I am SO down...its Crohns and my RNY is now a VBG

I studied and read for almost 6 months now on the RNY. My surgery was sposta be 10-05-09 and cancelled one day before.  I got my final biopsy results today.  Crohns Disease.

RNY is all I know.  I have heard that its close to impossible to lose with a VBG and its my only other approved option.

Anyone, anyone...please tell me what you think.  I feel so down and so hopeless....

Cat

There is a forum here for VBG - I haven't actually gone on there so I don't know how active it is, but take a look!   Or try posting on the main board, maybe you'll find someone there who has had it?

WLS, in any form, is just a tool.  Yes, some may work better or faster than others, but I believe they will ALL work, as long as YOU work IT.   Don't look at this as hopeless - think of it as a detour.  You can still have WLS, just a different form.  So you maybe have a new set of rules to learn?  YOU CAN LEARN! 

Mourn this news for a while, you certainly have the right.  But keep a positive attitude as much as you possibly can - it will serve you well!!

Cat - I would encourage you to consult with Dr. Buchwald at the UofM. He has seen it all, and will be honest as to whether you're a good candidate for surgery given your recent diagnosis. He performs the VBG, RNY, band, and DS. Just a thought.

There is a support group at the U that meets once a month and I know I have met a VBG'er there. Perhaps if you attended the November meeting, you could meet her and get her perspective.

Also, maybe you'd also want to post here on OH to the Main forum, and ask who has Crohn's that's also had WLS, how they are after, etc. There's more of a broad range of ppl there so you may get some alternative feedback the MN board cannot provide you with.

Try to keep your chin up!

I am  sorry to hear this.  Are you being offered the VBG because Dr Rupp doesn't do the adjustable band?  I know a couple of VBG'ers personally and heard alot of war stories about the VBG, it's an old procedure and really not done too much now days... I think Dr's Rupp and Buchwald are the only ones in the twin cities doing it....  Lots of problems down the line with staple line distruption and rings being too tight.  I don't say this to scare you or sway you one way or the other, but PLEASE spend as much time researching as you can.  Trust me, you don't want to have to have a second WLS down the line.

I know it's easy for me to say, but please don't be in a rush to have surgery.  Explore all of your options.  Now might be the time for a second opinion...and I agree with Amy, talking to a docs at the U would be a good idea, they see all kinds of complex cases.  Dr Buchwald is amazing and the other Dr's aren't too shabby either

If you have been approved for a VBG you should be able to get a lapband approved.  I have found some plans aren't even covering the VBG anymore.

good luck and best wishes!