Wondering if a VGS is as effective as a RNY

I've had the initial visits with the endocrinologist and dietitian and completed the psychological evaluation (I'm pretty sure I "passed"). I'm told the next meeting will be with the surgeon in three months, after I complete 12 sessions of behavioral modification with a psychologist familiar with eating disorders/weight issues.

The endocrinologist is suggesting a sleeve rather than a RNY as my BMI is 38; he also feels there would likely be fewer problems with nutritional deficiencies. I understand that I have a great deal of work ahead of me regardless of the type of surgery I end up with. My concern is this: is a sleeve effective at helping to prevent overeating after surgery? There will be no dumping, from what I've read, and no malabsorption. There seem to be fewer benefits to a sleeve, and I would like to go into this making the best possible choice for success.

Thank you for your willingness to share your experiences!

the truth is that you can out eat any surgery, no matter which one. 

I wanted a sleeve but insurance wouldn't approve and I got an RNY.  I am so pleased.  I do think that because of the malabsorption you are more likely to get to goal.  LWs seem to reach goal more also.  It does seem to me, watching folks come and go from this site for 5 yrs, RNY folks have an easier time losing but that certainly isn't a scientific study.

If you do an RNY or DS, you do have to be more concerned about vits/mins.  As long as you are aware and ready to do what it takes, I don't think you have a major concern about deficiencies.  We usually hear about those when someone is taking the wrong vits or just not taking them at all.

the real work starts in maintenance and it is work no matter what.  By a few years out, the malabsorption of calories is pretty much gone but you still have to watch the vits/mins forever. 

Soak up all the information that you can and make the best decision you can and then get ready to get healthy!!

Thank you for your honesty and your advice. I was hesitant to post my question, but I feel that members offer thoughtful, caring, and helpful insights into a life-changing event. I'm looking forward to taking the steps to better health and feeling better about myself :)

Alison

I had the vsg and honestly I did a lot of research. If I had followed plan and hadn't strayed I honestly believe that I would have been a success and would have kept the weight off but everyone is right when they say you can out eat your surgery. I'm almost two years out with excellent restriction. that didn't stop me from not only not reaching goal but also gaining 29 lbs back. I'm getting back on track now and the weight is starting to come off again but believe me it's a lot easier if you do it right the first time around than trying to do it after it's too late. I shouldn't say too late because it's always possible to get back on track but it's hard. much harder the second time around. I am back to every bad habit I started with with the exception of drinking with my meals, no carbonation. Everything else you can do wrong I'm doing it! I'm starting slow with increasing my water intake and slowly working into exercising. After that gets to be habit i will set other small goals. It's not going to happen over night but it will happen. 

I got off track here, the vsg has slower weight loss but over all has a history of longer lasting results. I love my sleeve because two years out I still do not feel true hunger and I still have full restriction. But do NOT graze. it's a killer for real. I started out with only high blood pressure and now I'm having sugar problems and went from monitored blood pressure to needing two medications.

Be careful of your surgery whichever you chose, take care to follow plan by the letter, and take care of yourself emotionally. I do not have access to support groups but they would definitely be helpful. If you haven't gotten into some kind of support group or therapy for over eaters or binge eaters really consider it.

good luck on which ever surgery you chose. Both have very high potential to be successful it's all in what you do with it.

Thank you so much for your honesty and for taking the time to respond! I am attempting to learn as much as I can beforehand and am also looking for a nearby support group to attend in-person meetings. Learning from those who have experienced the surgery and the work that's required to change behavior and thought patterns is invaluable 

Alison

You are so welcome. I hoped it helped. I am still a very high supporter of VSG or other weight loss surgeries (with the exception of the band) and I encourage the ppl in my life that want to have the surgery to do it. Just because I screwed up early on doesnt mean they will and I can still show them that it has the potential for success. I am an advocate for the VSG just because in my doctors office his patients have had the longest success rate ( he doesn't do the DS ) and it's amazing that I still do not get hungry and that I still have excellent restriction as long as I truly listen to my body. Who could ask for more? It's amazing and I love it. I love it so much that I'm still trying to convince my husband to have the same surgery as me. He is 6'3 385lbs. Please let us know what you decide and how you progress from here on out. I would love to keep up on your story. You can message/friend me any time you would like :D

My DH & I both opted for the sleeve for a variety of reasons, neither one of us were comfortable with the thought of re-routing our intestines, this of course, was a personal choice.

That said, we know many people IRL that have all of the surgery types, and the ones with the DS and the VSG are the ones who have been the most successful in maintenance. I know that is not a scientific sampling, but it is what we have observed.

I would suggest you visit the specific surgery forums plus the complications and regrets forums just to get an idea about what life is like long-term. You want to make a well educated decision based on a long term lifestyle change you can live with forever. Best wishes as you decide.

Thank you! The input that all of you have given me is exactly what I wanted. It's one thing to read about the procedure and the changes that I will be dealing with: it's so very important to "talk" with those who have been through the process.

I know I'll have a lot more questions as I move closer to the actual surgery. I appreciate this forum, the site, and the caring responses people, including me, have received.

Alison