part of your decision has to be are you looking for something that is just restrictive, or just malabsorbtive or a combination of both. I chose a proximal (120cm) RNY performed laproscopically b/c it seemed to be the best "fit" for me and my past eating/weight loss history. It was also the procedure my insurance co. would approve. I'm 18 months out, below my weight loss goal and doing fine! I'm healthy, off meds and feeling great! The decision to have wls was the best thing I could have done for myself & my health. Good luck on your journey. Do your research & you'll find what is best for YOU! Vickie J. 277 / 132.2 (after LBL) / 138

Hi, the book I found most helpful is/was "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" it explains every WLS - what the are and the procedures plus everything before & aftercare plus more. As to the Gastric Sleeve, it was just featured on NBC News (Locally). The Intestines is not rerouted at all - No cutting of the intestines. The stomach is partintioned/stapled off from just above here food pipe enters the stomach (I don't know right now how to spell the medical term) to just below the exit pipe. Creating a SLEEVE of the stomach. It is the seperated from the stomach. Which creates a small pouch to eat less. I'm sure if you rearch NBC National News you'll find the report. There was also a report just recently also on NBC stating the Lap Banding was now surpassing the RNY. But that they are finding the RNY much better with less complications in aftercare. I know of both because I just happen to have these reports Video Taped, together on the same tape. Mike

Thank you both for answering me. I appreciate it! Leah

Hi Leah, The sleeve gastrectomy is an operation in which the stomach is divided lengthwise. A narrow, banana-shaped stomach tube (sleeve) is created by removing 80% or more of the stomach. The gastric tube is much smaller, restricting the amount of food that can be eaten at any given time. The remainder of the stomach is removed and since there is no bypass created, absorption remains normal. This surgical procedure takes about 30 to 34 minutes and has been reported to produce a 50% or higher excess weight loss. HTH, Kristen