How did you choose your surgery?

Hi, Im fairly new.  I have approximately 100 pounds to lose.  I am 5'11 so people often think I wouldn't need it until they hear how much I weigh.  Currently I meet tomorrow with my surgeon.  I have been overweight my WHOLE life.  Since I was 6 it started.  I remember in the 8th grade being 203.  OMG.  I haven't seen that number since.  I am forty now.  I am done with the diets.  Its apparent that I cannot go on one more diet.  I eat well, good for you foods.  But I eat alot!!!  At first I was all about RNY, but my arthritis and menstrual cramps are sooooo bad, that I cannot live without NSAIDs.  So then I turned to VSG.  Also, I like the idea of not re-routing anything.  I have been online everynight for HOURS and I think I have made my choice.  Any insight would be fantastic.  The only fear I have is gaining it back.  If I do this.  I am doing it.  

Have I made my decision?  Did anyone change at the last minute?  How did you know what was right for you? 

Thanks for listening. 

There is also the DS.  That is the most effective surgery as far as losing the weight and keeping it off.  It also requires the most follow up and supplementation since it is very malabsorptive, although  being a "lightweight" you may do well with a smaller sleeve and a little less malabsorption.  With the DS  you will have the VSG but you would also have your intestines rearranged so that you wouldn't absorb all the food you eat, mostly you wouldn't absporb all the fats you eat and protein.  You would absorb about 20% of the fat you eat but you would still absorb 100% of simple carbs so you would still have to watch what you ate in that regard.
As far as never having to diet again, I guess that depends on what you consider dieting.  I thought I wouldn't have to diet again, either, when I had my first WLS in 2002 and wound up regaining most of the weight I lost.  I finally realized that for me WLS didn't mean I had a free ride and could eat whatever I wanted, it just meant I had help in eating better and eating less.

If you have arthritis and need NSAID's do not even think about RNY.  That is what I have and I am thrilled with my results, but I can no longer take any NSAID's. 

We have several very successful VSG people.  Hopefully they will see your post and respond to you.

I did change my mind from lapband to RNY after 2 consults with surgeons and talking about my diabetes.  I was just on Metformin, but wanted off of it.

We all probably have fear of regain, it is what keeps us here and trying to stay connected to support and the knowledge that you get here.

Good luck.

Linda

 Hi Linda, 
My surgeon suggested today I get the rny. He said it would be best for me and gerd issues. I suddenly feel scared about rny. Are you happy. Would you have rather gotten another surgery? What made you choose rny?  

Thanks. Sherri 

Sherri,
I am absolutely thrilled with my RNY.  It has worked wonderfully for me.  I do have some arthritis issues and hope I don't ever need NSAID's because with RNY you cannot take them because they can cause ulcers.  If you have arthritis and have to take medications for that on a daily basis you probably would not want to do RNY.

I had two consults with surgeons and both suggested RNY(neither did the DS).  My surgeon advised me he did know an excellent surgeon that did the DS if I was interested in that, but I decided RNY would work for me.  I love sweets and was really hoping for the dumping to help me with my sweet tooth - not everyone does this - I have to eat a lot of sweets for it to bother me, but I have managed to keep it under control most of the time.

I had no complications and no problems at all.  I was back at work in around 2 weeks-desk job.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions or if I can help you.

Linda

The DS suits me...I'm use to eating low carb due to my diabetes.

But the final decision was based on my wanting to be able to take NSAIDS if needed and to NOT have issues with Reactive Hypoglycemia. Already had RH, didn't need a surgery to make it that much worse.

Also, at the time of my surgery, the VSG was not an option...my options listed by Medicare were the lapband (NO WAY), the RNY or the DS...I went with the DS.

Liz

My  insurance would only pay for the RNY, so that is what I had done.  If given a choice I might have went with the DS.  I am really pleased with my results health wise and weight wise.

I had an RNY, and my decision was based on lots of discussions with my surgeon on the pros and cons for each surgery.  I did not take NSAIDS, but did have a lot of issues with reflux, so this surgery was the best for me.

You will need to make permanent changes in your life, regardless of what surgery you have.  I must admit that these changes have been harder for me than what I anticipated after surgery.    You need to exercise routinely, eat according to the plan forever.

Good luck in your journey!

I just read your signature.  I like the 6 lbs. below fantasy weight statement! 

That's seems to be where my body feels comfortable too but I dream of the 5 lbs. that the scale said before maintenance.  But you are right I'm 6 pounds below my fantasy weight and that's a great accomplishment!  You gave me a new perspective to think about.

 I chose the sleeve and I'm glad that I did.

I did not have 100 lbs to lose, I'm a light weight.

I paid out of pocket for my surgery.

I also have fought my weight since the age of 5.  

I can understand your fear because before surgery I ALWAYS gained it back.  

I lost and gained the weight 15 documented times but I'm sure I could double that number in undocumented times.  

I am one and a half years out and I have not gained, except for my 3 pound range.  I didn't have any "bounce back" as they say.  

I use to eat a lot!  I had the need to feel Thanksgiving Full every day, several times a day.  That is gone.  I asked my surgeon if my stomach (that he removed) was larger then most.   He said, "no, it was just like everyone elses."  

Goodluck with your decision.  It was a great decision for me.