Currently considering RNY

O.K. so I have been down this path before MORE than once.  The first time I was to be cleared I lost my insurance.  The second time it was a bad fit with the NUT and so I quit...too upset to go back.   The good news is that last visit was a year ago and instead of gaining I am actually down 20 lbs since my last visit. Yay!!

Now I am back on track and although I am NOT sure about surgery still...scares the heck out of me...Im sure as heck not happy where I am.  Now, I was all set on RNY because the Doctor told me flat out years ago that I was simply too big for banding and they did not do that on people my size.  Now I hear all this talk about the sleeve and I have no idea what it is and if the weight loss is the same as the RNY.

HW 520, CW 471... over 70lbs to lose before the Doctors will consider surgery anyway but why did you choose RNY or why are you chosing RNY over the sleeve??

I want to make an informed decision and I want to lose the most weight possible and keep it off with the least health risks.

I would love your feedback.  Thank you!

Have you considered the DS?  At your weight, that would probably give you the greatest chance of success.

The sleeve, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is where they remove about 85% of the stomach.  Since you then have a small stomach, you can't eat as much.  I would think that at your weight, you'd do better with a surgery that included some malabsorption, like RNY or DS.  But your surgeon will talk to you about your options.

I'm sure I know the least of everyone here, since I just started learning about everything. But I just wanted to pass along what the bariatric nurse told us the differences between the band, RNY & the sleeve. The main thing that scared me about the sleeve is that the large piece of stomach they section off, they remove, therefore it is not reverseable. With the RNY, the piece they section off is left in there, so they said it can be reversed. Not that you should look at any of these surgeries as reverseable.   Now, there were a few other differences, Im just stating what made me choose  RNY (so far anyway). Like I said, I'm just passing along info, so veterans don't yell at me if I'm wrong !! lol

I chose RNY over the SLEEVE because my main reason for surgery was to put my diabeties in remision...it served its purpose...i made my decision based off my situation and what historically would correct it. the sleeve wasnt best for me. I also made my decision off what i could handle in the long run..i didnt have a problem having to take extra vitamins, i didnt have a problem not being able to take NSAIDS..

Thank you all for your replies!! :) I'm still leaning toward the bypass because its what I have the most information on.  Im also not too sure if my hospital has a lot of history with the sleeve, I really didn't pay attention at the last meeting because I was discounting the procedure as not for me..having made up my mind that bypass was the way to go.

Although, I have always wondered and worried about the meds I am taking and if I will be o.k. off of them for the rest of my life.  So many decisions but one step at a time.

Thanks for the encouragement and information! I hope you all continue to do well and reach your goals and dreams! God bless!!

Have the conversation with your doctor and find out which surgeries are covered by your insurance. Mine only covered Lap Band (which I would only recommend to my worst enemy) or RNY, so that narrowed down my choices to one, LOL! If you have more choices, research them all and then talk to a medical professional.

Good luck!!

Martha 

You have some good information here.  One thing I would add on why I did not choose the sleeve...I have a long history of GERD (Acid Reflux).  The sleeve is notorious for reflux issues, even with people who've never had those issues before.   RNY cured my GERD :)

At your weight, the sleeve will not produce the results you need.  It allows you to eat more than RNY, without any malabsorption, and without the corrective dumping syndrome.  You really need to consider the RNY or DS.

I think the DS might be your best bet at your weight.  Why are you waiting???

The doctor and I have spoken on a few occasions and he is not comfortable doing the surgery at my current weight.  I agree with him.  We have decided that once I am under 400 lbs then we will consider what direction I would be going in at that point.  Until then I have monthly weigh-ins and I see the shrink, the Nut, and I will be going to the mixed classes where there are some others waiting for surgery and some that are 2,5, or 10 years post op.  Down the road I will also attend group nutrition classes and hopefully at that point I am nearing my goal! :)