RNY or VSG nerves at ease

I have been in such termoil the past several weeks, worrying about which surgery to have.  I really wanted VSG because it seemed more of what I needed since I only need to lose about 1001bs.  I am 5'4 and weigh about 255.  My BMI is about 42.  I was afraid that having RNY would cause me to lose too much weight and I do not want to look unhealthy or sickly!  My insurance will not pay for VSG yet, however they will pay for RNY!  I have been watching posts on the RNY and today I found this forum!   WOW!  I now see that many people weigh less than I and have RNY!  

welcome to the LW forum.  Glad you found us!

many of the RNYers will post to you, I"m sure.
Many LWs have posted that your body will find the right level-- er, weight. In fact, many women here have had the DS, which generally is not recommended for LWs, yet it works for them.  

Consider your eating habits that got to the weight you are at today.  Do you eat huge amounts at meals, do you graze all dlay, do you eat sweets or simple carbs, etc.  Each surgery has its sweet spot and you should choose your surgery type based on what will work best to resolve your eating issue.  For example, my VSG will not likely resolve my weight issues completely if I continue to eat high sugar high fat content foods.

tracey

I agree with Raggety. lol  DS and a light weight here. I got a little below comfort level and bounced back up. I think you'll see that with most surgeries. It's not all about BMI, it's also eating habits. If you don't snack much and only need help with volume eating the band or VSG might be enough. If you're addicted to sweets and fats, the RNY might be enough. If you're a grazer, like me , the DS should be plenty.

Welcome!

--gina
 

Having RNY was my first choice.  I was 15 pounds heavier than you and 3 inches taller.  But, you have to pick the right surgery for you.  A couple of things to keep in mind, if you go the RNY route. 
     1.  The caloric malabsorption piece doesn't last for ever. At a year to 18 months-ish, your body will absorb all the calories you eat.
     2.  You will have to take vitamins and minerals the REST of your life.  You can't quit when you hit your goal weight or even with the caloric malabsorption stops.  This is a forever thing.
    3.  You can't take Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) anymore.  No more:

• aspirin
• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• diflunisal (Dolobid)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• ibuprofen (Motrin)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• ketoprofen (Orudis)
• ketorolac (Toradol)
• nabumetone (Relafen)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• oxaprozin (Daypro)
• piroxicam (Feldene)
• salsalate (Amigesic)
• sulindac (Clinoril)
• tolmetin (Tolectin)

Pretty much Tylenol (acetaminophen) is it.

I'm 6 months out and I have had an uncomplicated recovery...not even burping or gas (knock wood).  I would have this surgery again in a heartbeat.  I feel so much better.  I'm so much healthier.  Bonus: I look better too.  Please do your research and make the best choice for you.

There are wonderful people on this board that have different surgeries.  They picked the right one for them.  One of my favorite thing about the LW board...No surgery wars!  We respected each others decision and will be here for support no matter which surgery you pick.

Good Luck as you start your WLS journey!

Kay

Thanks guys!  I LOVE food!  Everything that my family (extended family) does revolves around food!  Where are going to eat?   What are we cooking at mom's house?  etc!!!   I don't really graze, however I do eat large amounts at one time!  I am kind of a snacker, I love cake (baby showers, weddings, b-day parties, etc.)  You know, I guess it is true, your body will only lose what is good for you!!   I guess I never thought about that!

I also worry a little about the vitamin deficiency and liquid meds too with RNY.  I may have a misconception about this also.  I thought that you could only take liquid vitamins!  I see that many people that have RNY talk about taking their "pills"...maybe this is the way it used to be and now it has gotten better??

Good info is out here about what vitamins (chewables, capsules and pills) to take. Some surgical practices have kept up but many have not. They don't teach over the counter vitamins in medical school. We do have a few folks around here that help with vitamins, protein and labs, so we can keep you healthy no matter what surgery you decide to have.
 
--g

You can absolutely take pills.

Vitamin deficiencies are a concern with RNY and you'll need lots of supplements and even if you take them like you're supposed to, you'll probably end up with some deficiencies are some point.  However, if you get labs done regularly and adjust your supplements accordingly, you should be able to prevent any serious problems.  It's more of an annoyance than anything else to me.

Kelly

I had RNY. I take chewable vitamins daily. I also take pills when I need to. Zpack. allergy meds, etc. I take tylenol for pain. I can not/will not eat CAKE. I used to love cake too but have given it up along with alot of other things. I still on occasion splurg but it is in definate moderation. For instance I went to a teacher conference last weekend. We went to the Cheesecake factory. Another teacher and I shared a piece of low carb cheese cake. I actually ate only about 3 tiny bites of mine and chickened out. I felt guilty then decided it wasn't worth it. I ate the strawberries instead. Once you understand all the rules you just learn to roll with it. I wouldn't trade the new healthy me for the old one that is for sure.

I had my surgery at 208 lbs and had RNY.  I didn't lose too much, and in fact would have liked to have lost more.  I did "bounce back" and definitely could tell when my "honeymoon" period was over. 

Do your research and select the surgery that's best for you!

Good luck!

I think you can do fine with RNY.  VSG would have been my first choice too but my insurance would not cover it either.  I"m happy with my RNY.  I don't think you'll lose too much weight, you'll just have to make sure to increase your calories once you want to stop losing.

Kelly