VSG vs RNY

What surgery did you (will you) have? I am having RNY next Monday.

reason for asking is that a lot of people on OH seem to be having the VSG.... Is this a trend in the USA or what would be the reasoning? I think the RNY is more common in Ontario but I could be wrong.

Just something I noticed :)

RNY is definitely done more in Ontario. Unless there is a health reason people are rarely given a VGS or Duodenum Switch. Ontario considers the RNY the gold standard.

In a presentation at a support group at TWH, they mentioned that they study all the operations they do. They look at the complications following each. They have used this follow-up information to make slight adjustments on how they do the surgery. They are always improving it.

look at human anatomy,  read up on how digestive system works and  make an informed decision for yourself

Unfortunately she would also have to show why she medically needed a VGS. It is not as simple as just wanting it and getting it.

True. She still needs to decide on a procedure first, the rest is the tools to get there

You don't have to be rude, it was an observation. Relax.

Hm. I actually wasnt trying to be rude. I honestly think that you can make a choice in what procedure you want and VSG does show more on US boards because they pay for it and choose

I had RNY 8.5 years ago. At the time, that was my choice, other than self-pay for the lap band. Now VSG is sometimes performed when a RNY isn't possible due to previous abdominal surgeries, scar tissue and another whole lot of reasons that I'm not really up on. VSG is an excellent choice for many and I know MANY successful VSGers. Some choose to continue on with additional surgery to lose more weight with a DS (Duodenal Switch).

For me, I needed the malabsorptive properties of the RNY. I don't think I had the willpower necessary to do well with the VSG alone. I also don't think my body would have re-set itself without malabsorption. BUT... who knows really? lol I took what was offered, chose the RNY and haven't looked back since - started at 290 pounds, now weigh 120 pounds.

Shortly after I had my surgery the DS became quite a popular option for Ontarians going south of the border. In hindsight, I'm sure I would have done as well with that procedure as well.

Would I change history? Not even for a second. I am thrilled with my health, my results, and my life post-RNY. Every surgery is a tool - use it wisely and have success.

Karen :)

The VSG is fairly new as a stand-alone wls, but not a new procedure, if that makes any sense.  It was a feature of some particular stomach surgeries as well as the first part of a 2-part DS.  With either of those procedures, many patients were losing large amounts of weight and maintaining well.  The VSG has been mainstream for a few years now (maybe 5 or so), and thankfully is replacing the LapBand as a restriction-only option.  In the US, many insurance companies have come around and taken this out of the "experimental" status.  I would expect Ontario to come around soon.

The RNY will probably always have a place of respect as a wls, because some need more than restriction, do there's no reason to discount it.  WLS is not one-size-fits-all.