So Conflicted - Advice Needed

I recommend reading these two articles

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27053936

Argh, the second one didn't link.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27330488

The full text of this one is available tomorrow.

Thanks for the link. I enjoyed the article. I read a very similar article a few days ago after meeting with the surgeon and doing some research. It looks like bone loss and vitamin deficiencies occur with both surgeries, not just the RNY (which is kind of how he made it sound).

my own surgeon's clinical data supports that as well with marginal differences long term with vitamin deficiencies between the two surgeries. anemia being the one exception. Having said that I'm an RNY patient and my iron levels have doubled since my preop testing...so I guess my vitamin regimen is working.

I get my first dexa scan this weekend.

RNY/SLEEVE

I needed to have the VSG for medical reasons, and have been very happy with the choice my medical team and I made. If that's the decision you and your team make, commit fully to it and you'll be fine. Statistics say all sorts of things about which surgery will result in the most weight loss, but here's the thing... people are not statistics. Statistics are great for a lot of things, but setting personal expectations is not one of them.

Honestly, I didn't think there was a real chance I'd get to my goal weight/size when I started. I had some goalposts along the way and knew where I would be "good enough" happy. I'm past those, and coming up on onderland (well, 15# more anyway), and now I'm seeing my dream goal weight as completely achievable. If I set my goals based on statistics, I'd be done now.

I would want more information from my doc about how serious the risk of osteoporosis is, and what can be done to mitigate it, before I'd allow that to be the only thing moving us from one surgery to another. He seems to be painting with a REALLY broad brush, which always concerns me a little from a doc.

I'm glad you made an informed decision that you felt was best for you. I agree with you regarding statistics. I am a recovering alcoholic. If I had followed what the statistics said, I would never gotten sober instead of having 10 years without a drink.

I am scheduled for VSG on April 10th and decided to the less invasive surgery. I have not had surgery before and the though of having my intestine cut and then re-attached adds to the nervousness of the stomach already being cut and stapled. VSG is less invasive and I have read that the long term results of weight loss are very close. Also, I do not want to deal with not absorbing my vitamins, nutrients, etc. which can lead to osteoporosis etc. I am looking at my stomach being smaller as a tool and I can use this opportunity and follow what is taught and eat accordingly and exercise....or not. Good luck - this group is great for support, but as so many have said it is individual.

How is it "less invasive?" It really, really isn't.

Still invasive absolutely! There are less chances for complications because they are not cutting the intestine and re-routing plus the malabsorption. I spoke to my Dr. extensively regarding which one to choose, I am very nervous (scared, not having had surgery before) and I do not want to have malabsorption issues. The Dr. and I agreed that the Sleeve is for me, yes - there are risks with any surgery but a little lower with only one cut and less malabsorption issues.

I had RNY 9 years ago. My doc did that of lapband. I did not know about the sleeve because that would have been my first choice.

I deal with some issues most likely due to bypass. I wish I had VSG.

I am below my personal weight goal, and I would happily exchange 20-30 lbs for ability to have more normal life and diet. But it is what it is. I try to do my best with what I have.

Even with my food intolerances and other issues - keeping my weight off is a challenge and hard work. Long term - it is really how you use the tool.

I can get really sick if I eat a lot of sugary - carby stuff, but I if I really wanted to - I could eat "around" dumping. Or even RH.. (that i hate)

Long term - is the personal dedication ...