RNY or VSG nerves at ease

I wanted VSG but my insurance wouldn't pay either.  So it was RNY or band and I had read too much bad about the band.  I'm not at goal yet but don't think I will lose too much. So far, I look and feel great.

I do a chewable multi vitamin and sublingual B12 but everything else is swallowed and my labs have been good.

Welcome to the lightweights, we are a little different here.

I think it's a common misconception that RnY is more "powerful" than VSG because it has malabsorption. But the mechanics of the two surgeries are very different and that results in them having about the same weight loss. RnY however has more risks and cost more. As a self-pay, it didn't make sense to me to pay more for something that wasn't going to give me better results. Plus, RnY doesn't get rid of the part of the stomach that make ghrelin and I needed my ghrelin to get under control as I had a raging appetite pre-op.

About 70% of surgeries in the US are RnY. So anywhere you go on OH were people have any surgery type, you are going to see more people with RnY.

You and I seem to be the same height/weight.  I am 13 mo out and Have lost 100 pounds. I would like to lose about 8 more but it is now more difficult then in the beggining as people mention the malabsorption goes away.  I do not dump (iam sad about that) as I thought it would make me stop eating the sweet stuff.  but now I have a couple bites and I am happy with that.  It is lifstyle changes and i am happy where I am at.  I am in a size 8 or 10 pants and a 6 dress and am comfortable where I am in the 150lb range.  I think my body likes it here. I am faithful with my vitamins and enjoying life with (knock on wood) NO complications. 

Good luck in your journey. You will find valuable information here as well as a ton if VERY NICE people to help you out.

Sheri

I remember feeling the same way you do. I actually had less than 100 to lose. I was acutally 194 the day of surgery.  I am now 113. I am 5ft 1. I am also a NC TEACHER. My BMI was very borderline for even being aloud to have the surgery but my comorbids pushed me over the edge. My mom had open heart surgery at 42 my dad had his first heart attack at 38. When the cardiologist told me this could change my cardio path. It was a no brainer for me. I had my RNY done at Thanksgiving 2009 even with bad complications I was back to work after Christmas. It was the best decision I have ever made for myself and my health. I don't take any meds now. I can keep up with my 24 first graders, my 10yr old and 13 yr old too. Best of luck in your decision. May you make the best one for you.

Another NC here. I'm guessing you have BCBSNC insurance? I'm in the same situation. I planned on the VSG because it seemed less invasive and I don't have more than 100lbs to lose. After reading a lot on OH for the last month or so, I'm comfortable with the idea of RNY. I'm going to the doc this week to start the qualification process.