RNY vs VSG which did you choose and why?

do they have any type of behavioral modification aspect of their program? If soC really takes advantage of it -- it will help you in the long run. my program had a mandatory 10 week training class.

my program started with tracking everything I ate (and how I felt while eating it) as part of moving from mindless to mindful eating and each month I three thing to work on. If they haven't given you required tracking documents to bring back, there's lots of aps you can use. I like Baritastic but I think a large chunk of people use my fitness pal and there's a smattering if others too

my first three were

1. no alcohol
2. All meals at the table with no multitasking (I could talk to other people at the table though)
3. give up carbonated water

then we kept those three once I "mastered" them and added 3 more and kept building.

Yes they do have a behavioral modification class that we have to attend during our intake into the program. It includes your initial one on one meetings with the registered dietician and their therapist. Once you have met with both you start the classes which are 6 weeks, two times a week. I was told that each class preps you for your progress into post op eating. Basic things like reading labels what to watch for what to avoid and so on. Then they add in how to stay successful when dealing with day to day situations that could affect us staying on track. I am hoping it is as good as it sounds!!

I'm so glad it went well for you and while it seems overwhelming now, it will start to make sense as you go through the various hoops to surgery day.

If you pop over to the RNY board you'll see that there is a menu post every day, which will give you an idea of what people are eating. You can introduce yourself and join in when you feel comfortable- they're lovely and welcoming.

If you are not active already, might I suggest a walking program to get you moving. Exercise should led be a part of your new healthy post surgery life. Start off slowly.

Stay active on here, reading past as well as present posts. I'll bet there's not a question that hasn't been asked or answered.

Make sure you take full body pictures of yourself now so you can watch your progress month by month.

Thank you for all the tips. I plan on staying active here this site has been a true blessing for information and finding people who are have or will have surgery. I did not know about the RNY board I will find it and take a look. A menu thread will be a good way to keep me accountable. If you have any other boards you think would be a good place for me to check out please let me know. This site is so big I feel like I am missing out on many things. We took my pictures last week so I plan on using them for motivation too. I want to get my bmi down to 54 by my surgery date if possible that is about 30lb weight loss and I think I can do it!

Even being here a short while, I have found that everyone's very helpful! I think I will lean more toward RnY because I have an issue with sweets and I think I will need something to make me physically ill should I consume more than recommended. I just don't think I am strong enough (will-power) to do anything else. I will talk to my doctor about it... I still have to get approved, too... minor details. haha

I think I'm ok with sweets as I like no sugar added or unsweetened things I have adapted to that. For me I think portion control will be my main concern trying not to overeat and get sick. It is trial and error they say so I am willing to learn.

Just know that only about 30% of folks "dump" on sweets. There are many folks who can still eat sweets and have no ill affects. You could be one who dumps or one who can eat all the sweets they want. Do not rely on the surgery to stop you from eating something. If you have an issue with sweets now is the time to work on that before you get the surgery.

I also chose RNY because I had GERD. No way did I want to risk it getting worse!

If it weren't for the GERD, I probably still would have chosen RNY because at the time I had surgery, VSG was still fairly "new" and didn't have a lot of long-term research data behind it. It's been around long enough at this point to have proved itself, though. However, I'm very happy with my RNY.

I chose RnY because my choices in 2008 were Band or Bypass (VSG was mentioned, but not really discussed)... I had a hiatal hernia, so that may have been the reason why?

I needed real help when it came to my choices and had a come to Jesus talk with myself and then my surgeon. I did not want to risk failure and I knew I would be able to go around my band since my issues were overeating and the wrong food choices.

I am 5'4", was almost 350 pounds and needed to lose a significant amount of weight. The LapBand couldn't really give me the results I wanted, plus, I didn't want something foreign in my body. I was told from a very young age that I would never have children naturally and that shook me because of severe PCOS, Hypertension, Diabetes (had JUST been diagnosed with T2 and was on Metformin for a very short while), suffering from migraines, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and more... at 25 years old.

This was the first thing I did for me (I lost and gained weight for others when they paid for whatever program I was on)... best decision ever!

Talk to your surgeon about eeeevvveeerrrryyyything you are experiencing (comorbidity wise) and work with a dietitian and mental health pro... this is not something that should be taken lightly... everything must be considered.

Best of luck!

It sounds like you already have your answer, but I just want to add that my surgeon asked me which surgery I was interested in. I said VSG and the first thing he asked was if I had any problems with reflux/GERD. So, I don't think he would have let me have it if I had reflux.

I choose VSG because I was only barely prediabetic and I was a little nervous about whole malabsorbtion, especially since I am not great about remembering my vitamins every day. I don't think VSG is better, it was just a good match for me. I am actually a little concerned that I might have reflux and if I do, I will regret not having RNY. So, I agree that is a good choice since you have reflux.

My surgeon said RNY leads to a much faster initial weight loss, but people typically lose over a longer period of time with VSG. I think he said RNY leads to a little more weight loss, but it is not a big enough difference to be a factor.

Good luck to you! I had surgery a year ago yesterday and I was SO scared, but it has been an amazing year. I hope you also have a good experience.