VSG or RNY?

I had my initial consult with Dr. Schweitzer today.  He has suggested VSG for me, instead of RNY. This is because I already have a condition where I cannot absorb calcium without medication (hypoparathyroidism). I've had this since the age of 6. He said there aren't enough cases of people who have this condition getting WLS for him to really say what is best.  At any rate, he doesn't want to risk that issue getting worse with the mal-absorption that comes with RNY.  This I didn't really understand, because it's my understanding that with RNY you are expected to take vitamins every day. If I take my prescriptions and vitamins, I don't get how that makes me different than anyone else.  I'm afraid I won't lose enough weight with the sleeve. I'm not really a volume eater, I'm more of a grazer and I eat the wrong things. I had my heart set on RNY. Now he's got me thinking about the sleeve. I just don't know.

How do you make that choice? :(  I'm a little discouraged.  I've been depressed all day about this. I've been researching on the web about hypoparathyroidism and WLS and have found no useful information.  I'm going to see a new Endo as soon as I can to get an opinion. Hopefully an Endo could shed more light on this. I want to make the right choice. I dont' want to have calcium problems, but I also want to make sure I can lose weight.

Give it time. There's evidence that VSG is comparable to both the RNY and DS. Much better than the lapband. Not having to worry about malabsorption of nutrients is huge. Of course we will take our supplements, but isn't it better to get them from food? Do a Google Scholar search on VSG, and you will find many interesting articles that may lay your mind to rest. You need to be fully comfortable with whatver choice you make. Hang out on the VSG board - listen to how people talk about their surgery.

I would talk to your endo and get his/her advice and then proceed from there. I think the VSG has a lot of great factors but the one that I would suggest you think about the most the the removal of the portion of the stomach that produces ghrenlin (sp?) which is the hunger hormone. While I had the DS, the thing I have enjoyed the most is the complete lack of obsession with food and I believe it has to do with the removal of this part of the stomach. With RNY the blind stomach is still in your body producing the stuff.

I think in the right frame of mind you could have much success with the VSG. Plus, Dr. Schweitzer is a great surgeon so I would really trust his judgement. But consider getting a consult with another doc to get their opinion if you aren't sure.

Heather

Hey Lisa!!!

You've gotten some great advice, so my .02 is just that.  I personally am intrigued by the idea of the sleeve - you get the constant restriction but not the malabsorption.  Trust me, with some RNY folks, especially those who aren't especially compliant in taking their supplements, the results can be really ugly.  And yet, the lapband intrigues me, too - if, for no other reason than the renewed "honeymoon period" you get with each fill.

It all comes down to the individual - for me, RNY was the best option.  BUT, I remember the nutritionist asking me what my biggest problem was and I told her sweets.  She then said, (and I remember this 3+ years later), that I wouldn't want sweets nor would I be able to tolerate them!!  That kind of sealed the deal for me!!  Sadly, though, it wasn't true - I can and do, but in MUCH smaller quantities than pre-op. 

So do your research and trust in the surgeon's knowledge and expertise to help you choose the best surgery for you!

Good luck,

Tia

Lisa take your time and really research the VSG and see if it is right for you. If you think you need a second opinion then please do that

Keep your chin up and you will be a LOSER in no time

Keep us posted

If you had the consult with Dr. Schweitzer and discussed all the choices with him: Lap Band, RNY, VSG, and DS, and he recommended VSG, I would trust his decision.  He is an excellent surgeon and he knows his stuff.  If you have diffuculty losing weight after VSG, he can do the added intestinal bypass aka "part two" of the DS and then you will have malabsortion to help you lose and keep it off.  But is he thinks your current malabsorption issues are already enough, I would trust him. 

With the sleeve or DS, both of those procedures do not have a pouch with an artificial exit created for the pouch (stoma).  The RNY does.
With VSG and with DS, the stomach is instead shaped like a banana and you retain your original exit to the stomach,(pyloric valve or Pyloris) which lets the food out slowlly in a controlled manner, thereby avoiding any dumping syndrome issues or any foods getting stuck in the stoma.  Also, with VSG and DS, there is no "blind stomach" left in your body after the smaller stomach is created.  It gets dissected and removed.  Good luck, and take all the time you need to make a decision that you can live with for the rest of your life.  There is no hurry. Good luck.