Biggest decision ever.

Hello everybody!

Im posting in this forum because I need help.

My stats.

5'11

Highest weight 402

Current weight 372.2

 

My BMI is greater than 50.

 

I need to choose between Gastric Bypass and Sleeve.

I have done hours and hours of research and have met with FOUR different surgeons.

They have all told me different things. It started with because of my BMI the Sleeve would be safer. Less risks.

THEN

I was told that because of my BMI and my Extreme Acid Reflux RNY would be better and with faster weight loss.

I guess what im asking is, is there anybody that is/was close to my weight and height that can help me with this decision and i know that everybody is different, but a little input would be great.

 

Thank you!!

 

 

 

 

I have very severe reflux as well. I ultimately went with the Sleeve over the RNY because I am able to control my reflux with medication (Protonix) and the reflux was the ONLY thing that made me want the RNY. Ultimately, this is a decision that only you can make, but either way you go, you will be making a huge step to a new phase of your life. Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

There's actually another option: The Duodenal Switch. It has the best statistics for losing excess weight. It has the same stomach as the sleeve, but it also gives you the benefit of permanent malabsorption of calories. There are pros and cons to each surgery, but my surgeon said that the DS is actually best for people with BMIs over 50. Please research all your options before making this important decision! You can find out more about the DS at www.dsfacts.com.

I also had horrible acid reflux. My surgeon repaired a hiatal hernia during my surgery and now I take (1) Pantoprazole per day. I have not had any acid reflux or heartburn since before my surgery. :)

Good luck to you!

Please be careful with the acid reflux. My dad died from esophageal cancer caused by years of acid reflux. It is nothing to play around with.

Because of that, I am thankful I chose RNY. Do your research and do what is best for you.

my surgeon prefers the sleeve with high bmi patients it is safer and has the same weight loss just a little slower

 but you do not have the problems of malnutrition that the ds and rny may course

 also the malabsorption of cal from the rny and ds only last 1-11/2 years but the malabsorption of nutrients last a lifetime

 also you will not be able to take nsaid pain killers with the rny and most high bmi people have bad backs and knees also there are other meds that do not work well with rny surgery

 I go to monthly support group meeting , and many of the people that have had rny years ago look sickly but the sleeve people look a lot healthier

 take your time and do research and decide what is best for you some surgeons push the surgery they like to do most , remember they make more money doing rny or ds than the sleeve

also the sleeve has no foods that you can't eat , some are better to avoid ,but dumping and reactive hypoglycemia are very rare with the sleeve , you stomach acts normal with the sleeve you still have a valve at the bottom of your sleeve to control the flow of food into your intestines, with the rny you have a hole that can get smaller and get clogged up if you eat something to big , the pouch of the rny is more likely to stretch than the sleeve which is made of the less stretchy part of the stomach

I picked the vsg which happened to be what my surgeon recommended to me    most of his patients are now getting the sleeve he does a few rnys now for people that have insurance that still will not pay for the vsg and he has done thousands of both surgeries and also the crap band

Just want to correct you on something you said: " also the malabsorption of cal from the rny and ds only last 1-11/2 years but the malabsorption of nutrients last a lifetime."

The malabsorption of calories is NOT temporary with the DS. 

Also, malnutrition from the RNY and the DS is not inevitable. Post-op life is extremely manageable with the correct diet and  supplementation.

While I cant' speak to which surgery would be best for you...you did ask if anyone had similar stats. I am almost 5'10 and my starting weight was 444. I had the VSG surgery and couldn't be happier. Although I did have some reflux before I started the supervised diet...it was all related to the foods I was eating. I have not had a problem after surgery and I do not take medication I think everyone else has already given you a lot to think about...just wanted to say welcome and that we were similar in stats!

I'm going to second the suggestion you look at the DS. Studies have shown it is the most successful with people with BMIs over 50. Disregard mickymantles comments about DS, as he/she is misinformed. 

If you will ever need to take and NSAID for pain, then the sleeve and DS are the only real options, and with a high BMI, the sleeve may not be high powered enough. Another issue is you don't have a surgeon that can actually do the DS. It's a small hassle to switch surgeons, but not nearly the hassle of living a life with the wrong surgery.

i chose the sleeve for the reason that it's safer and I couldnt bear the thought of re-routing all my insides.  With RNY, your body doesnt process/ digest foods normally.   I really dont know why anyone would get a RNY now with the sleeve available; but everyone's entitled to their opinion.   Good luck with whatever you choose.

I don't believe the sleeve is necessarily "safer". I think the RNY, sleeve, and DS all have their advantages and disadvantages. Honestly, everyone I know in real life with the sleeve who are more than 5 years out are all 30-50 pounds above goal. My RNY makes it easier for me to remain under my goal weight.

I am thrilled with my RNY and it was the right choice for me.