I'm Back Yet Again....Questions for You

Hi Sandra,

That is amazing...100 lbs in one year!     That is what I want too !!! :)    

congratulations...and I hope to join you soon on the loosers bench!

Linda

Hello again  Linda....I am so sorry to hear you had those blockages ....but glad it all turned out well.

I am proud of you for pursuing your WLS....good for you!!
I encourage you to go forward with the surgery!

The only surgery I don't think would have worked for me was the Lapband. I needed a surgery that was more restrictive. Very happy I chose RNY. I do know a couple people that have had the Sleeve and are really doing well. Other then that I don't know much about it.

I had RNY about 4.5 years ago. I too regret that I didn't do it many years before. I am doing well. I did put on some weight as most always do. I am hard at it now trying to lose it again. So far I have lost 6 or the about 20 I want to lose. Maintenance is so much harder then I thought it would be...UGH!!  I have to leave the carbs alone!!!

Good luck with your journey....HUGS....connie d

Thank you all for your messages!  I feel like i"m home again.

I have such a big decision to make.  I feel this is my last chance.  

Has anyone done medical research on their surgeries before surgery?  I've been putting in various words in search engines and mostly come up with websites like obesity help.  

if I am going to fight, I want to come out swinging!

Linda

Linda...yes I researched many surgeries before I decided on RNY. I asked my surgeon dozens of questions.. I attended support groups where so much of my information came from. I used OH a lot too. I went to the Minnesota Board and then found OFF. There was tons of information there as well. People were more then willing to answer questions about their surgeries. I went to each persons site/profile and read up on their journeys. It was amazing the things I learned.

I really felt good about the choice I made.

Keep asking questions.....we are all here to help each other!!

HUGS....connie d

Hi Linda:

I had RYN 2 1/2 years ago and while I have no real regrets, I would have had the VSG if my insurance would have paid for it.  The main reason is that there are no malabsorbtion issues with the VSG because your colon remains intact and attached to your much-reduced stomach (sleeve). 
 
With the RNY, since the part of the colon that absorbs all the nutrients is severed, you always have to be very vigilant about taking all the required vitamins and supplements without upsetting the very sensitive pouch.  

I have blood tests to measure all the vitamin levels twice a year, and there are always adjustments.  Right now I am battling a stubborn case of anemia without having to resort to an iron IV influsion.

None of that is an issue with the VSG.

Good luck with your surgery, whatever your choose.

Thanks, Nunini....

You are right, no malabsorbtion issues with the VSG and the colon remains intact.   I don't want to deal with any of those issues.

I have GERD and some motility problems with swallowing. My gastroenterologist told me not to have the RNY his patient load has increased 200 fold with RNY patients who have problems after the surgery with swallowing.    He said for someone like me, it would really be an issue.

I thought all hope was lost for me until I heard about the vertical sleeve.    I think it's my last chance. I'm going to be 60 this year and I just want to spend th end of my life, no matter how long that is, feeling healthy and strong and thin!

Hi Linda:

You're right.  The VSG will probably be the best procedure for you.

BTW, don't worry about being 60.  I had my RNY 2 months before my 62nd birthday and immediately started feeling younger than I have in decades.  Lots of energy when you're not weighing your body down with unhealthy food.

Just had a face, eye and neck lift six months ago and a breast and arm lift over Chirstmas vacation.  Planning the tummy tuck for June (3 months before my 65th).   I'm gonna be a quilt!

Good luck with your upcoming surgery, and keep us posted.

Ciao,

Maria

Hi Connie,

So good to see you are still here!   You are always so upbeat and positive and I know from reading that you have had your challenges too!

I don't want the lapband because I've read about a lot of slippages and failures.  And I really don''t want a foreign object in my body.

I will keep on keeping on and will get my surgery!  Congrats to you for losing the weight you regained!   You're strong and I know you'll lose it all.

Hi Linda,

Just want to give you a pat on the back for your perseverance, and a warm welcome to OFF. 

I'm just now approaching my 1 yr mark, so I don't have the long-term experience you're asking about.  I would have considered the sleeve as well, but my insurance only paid for RNY.  I have no regrets!  I went into it willing to make whatever adjustments I had to to make it work.  If that means taking supplements and having blood work done, so be it. 

I think you will do well, whichever surgery you pick.  You have done all the "mental" prep over the last 3 years, and IMO that's the most important part.  As my doctor told me, he only operates on the stomach, not the brain.  If your head is in the right place, you will be successful with your WLS, no matter which one you choose.

Best of luck to you!

thanks for the virutal pat on the back Vickie!

Yes, I've done lots and lots of brain work.  I'm so ready if they told me to come in tomorrow that I could have the sleeve done, I'd be there before I finished this sentence.

I have signed on for the entire program offered by the bariactric surgeon.  12 weeks exercise, nutrition and psychological visits.  6 months dieting where i only have to lose 10 lbs.  

I'm preparing for a fight with the insurance company if they don't approve..   They will approve it if my BMI is 50+.   I'm short and wide and I will not lose this weight unless I have a surgery that restricts my eating.

Onward and upward!    I am a squeeky wheel. :)