Which surgery did you have and why?

Hi all,

I am wondering which surgery you had, RNY or VSG, and why?

I am considering asking for VSG, certainly want to discuss both with the surgeon... but I am really torn between the two. Sometimes I think RNY would be a better option.

Would really appreciate your experiences .

Thanks!

Hi Oneatatime,

I havent had surgery yet, however at my clinic TWH they usually always do RNY as the gold standard of WLS surgery. They usually only do VSG if you have other health conditions, for example celiac disease, they will then give you the sleeve. Your best bet is to speak with your team at your clinic and see if they will do the sleeve for you instead of the bypass. Wish you all the best on this journey :)

Thanks Candi! Btw... I'm in Mississauga too, and will be going to TWH. Waiting for my orientation. I see your surgery is coming up. So exciting for you!!

Hi! Welcome :)

I suppose I am a bit different as I currently had a lap band (worst deicision ever!)

Like you, originally I was completely 100% set on VSG. As I went through the process and learned more about RNY it seemed like the better option for me. The day I met my surgeon he told me what he thought would be best for me and I really felt confident that he was right. I am aware that this is a learning process and I KNOW that I have every tool to make sure that I am successful with RNY.

I am having RNY May. 16.

Thanks! I'm sorry to hear you've had complications with your lapband. I considered doing it years ago. Now, I feel prepared for a "permanent" surgery as I know the struggle is lifelong. I really thought VSG was the right surgery for me... now I'm not so sure, the more I read and learn.

Thanks for your input and wishing you lifelong success with your RNY. May 16 is just around the corner!!!

I had RNY and i think the story is similar for everyone in ontario that RNY is the standard. They will do VSG but i've not heard that happens on request but it's more the doctors choice. i think that vsg is very popular in the US. Both are great tools and both are covered in ontario. i think with RNY you get more malabsorption and both offer than same in restriction. I heard some vsg have had revisions to rny...but i've never heard the reverse. ( but that could be just me).

Good luck either way!

Thanks Gigi!

Hi I had the VSG through TWH. I'm 7 months out.

I advocated for that surgery mostly because I suffer with moderate to severe arthritis. I know it will get worse as I age ( no matter what I do) and so in the future I may need to take Nsaids .Arthritis is the reason TWH approved me for the sleeve.

I also had a father who suffered with cancer of the esophagus and the thought of interrupting that part of my body frightened me. I also did not like the idea of a blind stomach . I also wanted a functioning Pylorus valve.

I am very happy with the sleeve. I am struggling food wise right now. It has nothing to do with the surgery it has to do with my brain. I started this eating plan a year and a half ago, I'm a little mentally tired and life is as always .... stressful.

I just had my right hip replaced as well and mentally my brain is a bit mushy. ( Two surgery 3 months apart)

I feel the battle I am struggling with right now ( food choice, quantity, snacking) is a struggle that everyone will have eventually and maybe repeatedly no mater the type of surgery. Other's can comment on that.

Advocate for the tool you feel will work best. It really is only a tool, you have to do the work.

Good luck with you choice.

Thanks so much. Great info! I'm sorry you have had to have another surgery so close. I hope you're well soon, and back on track emotionally and with your eating. It really is all intertwined isn't it.

I really go back and forth on which one I think is best. The thought of rerouting my intestines scares me. And I also need to take NSAIDs (for migraines). But I am worried about acid reflux.

All this input is great info!

I had the VSG surgery. Ulimately the decision of which surgery you are going to have will be up to the surgeon. You don't get to pick (although it would be nice). I had medical reasons, why I got the VSG. The RNY is heavily pushed and what most Surgeons perfom.

I heard the odd time that some surgeon's are willing to listen to their patients about both surgies, but its very unlikely you will get the VSG unless you have a medical condition or you need to be on NSAIDs.

Of course there is no harm in talking to you doctor at your clinic, and talking with your Surgeon, just be prepared for the RNY.

I admit, I wanted the VSG from the time I got referred. I didn't not know if I would be able to get the VSG, but fortunately I did get it. If you really want the VSG advocate for youself, and that's all you can do.

If your torn over both surgeries, and its just that, people do well with both surgies. Sleeve may lose a bit slower over the RNY, but you will still get to where you are going, just might take a bit longer.

Good luck with your journey!