Why can't I just make up my mind??

When I started this journey, I was sure that I wanted the VSG.  I knew that the lap band wasn't for me, and I had heard so many horror stories about RNY.  I then heard about the DS, which sounded appealing.  I began researching and made a plan to petition my ins company to pay for it.  I am stil proceeding with that, but I have started to doubt my decision. 

I have about 100 pounds to lose, definitely not more than that.  My biggest issue is that I do not want to regain the weight.  Of course, lifestyle choices are a big contributor, but I'm wondering if there is a lot of weight regain with the VSG.  I just don't know whether I need such a "big" surgery (DS) with only (lol) 100 pounds to lose.

Please help.

You should get some very interesting responses to your post.  We have several DS'ers that had less than 100 lbs to lose that selected that surgery for several reasons.

I had RNY.  I haven't had any real issues, except for getting Reactive Hypoglycemia.  I know what sets it off so I avoid the combinations of foods that do that to me.

Its always hard to make the decisions.  Honestly?  I didn't do my homework before having my RNY - if I had, I may have opted for the DS - mainly because of its history of keeping the weight off. 

Good luck!
 

Welcome to the LW board, bluebinder.

Each surgery has their positives and negatives. As LW we have the advantage of being able to make a choice based on what is best for us on our lifestyle and comorbid conditions.

Gina (Majormom) has a good way to sort out what surgery suits a person best by how they eat (it's how her doctor figured her out). But comorbids also have a BIG impact on what we chose.

So tell us a little about you.

Liz

It really is a tough decision, but it's my belief that it's possible to make any of the surgeries work for you. I did lots and lots of homework and thought I wanted VSG. My insurance said "no". So, I only had the choice of RNY or lapband. I chose RNY. I have had absolutely no problems with it and am very happy I had it rather than the VSG now. The primary reason is that I have ZERO acid reflux and that was a huge problem for me before and can be with all of the other surgeries. 

Basically, one of the surgeries is the "right fit" for you.....it is just sometimes hard to know beforehand. Good luck with your decision, but be confident in yourself that you will be able to make each one of them work for you.

I can only speak from my experience and I am "only" 11 months out but the VSG is awesome.  I lost 85 pounds effortlessly so I can't imagine having malabsorption as well.  Hopefully someone will chime in with regain stats but from what I know from personal experience (other vsgers I know), regain (besides a 5-10 bounce back in some) does no seem to be a problem.

Oh, and I do not have acid reflux...don't even take a preventative ppi.

Here's my surgeon's way of helping his patients decide which surgery will give them the most help overcoming their eating habits/demons:

First he asks you identify what kind of eater you are. "Bloaters" usually only eat meals and rarely snack. He says a restrictive only surgery might be enough and he finds that men who are very active on their job do well with them. Restrictive only he defines as the band and VSG (or a combo of the 2). "Sweeters" are addicted to sweets and carbs and sometimes fat. He says that the RNY may be enough due to dumping on sugar and fat, and the first few years of restriction is helpful too. "Grazers" (that's me ) snack to point where they get 70% of their daily calories from nibbling...constantly if given the chance. He says the DS is about the only way for a grazer to be successful long term and the restriction is helpful for as long as it lasts but the malabsorption is needed for a grazer to be successful long term.

Also, consider your comorbidities. DS will permanently resolve diabetes 98% of the time. If you have physical limitations that don't permit you to exercise, the DS may be the way to go as well. If you need to take NSAIDS under a doctor's care, the DS or VSG will work but no one should take them carelessly. Just about all the surgeries do well if you can keep sweets and starchy carbs out of your diet permanently.

Good luck making your decision.

--gina