Gastric Bypass vs. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: How did you choose?

Hello Kim,

Have you ever had any complications from your surgery? like anemia, vitamin deficiencies or bone problems?

I've had anaemia all my life, but it's been resolved since I discovered heme iron. I had two iron infusions in years 5 and 8 and none since.

I have zero vitamin deficiencies (I'm very compliant with labs and supplements)

My dexa scans show better than average bone density for my age.

I started using it after you mentioned it, Kim, also not struggling with anemia/dropping iron for the first time as an adult! Totally unexpected and I'm glad I took your recommendation!

That is great. What is Heme Iron? Can I get it without prescription? or I need a Doctor to prescribe it?

It's called Proferrin and I get it from Proferrin.com. it's not cheap - $60 ish per month, but depending on your insurance, it's way cheaper than infusions!

How many do you take a day?

I took 3 x daily until my numbers were in range. Currently taking 2 x daily to stay there.

That is great. What is Heme Iron? Can I get it without prescription? or I need a Doctor to prescribe it?

There was a few reasons.

1. I felt like I didn't need Mal-absorption and would do good with restriction alone. I always told myself If I could just feel full after I ate, I would not have an over-eating issue.
2. I did feel like There seemed to be more people who had more complications with the RNY over the Sleeve. Also If I did/do have complications in the future with the VSG... I feel better that I only messed with one organ.
3. The biggest factor in my decision was knowing that with either surgery I could still gain back all the weight. Gold standard or not. The surgery is just a tool. I have seen people on TV gain it all back and 100s more after RNY. I also know people in my life that have gained back their weight with RNY.
4. Honorable mention- I am diabetic and when I saw that Carnie Wilson's diabetes came back on an episode of Dr. Oz I told myself Surgery Or Not..Weight Loss Or not. That If I did nothing more I was going to get my Diabetes in check through my diet and Not Medications.

There are many, many people who have re-gained weight with both surgeries. I was 376 at my heaviest and 319 at surgery and I had the sleeve done. I lost 220 pounds and at almost 4 years out have kept it off. With both surgeries it becomes easier and easier over time to eat more and regain. You need to decide what you feel the best about doing. For me I didn't want my intestines messed with and so I went with the sleeve and have had great success. You will get out of either surgery what you put into it. Best of luck to you!