Second-guessing the VSG

I don't think you should "cave" - but I do think you should research more about the pros and cons of both options and make an informed decision. If you are leaning towards VSG because of NSAID drugs, its worth noting that the recommendation is now that VSGers also skip NSAIDs. If medication has you worried, you may want to research more the protocal for taking NSAIDs with WLS as it can be done in certain cases (and the world of non-NSAID drugs may have an appropriate choice for your condition anyways).

As far as migraines, I suffered from them horribly prior to surgery and in the last 3 year I can count the number of headaches I've had on one hand. The RNY may offer you more pros than you realize.

I'm so glad to hear that so many people have found their migraines improved after surgery.  Thanks for the response!

Hi,

  I love my VSG!  Please don't let the pushy nurse keep you from doing all the research into both procedures. I went in with my request for VSG from the beginning and didn't waver. I have the same need for NSAIDS as you. I am a year out and very happy with my choice.  The new research shows that the outcomes for both surgeries is similar.  Some medical personnel will favour the RNY because the weight loss may be faster, but I would rather have slower weight loss.  You should check out some VSG forums such as the Sassy Sleevers on Facebook. There are a lot of people who have great success with your same stats.  While the RNY is said to be the "Gold Standard" in Ontario, it is not the gold standard for all people.  With continued research, I believe the medical view in Ontario will start to favour the VSG as time goes by. Good luck!

Just a thought Cute - why dont you give the original poster some idea how you have fared weight wise with your VSG.  I think actually hearing how VSG'ers have done and how much they have lost and are they at goal - is more useful

Good suggestion.  I'd love to see some long-term stats (no, not a couple of years - long-term, 5+ years).

Thanks, I'll definitely do some more research. 

I had a VSG 2 1/2 hears ago and yes I had great success losing but I stopped losing after 8 months and never got to goal even though I stayed on track and worked out. I lost 130 pounds in 8 months and have gained back 30 pounds and still trying to get the 30 pounds off but I would be happy to take 20 off.

There are times I really wish I had a RNY because I never had any restrictions with food I could always eat everything. I had to have a VSG do to medical reasons. I recently just had a scope and was told I have a larger sleeve but I am happy with my sleeve as I am able to do things I could not do before.

I also know some that have had good success with the VSG and I know some who have not and the same goes for people I know who have had RNY.

As for less invasive I would argue that point as they cut out most of your stomach and remove it from your body and you have titanium staples in there for life so how is that less evasive. We can develop leaks and ulcers just as some do with RNY and other complications.

One of the side effects of VSG is GERD which some have it very bad I already had it before surgery so nothing changed for me afterwards. 

You will hear pro's and cons for both surgeries only you can make up your mind.

Good luck on your decision and journey.

Thank you for your complete honesty, Lynn. xo

Thanks!  This is really helpful.

You should absolutely NOT cave to anything you believe in. I think you're very wise to be "weighing your options", so to speak. I knew many successful VSGers - I say "knew" because I don't know where they are now, several years later. They don't post here anymore very unfortunately - I'm sure you would read many successful stories. Like any other weight loss surgery, the VSG takes work and a lifetime of changed habits. As a 9 year RNY post-op, so do I!

Dumping syndrome - it's estimated that only about 30% of people regularly dump. I don't, and never have, see dumping syndrome as a benefit or "tool" to use - it's simply a side effect of my chosen surgery that I can easily avoid by not eating sugar.

NSAIDS - as someone else mentioned, the ASMBS is now on record stating that VSGers are not advised to take them either. In fact, no one should be taking them whenever possible. They can cause ulcers in absolutely anyone, surgical patient or not.

You have to choose something that you are comfortable committing to and living with for the rest of your life. There are no do-overs.