RNY vs. VSG post-op quality of life

I'm hoping I can get some opinions from people that have had either the RNY or VSG procedure on why they chose that procedure, and whether they are happy with the outcome. I have been doing a lot of my own research and found that I thought the VSG was a better option for me for several reasons, one being that it sounded less "extreme" than the RNY. During the information session for the RNY they talk about how you have to carefully monitor your bloodwork to make sure you're not nutrient deficient, have to take supplements for the rest of your life, have to grind up pills as you can't swallow objects as big as pills, can't eat at the same time as drinking, can't drink with a straw, can't eat dry prepared protein (ie. BBQ), 70% of people end up with dumping, etc, etc. 

Well when I met with my surgeon and expressed all my concerns, he really minimized the outcome of the RNY procedure, saying most people don't get dumping, you can still swallow pills, don't worry too much about the food restrictions, after a year you will be eating normal foods again, just smaller quantities. I'm wondering what have been people's experience with the RNY? 

Anyone have luck requesting a VSG and getting it done? They seem really set on doing the RNY because it has a higher "success rate" (ie. more pounds lost), but not sure if that is necessarily the best bench mark for success. Thanks for your thoughts.

I had the RNY surgery.  In Ontario the surgeon chooses your surgery and they usually choose RNY unless there is a medical reason to go with VSG.

I have no problem swallowing pills.  I now drink with a straw. I do not eat and drink at the same time because that would just wash the food through my pouch and I would be hungry again. I eat BBQ.  I'm pretty sure that both VSG and RNY patients both have to be followed closely for vitamin deficiencies.  Even though I could eat all of the foods I ate before surgery, why would I?  Instead I try to make good food choices instead of pizza, cake, candy, because I never want to go back to where I was before surgery.

I now have more energy, I am stronger, I work out regularly, I have less pain, I sleep better, I have blood sugars in the normal range, I am no longer hypertensive, I no longer use a CPAP machine.  I now live in terms of possibilities instead of terms of limitations.

Hope this helps.

Great response CC!

Thanks for your response, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better and healthier!

Craving change, 

How much weight did you lose with your RNY? Did you reach your goal weight? 

Did you have any complications?  Do you have times you dump? 

What has been the hardest thing about your journey? 

I was told the RNY would be best for me as well, because I have a hiatus hernia and with the sleeve I could be prone to more heartburn and nausea.  But I take NSAIDS and preferred the sleeve since can't take NSAIDS with the RNY.  

Im paralyzed to have the RNY because I wanted to leave my intestines intact.  I also have MANY liver cysts that are benign and would rather a less invasive surgery.  

I don't know if I can go ahead with RNY, even though it's considered the gold standard. 

HELP.  

Porridge, I really don't want to hijack Tuxedo's thread and only talk about me, so I would suggest that you post a thread yourself and I will be happy to help.  Also, RNY does reroute your intestines, but VSG removes more than half of your stomach and that is permanent.  RNY can be reversed, VSG cannot.  These are both serious surgeries.  I have read that they are now recommending that VSGers no longer take NSAIDS as well.  If you are determined for VSG and your surgeon is willing to do that, go on the VSG forum here and research and ask lots of questions.  Both surgeries have risks, and if you research these forums, you will see unfortunately that there are possible (rarely) complications with both.

Thank you so much for your encouraging response; I am scheduled to have the RNY on October 4th, so your words really gave me more peace in knowing I am choosing the best option.. Thanks again!!

Donna

When I first started looking into wls I was leaning toward the sleeve.. But after going to few support group meeting hearing about everyone experiences seeing how well they are doing I slowly changed my mind to the bypass.. I had my surgery April 11 of this year.. I will be 4 months post op tomorrow. So far I had no  complications.. Just saw my surgeon yesterday I have lost 50% of my excess weight.. I don't crush my pills I did in the beginning now I just cut them in half.. I only dumped once that was month ago it was because I had kale salad couldn't digest it. Other then that I haven't had any problems eating.. As for vitamins once u get on a routine it's not that hard to take them.. I follow the rules haven't tried anything that's not on the list.. I set within limits sugar under 10 grams fat under 5 grams.. I just started drinking from straw it happen by accident got a drink from Starbucks totally forgot about the rules I was fine.. 

Ready 4 new start, 

How much have you lost?  How far are you from your goal? 

Did you have any other medical issues prior to surgery? 

Ie. High blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.  

Have these gotten better? 

Thnaks

Surgeon told me I should lose 150 lbs in year. I am 4 months out as of today I have lost 75 lbs since starting opti.. The only Health problems I had was boardline high blood pressure and very high bmi..  After surgery my blood pressure started going down.. I do feel better with losing the weight, I sleep better, getting around is much easier, doing things is getting better, going shopping so much better my legs and feet don't hurt and I don't get tired out like I use to.