RNY vs. VSG post-op quality of life

Hi there,  I have been a lurker for years and finally decided to contribute. I am a little more than 3 and a half years out from vsg, I have lost 90 lbs, and I am now 145. I chose the vsg because I was worried about the malabsortion issues. I had a friend with severe deficiencies and complications, and that worried me. Granted I later learned it was because she followed none of her surgeons recommendations. My doc originally stated that the rny would lead to better weight loss, but indicated that because I had less than 120lbs to lose, and I was not diabetic, the sleeve was still a great choice for me. The sleeve does come with its own side effects though. I live with terrible gerd, this is common for sleevers. I have become resistant to 2 PPI meds, now I take a new one twice a day, ever day for the burning. Luckily this one seems to work fine. If you experience heartburn frequently now, I would suggest looking deeply into that, because it may get much worse with the sleeve. I never got dumping, however I once accidentally had a full sugar and syrup lladen drink thinking it was sf, and I got this strange dizzy/foggy feeling. 2 of my fellow sleevers say they experience something similar with liquid sugar. It's not a full dumping, but not a good feeling either. I had many stalls along the way, I knew that would happen because I have PCOS, and at a time I thought rny may have given me better results,  but in the end I am happy with my choice, and success. Both surgeries are extreme, research and determine what is best for you. 

I have RNY. I get routine blood work once a year. I swallow big ole pills while drinking from a straw every day (avoid the first few weeks post op obviously). 

You need to eat well and take supplements regardless of your procedure. What's your reason for wanting VSG?

I asked for the sleeve because I take medication and was worried about absorption.  I also did a lot of my own research and felt it was less invasive and potentially had less long term side effects.  The surgeon agreed with me and did the sleeve.  

Weight loss with the sleeve is slower than with RNY, but not sure that is a bad thing.  New studies are showing that the incremental weight loss difference between sleeve and RNY patients long term is less than 10% now.  And on my last visit to TWH, I heard that they may change their protocols to do more sleeves.

I am 5 1/2 weeks out of surgery.  I think I've been able to eat more foods and without any ill effects compared to the people who had RNY close to me.  We don't 'dump' in the same way but if I eat too fast and don't chew enough, it won't stay down, it comes right back up.  Haven't had anything really fatty or sugary yet so not sure what the effect would be.  I also find that when I am full, I start sneezing. That is my cue to not eat anymore.

Biggest thing for me was that since surgery, I have not been hungry or had any cravings.  Has totally changed my relationship with food. Makes it a lot easier to stick to program.  It's really been a game changer for me.

Hi there, I had the VSG in 2009!!!! Yes 7 yrs ago! I initially lost 90 lbs. had no complications other than became lactose intolerant. Got pregnant 5 months out ( shockingly lol after infertility). My weight loss stopped, however I was extatitic to be pregnant and quite happy with my health. I have maintained my weight loss and would say it was a success for me. I can and do take NSAIDS for arthritis and that was one of the main reasons I chose to have the VSG. I can't eat a lot at one time, try not to drink with straws and avoid carbonated beverages. I have a premier protein shake EVERY SINGLE DAY for breakfast. I experience dumping if I have too much sugary things do it doesn't just happen to Rny'ers. It's not fun either! Still at 7 yrs out!  You think I'd learn lol but I'm human. I can eat a lot more than first out but it's still quite a small amount. i will add that I am NEVER hungry!! Ever! But... The head hunger is there. Meaning if that cake looks good I'm gonna want it over the dense protein! They take out the Grehlin hormone that causes hunger pains which I think is a wonderful thing. I still take a multi and have my blood work done at my physicals. Yes I could have lost more weight...like 50 lbs but I'm ok with me now. I have energy, etc. So it could be the surgery or could have been that the pregnancy stopped the weight loss? All in all it was a life changer for me. Best wishes for your journey.