RNY vs VSG

Hi everyone, first off I would like to say this place is great. I have been a lurker for over a year and check in often to read whats new and exciting in everyone's life.  I am going through the process as we speak and hope to be done by end of 2015

Wish there was more of a male presence in the Ontario forum!!!

Question I have is this: Its my understanding that Humber does RNY mostly and that VSG is usually not done(ohip thing). I have discussed with my own Dr as well as a couple of other professionals and was wondering if there was an option for VSG? admittingly these peoples opinions are not barbaric specialists 

I have a very high family history of things like autoimmune disease, arthritis, as well as heart issues. Thankfully I do not have any of these now, but since I am under 40 there is a long way

Personally with a BMI of 39 and on 2 different blood pressure pills and 2 kinds of pills for diabetes. The biggest fear I have is down the line I may need to take extra pills and may run into issues with absorption 

Thank you in advance

They said that RNY was the gold standard, and really, it is. They prefer to do it. It has a better known track record. I'm told you CAN get a VSG, but generally you'll need a medical reason to do so. If you're a heavy weight (I was) they definitely want you to get the RNY for the malabsorbation. Research the hell out of both surgeries and if you're still really wanting VSG, be armed with knowledge.

I wanted VSG from the get go, I've done a lot of research. I figured that being anemic it would be better for me. When I was at my nurse practitioners appointment she agreed with me and even added that because of my MS that I may need oral MS meds in the future so VSG would be better. I hadn't even thought of that one!

She put the recommendation in my file and of course the surgeon has the last say but she said that they would most likely agree that VSG is the best option for me.

I think if you go into it with knowledge and a good argument for what you want it'll happen.

Good Luck!

I also have MS and Lupus as well.  I have heard they prefer to do the RNY surgery but I haven't heard that the VSG isn't as effective.  This worries me because at my internist appt he alluded to the fact that the VSG  might be the best option for me but it's the surgeons decision.

It was never mentioned that because I take meds that the VSG might be better. To me, that doesn't make much sense because everyone who has either surgery must take a lot of vitamin supplements post-op.

What MS meds are you taking now that you might need to change to oral and what would you take orally?  I take Rebif beta-interferon injections 3 times a week.

I don't take any meds for MS (thankfully) This is a pretty good articular about NSAIDS and why a person cannot take them after RNY http://formerfatdudes.com/nsaids-and-bariatric-surgery-whats-the-deal/

The theory I'm working with is medical advancements. While a lot of MS drugs are injection based new meds come out all the time and my hope is when I get to the point that I may have to start taking medication for my MS it will be a simple pill and with an intact GI it'll be easier to take.

Why don't I take meds right now you might ask? I have friends with MS and I see them or rather don't see them the day after meds day because they are so sick from the drugs they put into their body. I guess you could say I'm doing my own medical research on myself. Maybe I'll regret it one day that I didn't take drugs to slow the progression but I'd rather feel like myself right now and make the most of life then be sick 3 times a week from drugs that are suppose to stave off an illness. My nuro backs my decision as well.

I went through Hamilton and they support both surgeries. I didn't know until I woke up from surgery which one I ended up having. I went in expecting RNY but ended up with VSG due to some extra scar tissue from bowel obstruction surgery years ago. however I knew this might happen and my surgeon Dr. Anvari made it clear that regardless of which one I had, I would be successful. I am 10 months out and down 130 lbs and still going strong. Very happy with the surgery and don't know if I would have been any more successful if I would have had RNY.

Do do your research and speak to your surgeon. I trusted mine and know he did what was in my best interest.

good luck!

I got my vsg due to an auto immune disorder.  Twh had no issues doing it for me since I'm so dependant on Nsaids.  I brought a note from my family doctor with me just incase to my surgical appointment but I wouldn't have needed it.  They questioned me one more time going into surgery as to why I was having a vsg but after explaining they happily did it.   7 months out and 162 pounds down and 20 from goal! 

7 months and 162 lbs!! Way to go! Any tips? I'd love to have that kind of success!

Thanks so much'