Various surgeries opinions / pros & cons

I joined OH today, hoping I could get some input from people who have had the different bariatric surgeries to give their input on how the surgeries have worked out for them? Also, if you had it to do over again, would you choose the same surgery, or opt for one of the others? Feel free to private message me or email me. Thank you.

Welcome to OH.  I had open RNY done on 9-30-09.  I think the surgery is working quite well.  I have lost a total of 76 pounds.  I chose this procedure because I felt it gave me the best shot at losing all the weight.  My progress has slowed down some, but I have other conditions that I have to take medication for that makes me gain weight and also keep me from doing alot or even a little exercise.  I went to water aerobics this morning, but the last time I went to the gym to work out on the equipment, I almost passed out.  My exercise consists of riding my 3 wheeler bike and water aerobics.  I really do believe that RNY is the best.  I personally didn't even consider the lapband.

You are doing the absolute right thing by asking these questions; you need to find out what will work for you and what you are willing to accept in the way of lifestyle changes.

Good luck on your journey!

Colleen

Thank you Colleen. A few years ago I was going through this same process, but thought that the only options were the lapband or the RNY. I did not do my "homework" so to speak, so it was a good thing that I chickened out at the last minute. Now years later, I have lost and gained (even more weight) and am a few years older (43yrs old) with 2 grandkids and have started having problems physically from my weight being so out of control. I truly feel this is something I must do, as scared as I am about having WLS, I am just as scared of dying from not having it done. As I am doing more research this time, I am finding that I may want to go with the DS route, but there is not a surgeon in this state that does DS.  I am also not sure if my insurance will pay for a DS. I just want my life back!!! I was a very active person, now I can barely walk to the mailbox 1/16 mile away without being winded. I bought a bike and started riding with my husband, only to injure my hand from all my weight pressing down on the handlebars while riding. People are not very supportive when I speak to them about having WLS, they all try to scare me with horror stories they have heard, so that is why I chickened out last time. Well that and my husband telling me that all I have to do is eat right and exercise (DUH!). So, I did backed out of WLS few yrs ago after going through the months of pre-op conditions, even had a surgery dated. I did what my hubby said, lost 60lbs, then gained it all back, plus 10lbs. So, here I am 317lbs @ 5'6" BMI of 50.8 and scared to death that I will die before I am 50yrs old if I dont do something. I feel like a weak person because I can not lose this weight on my own. I am depressed, angry, sad, and tired. People say, "you just need to stick to it", I could not agree with them more!!! "So, quit feeling sorry for yourself and DO IT!" I have tried, repeatedly, I can lose the weight, I can't seem to keep it off. It slowly creeps back. 

Wow, sorry to dump on you, I was just wanting to discuss my surgery options and out pours all of the above. Funny how typing to people you don't know is so much easier than talking to the people that are suppose to love you and support you in your life.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Kristi

Kristi,

I didn't feel like you were dumping on me at all.  This is a support group and that is what we do here; support each other.

The only thing I can think of to say to you is that this is YOUR life.  My BMI 48.9 when I started and I was at the same point you were/are.  I was either going to die a slow death from all of the complications of my obesity or I could risk dying during the operation.  I felt like I had nothing to lose.

For the "naysayers", don't ask them for their opinions and if they give them to you anyway thank them and go about your business.  This is your life and your choice, not theirs.

We are all here for you. 

Welcome to OH and to the Bariatric Buddies group!

This is an excellent place to learn about your options and hear of the experiences of folks from all walks of life.  I began my journey with the plan of getting the lapband and then altered my course to a RNY after doing more research, talking to my primary care doc, talking to my bariatric doc, and - MOST IMPORTANTLY - praying for guidance.

I had an open RNY on 09/14/2009.  I am down 109 lbs as of today - 18 lbs were lost prior to surgery and the remaining 91 since surgery.  I have gone from a 5x to a 2x in tops and a 32W to a 20W in jeans. 

It hasn't been easy by any means, but I would do it all over again.  I struggle with "head hunger" and keeping old habits at bay, but I feel good and I am happy with my results so far.

If you have questions, concerns, or just want to vent, use OH and the BB group.  We are all in this together!  Take care!

Welcome!  I had laproscopic RNY on 3/3/10.  Down 48 pounds including pre surgery weight loss.  I did this type because it has the highest percentage of patients that were able to get off their insulin.

I feel great, and if you asked me would I do it again?  Absolutely.  I know that this was the last chance for me.  Nothing else has worked.

But, a caution, this is not a miracle cure.  There is an incredible amount of work and committment you will need to make to be successfull.

Hi Kristi, welcome to the group, you will find a great source of information and support here. 

I had RNY myself, started out thinking I wanted lapband.  I think that each of us needs to do the research, soul searching, consults with surgeon and work with your surgeon to decide what is the best option for your group of symptoms and goals.  I was able to take my last insulin shot the day before surgery.  Still needing pills for the type II diabetes, but that is so very acceptable after a few years of needing several insulin shots a day.  My knees, ankles and feet sing the praises of less weight to haul around. 

I am so glad that I had wls.  Losing 44 pounds during the pre-op supervised diet and almost at 100 pounds total loss since starting the process. I have slowed in my weight loss and continue to work with head hunger and some old eating habits that want to creep back.  This surgery and any of the weight loss surgeries gives us the tool of a smaller stomach, but does not do surgery on our brains and the lifelong ingrained habits that keep us ticking.  Yes, I would do this all over again, in a heartbeat.  I wish that I had this many years ago, but that is 20/20 hindsight.  Don't we all wish we had that!!!

