Sleeve Vs Ruen Y

I am having surgey on Feb 16th..now i told my doctor i would have the roo n y but i am so nervous. I think the sleeve would be so much simpler.  I am not good with taking pills and i dont want to get sick and weak because of it.  But seeing as thought I am 347 I think it would be better to have the ruen y. I am so confused and unsure right now. Is there anyone out there with advice or encouragement anything is gladly appreciated.

I have no idea which would be better for you but I am sure that no matter which surgery you pick, you would have to take pills...I would post on both the RNY and VSG board for pros and cons and thoroughly research both and make a decision based on that...Good Luck.

Ms Gordeouslsa,

I had to do double take when I saw your pics.  You LOOK SO MUCH like my sister.  Wow, I am at awe!  The resemblance is remarkable.  Gorgeous of course, but remarkable!

Congrats on the weight loss!

Thanks so much Paula. You made my day. Good luck with your procedure.

Hey girl, I would suggest that you do lots of research before you consent to a surgery you are not sure about.  The surgeon can suggest a procedure, but you have to live with the choice for the rest of your life.  Have you contacted your insurance company to see if the VSB is a covered entity?  I know lots of insurance companies consider the procedure to be experimental.  I too wanted the VSB, but not covered by insurance.  I am comfortable with the idea of the RNY, simple because I have researched it for three years. 

Just make sure this is something you really really want to do!

I see you have a date scheduled, congrats!  Keep me informed on you you are doing. 

I am sleeved and  yes most  VSGer's are  self-pay.     My insurance would have covered the precedure if my bmi was at the time of surgery 40 or higher.    I  just refused to eat myself back up to a   "40 bmi."

In any event,  please read below and visit us over at the VSG board for more !!!

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) - Frequently Asked Questions

How big will my stomach be after surgery?
The size of your stomach will vary depending on the surgeon. All surgeons use a tube to guide them when stapling the stomach. This tube size can vary from as small as 32 French Bougie (1-2 ounces) to as large as 64 French Bougie (6-8 ounces). This is a very important question to ask when considering this surgery, since those patients with larger pouches may have less weight loss.

Is removing the stomach safe?
This type of stomach removal has been performed with the Duodenal Switch procedure since the mid 1980’s.  It does involve stapling, just like in the gastric bypass and has similar risks. Interestingly, patients do not ever return asking for their stomach back but many do wonder if it is possible to reduce the size of it again. 

Will I need to take vitamins?
Vitamin deficiencies are rare with this procedure because there is no intestinal bypass. However, the procedure is very restrictive so most surgeons recommend that patients take a multivitamin, calcium and possibly a B12 vitamin after surgery.

Will I regain weight?
All patients undergoing weight loss surgery are at risk for weight regain. None of the operations can prevent this. Those patients who maintain good dietary habits and exercise patterns are more likely to keep the weight off than those who do not exercise and who snack frequently.

What will my diet be like after surgery?
The diet will progress over the first year. It usually starts with 2-4 weeks of liquid protein drinks and water.  Patients gradually progress to thicker food items and by two months are able to eat seafood, eggs, cheese and other regular foods. The diet generally recommended is low calorie (500 per day), high protein (70gm per day), low fat (30 gm per day) and low carbohydrates (40 gm per day). The calorie intake increases over the first year and by 12 months many patients have achieved their goal weight and consume between 900 and 1500 calories per day. This final calorie intake depends on level of activity, age and gender(men can usually consume more calories and maintain their weight).

Next: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum Homepage 

This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco.

Hi,
I had sleeve and am pleased.  I have a friend who had RNY 2 years ago.  The major difference is the vitamins she must take and mine are pretty much optional after the initial phase as we can do this going forward with food.  Like Phyll said - most sleeves are self pay but, if you and your surgeon can work out the money then in most cases sleeve is cheaper than rny.

Also, most with sleeve loose weight pretty quickly and steadily for the year.  My issue is trying to maintain the weight.  With either process with exercise and sticking to the dr's orders you will be successful.

Talk with your surgeon about this.  I personally went in self pay for a lap band, and found out about the sleeve and switched.

Hope this helps

You have to look at your lifestyle and eating style to determine what will work best for you.  I went with the sleeve because I'm a volume eater.  I didn't eat often but when I ate I got 2 or 3 plates. I was big on meat, potatoes and bread.  I now eat the meat but not the potatoes or bread.  I'm not big on sweets so that wasn't an issue for me. I did not need any malabsorption to help in losing weight.    I just needed restriction. 
If you think you need malabsorption to lose or maintain and possible dumping as a deterent that is something to think about.  The sleeve will tell me if I've taken one bite too many.  The reminder is pure discomfort and nothing like dumping.  I love my sleeve and it has helped me reshape my relationship with food.