21 and considering RNY. Pros and Cons?

I had RNY.  But with the remnant stomach that can't be scoped, plus the rerouted intestine, lack of pyloric valve - all of those create potential issue long term. 

I think VSG if donevprpperly can create a more normal - but smaller stomach, allowing the person more "normal" life post op. 

Our intestine were not designed to deal with undigested food. That the pouch creates that situation. That can lead to a lot of serious issues. 

Losing weight can in itself help with diabetes.  

I didn't find the adjustment all that hard, but then I was always a pretty healthy eater - I just ate far too much.  I eat the same things I did before except for much smaller portions - and I also had to cut back on carbs (I used to eat bread, rice, pasta - no more!).  I imagine it's a lot harder for people who have to completely re-vamp their eating style.

other than the first few weeks (which can be rough), the first six months or so were pretty easy because I had no sense of hunger.  Unfortunately, my hunger came back after about six months - so it got harder - although my hunger is never as intense as it was pre-surgery.

Like the above poster said, constipation is a constant struggle for a lot of us.  Other than that, I can't really think of any cons to speak of.  I'd do it again in a minute. 

Thank you for your response!

I'm not worried about staying on a large pill regime. Right now I take metformin, spironolactone, nortriptyline, bc, and anti depressents every day. 

I am more worried about changing my eating habits,but if I'm less hungry (or feel more full) I may not be tempted to eat as much. Admittedly, I have terrible self discipline which is half of why I'm where I am now.

I will admit that I have issues with discipline. Back when I played volleyball in high school it wasn't an issue. As I've grown older it seems like I have to live at a gym and basically eat nothing before I see any good results. Pasta and bread are my weakness :(

Hey!

Im also 21 and also looking into RNY. However, I've been on the slow journey towards surgery for almost a year now (it takes a looong time). I also have BCBS (Illinois) and my plan does cover VSG. Maybe it's different from state to state. 

Personally, I was leaning towards VSG because I HATE the malabsorption of RNY, that is until I found out VSG can aggravate acid reflux (which can in turn cause cancer). Also, after talking to my surgeon I'm leaning towards RNY more. His exact words were "if you were my sister or my daughter I would push you towards RNY because it's better understood long term." That meant a lot because he would make more profit off of VSG. But I'm still not positive either way. I have heard RNY is statistically better at causing diabetes to go into remission.  

Both have pros and cons. See what your surgeon preference is, what he feels suits you best, and double check with BCBS. Good luck!

RNY is the gold standard for resolution of diabetes, hypertension and acid reflux. Vitamins for the rest of my life was a no brainer compared to insulin and antihypertensive meds. 

Regarding eating foods- I hope your team has a nutritionist and psychologist. Nutritionist will guide you in your food plan which is your new way of eating post surgery. Surgery is done on our guts not our brain. I found it imperative  to dig deep down into my food addiction. The psych eval gave me some great reading resources, I also returned to therapy and go to Overeaters Anonymous. I must lay down new tracks of how to cope with happiness, sadness, anxiety, anger, etc. No more using food as coping mechanism. I did grieve the loss of my lifelong companion. But as someone on this board told me my companion was not my friend and very unhealthy. This is a new and different way of living.  Eat to live , not live to eat. I have embraced it. Reinvention of self. Toss what I dont like and keep what I do and explore new horizons. 

I was scared so scared about the whole process- major abdominal surgery. Who in their right mind does this? I did. I chose to live rather than die. I was anxious and scared right up to the anesthesia. I woke up and when I realized I was on the other side of the fence I was relieved and all doubts and anxiousness disappeared. 

You are 21. I am 61. If I had the opportunity to do this at your  age I would have. I am five months out and living life to the fullest. I am free. 

Good luck. 

Sue

Thank you for your testimony! 

I realize that I'm not as heavy as some people are when getti bbg RNY or any WLS, but I'm of the mind that I'd rather do something now when I'm younger and lighter rather than waiting until I'm heavier and older. For me, there's a very high risk I will end up with Type 2 diabetes in the future, and like you, I'd really like to avoid that.

So far I'm very scared for the journey ahead, but I'm more scared to stay where I am. I have a good support system who I believe will make the psychological part a little easier, but I'm not naive to the fact that it still will be VERY difficult.

I think that BCBS may be covering VSG now - it might depend on your particular policy.  I had RNY and am doing well 19 months out. 

If I had to do it again, I would probably get VSG, because it can most easily be converted to a DS, which has the best long-term weight loss results. (WLS is not a 'cure' for obestity, it just make obesity more managable.)  The approx results for RNY (and VSG is very close) is that 25% of people gain it all back within 5 years, 50% keep off at least 50 pounds, and only about 25% are able to achieve and maintain close to a normal BMI.    

Although you are young, you have a host of co-morbidities that argue for WLS for your health.

There are general resoures on the internet - I like this surgeon's stuff (although I have never met him, I think he has good basic info in 10 min videos).

http://drmatthewweiner.com/how-to-choose-the-right-bariatric -weight-loss-surgery/  

Best wishes for your weight loss journey.

The only thing that scared me about VSG was the risk of acid reflux. I had terrible reflux with the lap-band, and I didn't want to go through that again. That essentially made the decision for me. Beyond that, I can see why VSG would be a great option for most people.

This I'd what I am worried about too. I don't have tons of acid reflux, but I get it periodically. My father also has a narrowing in his esophagus which I think might effect it?