I had an uneventful surgical process, minimal difficulties related to the surgery, minimal nausea and only one episode where food came back up in the 7 months since surgery.  Food does get "stuck" a times, but only if I haven't chewed well enough.

Day to day, I try to explain nutrition to my hubby, who does not get it and probably never will.  Then I do what I need to for my health and drag him along for the healthy ride as best I can.  We take walks together, the dogs love it too.  I explain that I want him to be around for many more years to be my companion.  Hoping that the better habits rub off with time. 

Long story shortened, come back do all the research you need to, consult with your surgeon and do what you know deep in your soul is best for you.  Looking forward to following your progress.  Hugs

Welcome to our group! You are very wise to reach out to others that KNOW and truly UNDERSTAND your position. Some of the folks in our group didn't even discuss it with anyone other than immediate family , to avoid the challenges of people  who are naysayers.
I will tell you this. There are no more risks to you during this surgery than there is with any other surgery where you are put under. Yes there are possibilities of complications from this surgery, but they aren't a given, and most people do not suffer from any. Some do. and few have more than one. But most come through well. People just love to pass on the bad stories. I don't know why some thrive on that. And another thought I'd like to share too, is that a good percentage of complications after, can be caused by lack of following the surgeons instructions, not taking supplements, and not getting in enough water & protein.

Now I personally, had laproscopic RNY (gastric bypass). I have gone from a tight 24 to a comfy 10 in pants, and from a 3X to a large, sometimes medium top. I am one year and 8+ months out from my surgery am down 112 lbs and had plastic surgery 7 1/2 weeks ago. I had zero complications. Was nauseated the first couple of weeks from plain water, ate lots of sugar free popsicles and drank crystal light until that passed. I too am 43, a grammy of 2 and have another bundle of grammy joy on the way. I can RUN and PLAY and have a ball with those kids and I LOVE it! Before my rny, never could I have enjoyed those precious gifts as I do now. I'd do it again in a heart beat! I personally was at a point where I even told my hubby i'd rather die on that table than to continue life as it was as an obese person. I was miserable, had swelling in my legs so bad they pitted and the pits stayed for nearly 20 minutes and were deep. High BP, terribly fatigued constantly, Couldn't even talk and breathe at the same time. I was embarrassed and wanted to do nothing but nap. All that has changed for me.

My daughter is 24, had RNY 2 years ago Jan 17th. She lost around 200 lbs. She however experienced some  complications. She had a couple of strictures and had to have her gallbladder out from the big and rapid weight loss. She also had a herniation in her bowel due to losing so fast and the bowels moved and shifted and at one spot herniated.  in the midst of each event she questioned her decision, bu once recovered, knew and even said, even if she knew she'd have the complications she did, she would absolutely do it again. And as a bonus, she is now 6 months pregnant with my 3rd grandchild (her first child) that she NEVER thought she'd be able to conceive.  The weight loss is what enabled her to become pregnant. It was not planned but we are all thrilled for the precious new member to arrive in our family.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it! lol.
Welcome, and best of luck to you in your journey, whichever method you choose to take in it.
Lean on us, vent, whatever you need. thats what we are here for!

 Hi Kristi,

Welcome to OH and to our group.  Congrats to you for taking the first step and looking into your options for getting your life back.  I too reached that point last summer where I said, I can't do this on my own and I'm gonna die like this if I don't do something soon.  I did research online and went to an informational meeting at my bariatric center.  In the end, when I was scheduled for a laproscopic RNY, I asked my surgeon again if he thought I was going the right route and he told me that he would never recommend anything else to someone who was a good candidate for a RNY.  

I had my RNY on 1/25/2010.  I had no complications with surgery or since.  I've been faithful to follow my nutritional instructions and get my medications and water in daily.  It is a struggle some days but I just remind myself that I want to be healthy and to do that I must get the nutrients and water in.  

I have lost 46lbs in 9 weeks.  That's pretty average I think.  I've seen some who have lost faster and some slower.  I was at 240 the day of surgery and am at 204 now, 9 weeks later.  My frame of mind is so much better.  I feel so much better and I have hope for living longer and enjoying life with my husband (we are empty nesters now) and our 8 grandchildren (so far).  I know I'm early out but I would say now that I would do this again in a minute and I wish I had done it years ago.

Best of luck to you in your journey.  We are here for you.

Deb

Hi Kristi. I originally thought I would get the lap band but after researching it I knew it was not for me. I decided the RNY was exactly what I needed after lots of research. Then I got caught up in the "surgery war" posts on the main board between DS'ers and others. I started to question my decision and wonder if DS was really what I needed even though I'd have to travel much further than I would for the RNY. I finally realized that the reasons I had chosen RNY in the first place were what made it right for me and that yes I was making the right decision for me and my lifestyle and my problems with food. I think DS is a great surgery for lots of reasons, especially for people who are volume eaters and want to remain that. I myself need the restriction of RNY and especilly the dumping that is a deterrent to eating sweets which is my problem area. Just do tons of research and choose what you feel in your heart is the right surgery for you. If it turns out to be DS, I hope your insurance covers it and you are able to get to a really good experienced surgeon. I think you'll do great no matter what your choice, because you are already committed to finding out all you can and that is very important in this whole process!! Good luck to you-

Rhonda