New "lightweight " completing 6 month program :)
I am coming up on month 5 of 6 of my 6 month supervised diet requirement. Just when I thought I was 100% on getting RNY, I started to second guess my decision based on comparing the complication rates following RNY as compared to the complications rates following VSG. Of course, both surgeries carry their own set of risks...I have made a pro/con list, but still I am undecided.
Just to give you a little background, I am 35 years old....married, mother of 4 children (9,8, 4, and 2). My insurance covers both sleeve and RNY at 100%. My comordities include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, PCOS, migranes, and sleep apnea.
Hopefully soon I will come to a solid decision. My starting weight is 239 and I wish to get to 115.
Any advice or suggestions are appreciated. I realize it's a personal decision based on many factors, but I am needing some perspective...
Sincerely,
Pre-Op: 245 / Day of Surgery - 238.2 / Current: 170/ Initial goal - 140 / Ultimate Goal- 130
Do you have eating demons the RNY will address better than the sleeve? What are you strong points regarding long term diet habits? Are you able to eat low carb and high protein easily? --gina
5'1" -- HW 195/SW 187/GW 115 July 08/CW 121 Dec 2012
******GOAL*******
Starting BMI between 35 and 40ish?
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DS on Aug 9, 2007 with Dr. Hazem Elariny
First of all, I thank you for your objective point of view in trying to help me determine what may be best for me instead of suggesting what worked best for you. I see this (subjectivity) as a common theme on this (and other boards), so I appreciate your perspective.
Okay, now I will try to answer some of these questions:
Do you have eating demons the RNY will address better than the sleeve?
I'm not sure, maybe you can help. I have a weakness for carbs, the deterrant of possible dumping might help me with that weakness; however, being that I am pre-diabetic, I feel that a low carb, high protein diet is best for me. Also, I don't graze..I eat about two meals per day but usually my choices are poor. I am working on this during my 6 months program along with exercise and logging foods.
What are you strong points regarding long term diet habits?
I am unsure of how to answer this question, but in general, I do best when I have a simple plan. The more food options that I have, the worse I tend to do. Due to my pcos/insulin resistance, about 6 years ago I did low carb, high protein for 6 months and lost 70 lbs! Of course I regained it back, but that plan seems to work best for me because I feel much fuller longer due to the protein.
Are you able to eat low carb and high protein easily?
Yes, I do better with a simple plan like this...it is more effective for my metabolism, I think.... The idea of post op foods like starchy mashed potatoes do not appeal to me at all, not because I don't like mashed potatoes, but I feel like I may have a carb addiction, that I want to eliminate. And mashed potatoes may trigger more carb cravings. The moment I introduce carbs in my diet, I fully lose control. The more carbs I eat, the more I crave and the lbs start piling on :( For me, simple is better with little to no deviation. Usually when I'm on a plan such as this, I succeed.
I hope this will help you (to help me) :)
Thanks so much (and anyone else *****plies)!!
Pre-Op: 245 / Day of Surgery - 238.2 / Current: 170/ Initial goal - 140 / Ultimate Goal- 130
--g
5'1" -- HW 195/SW 187/GW 115 July 08/CW 121 Dec 2012
******GOAL*******
Starting BMI between 35 and 40ish?
Join us on the Lightweights Board!
DS on Aug 9, 2007 with Dr. Hazem Elariny
I have considered the DS as well; however, I am not having any luck finding a reputable, high-rated, surgeon, at a center of excellence in my area (Charlotte, NC).
I will continue researching....thanks!
Pre-Op: 245 / Day of Surgery - 238.2 / Current: 170/ Initial goal - 140 / Ultimate Goal- 130
Welcome to the lightweight board, and congrats on closing in on the end of your 6 month diet program. My suggestion to you is to have an indepth discussion with your surgeon as well. My surgeon was very helpful with my decision as to which surgery to have. He performs all of them, so it wasn't as if he was limited to what he performs. He asked all the same questions that Gina did, then he also went through a detailed discussion on my medical history, and some diseases in the family.
My two cents are this - You may want to consider your risks for other diseases such as arthritis or oseteoperosis, and the impact of the surgery on what drugs you may take, or on the malabsorption of calcium as well.
Consult:239 SW:217 1mo:195 2mo:182 3mo:169 6mo:139 9mo GOAL CW: +2 from underweight
I am planning on making another appointment with my surgeon to discuss my options again based on my personal situation.
Also, I have another question...if I have an RNY, is it safe for me to maintain a low carb, high protein diet? Or are carbs needed? When I am on Low Carb, I usually eat no more than 30g carb per day...
Thanks.
Pre-Op: 245 / Day of Surgery - 238.2 / Current: 170/ Initial goal - 140 / Ultimate Goal- 130
I'm a perfect example of a RNY who eats very low carb. My carbs basically come from dairy and veggies. I eat nothing white and basically not much starchy except beans. It has worked great for me. I usually keep my carbs between 30 and 50 but since I am past losing, I do have a little more latitude. I don't crave carbs. I will allow myself a piece of bread or a bite of desert if we are eating out but that is very rare. My sleep apnea, high bp, high cholesterol and pre-diabetes have all gone away. I love my RNY.
At the same time, I would have gotten a sleeve if I could have. My insurance didn't cover it. I would love to be albe to take a NSAID from time to time.
66 yrs young, 4'11" hw 220, goal 120 met at 12 months, cw 129 learning Maintainance
Between 35-40 BMI? join us on the Lightweight board. the Lightweight Board
My insurance would not cover the sleeve for me. I think the figure is about 30% of RNY patients dump so don't let that help you decide for RNY. I have to eat a lot of sweets/carbs before I will dump. The key is to really change your eating habits during the losing phase and not make it a diet that you are trying to stay on.
Do you have a problem taking lots of medicines? With a RNY or DS, you are required to take a lot more vitamins/supplements. Make sure you are ok with this before you consider either of these because that is very important. Once you get on your schedule, it is not hard.
On this board, we have people with all types of surgery who have been very successful.
I agree with meeting with your surgeon and going over things with them and seeing what their thoughts are.
Good luck and keep us updated on your progress. You are almost there!!
Linda
HW - 225 SW - 191 GW - 132 CW - 122
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