So Conflicted - Advice Needed

Hi guys. Longtime lurker here. I know this is a wonderful community and I'm praying some of you can offer me some support and / or guidance.

I'm 34, female, and weigh about 340lbs. I saw my surgeon earlier this week for the first time, and have one more visit with him before surgery will be scheduled for early May. I went in to the appointment thinking I knew what he would tell me. That at my weight, the bypass is a good option. However, he threw me for a loop when he informed me that although he performs both the bypass and the sleeve, he does not recommend the bypass for women. Particularly young women. He said the long term results from the bypass lead to osteoporosis later in life, and that he feels the sleeve is better for women because you face significantly less complications, both surgically and nutritionally.

I was very shaken. I've spent over 6 months reading, researching, and learning. I felt like I was well informed. I was prepared to make the decision to move forward with the bypass. Now I'm not sure. I was supposed to call them yesterday and tell them which surgery I'd decided on so they could submit to insurance.

Im concerned with the sleeve I just won't lose enough of the excess weight. I don't know which path to take. I know no one can decide for me, but I need some guidance.

I had my RNY almost 13 years ago and have great (better than average) dexascan results.

If you search RNY vs VSG on this site you will find a gazillion threads comparing the two surgeries.

Thanks for your response. I'm not looking to compare the two surgeries. I guess I wondered if anyone could address my fears of not losing enough with the VSG, or if anyone had had a similar experience with their surgeon. Or even just remind me there are risks with both surgeries, and there's no right answer. ?

Since you don't mention your height, I'm not sure how much weight you're looking to lose. I was 320 at my first pre-op appointment and I'm about 160 now. I derailed around 180 due to my dad's brain cancer diagnosis, went up to 190 when he died, and I've lost about 30 pounds in the last year. I'm now 3 years post-op and still losing - slowly but steadily.

So I believe that you could lose as much weight as you want to lose with either surgery - it's just a matter of how dedicated you'll be. Neither surgery is a magic wand, you still have to work and fix your brain so that you won't just eat around it.

I am 8 years out and like Kim also get good results on my dexa scans. My highest weight was 339 and I maintain at 140.

The sleeve is an "easier" and quicker surgery for surgeons to perform. I fear some surgeons recommend it because of this.

Studies show similar results after 5 years. You have to decide what is best for you.

Thanks Laura. It's very reassuring to hear you both have good dexa scans this far out from surgery.

In my honest opinion, if you've done all the research and had firmly decided on RNY, then go with your gut. Don't second guess yourself. As long as you are confident in your decision, that's all that matters. You're the one who has to live with it, not your surgeon.

Thank you Cathy, I really appreciate that. I had started second guessing my decision so much, and also, I think what he said scared me! It is a huge decision! I believe the bypass is a better choice for me personally and you're right. I need to go with my gut and be confident!

I don't have any stats or any medical literature for you, however I may end up with a VSG myself because of medications I take.

I've been researching like crazy and the findings suggest that 5 years out from surgery, VSG patients end up with the same total loss as RNY.

In my opinion, for my health, it's half a dozen of one and six of the other. Both have risks and benefits.

At the end of the day, both are just weight loss tools - it's up to you to determine how your weight loss goes.

All the best

I wholeheartedly agree with you! Both surgeries have their own set of pros and cons. There isn't a right answer, and ultimately all we can do is what we feel is best for ourselves.