Newbie. Trying to decide on which surgery (sleeve or RNY). What do I do with this sweet...

Hi everyone!  I've been "lurking" for a couple of days and think you have a wonderful and supportive group here. 

I've met with my surgeon and it is my choice as to whether I have the gastric sleeve or the RNY procedure.  I expect to be able to finalize the decision and get on the surgery schedule by next week, and would appreciate some personal insights from those that have "been there" regarding a couple of items.

I have pre-diabetes, with a history of diabetes in both sides of my gene pool.  So, I know that RNY basically provides a "cure" for diabetes,  However, I would love to hear from someone that may have had the sleeve surgery that can tell me what their experience has been regarding their diabetes. 

I also have a sweet tooth and would love to hear from someone else that has that terrible monster in their mouth and hear about their experience following surgery.

All in all, I want to set myself up for success!  I'm 64 years old, 5'7" and want to reach a goal weight of 150 (currently 280).

Welcome to the group, posting is the best way to get the replies you seek.  Great to hear from you.  When I was ready for my surgery 2 years ago, my choices were band and RNY and with my surgeon, decided to go for the RNY. 

I also have type 2 diabetes and knew that this was my best option for control of the disease.  Prior to surgery I was on large doses of long acting insulin twice a day with shots of short acting insulin with meals, plus pills.  I took my last insulin shot the day before surgery and am now controlled with pills only.  I also chose the RNY because I needed to know that dumping was a possibility if I gave in to my sweet tooth.  I have dumped, and that unsettled feeling prevents me from caving in to the sweet tooth most of the time.  There is no dumping with the sleeve.

This surgery has given me a small pouch that works for portion control.  Love the results.  The sleeve was not an option through my insurance company at the time.  I have friends that have the sleeve and love the results too.  I suggest to make a list of good and bad possibilities for each of the procedures and how the procedures would fit into your life plan.  Discuss the options with your surgeon and together make the best decision.  I can not suggest a surgery for you, but do the work, make the lists and listen to that small voice in you that tells you what the best option will be.  Best of luck with the decision process.

Thanks so much for your response, Kathy!  That's the type of feedback I was looking for....the personal experiences and insights of others always helps with decision making.

I hadn't thought of making a list of pros and cons so will do that and review everything with my Dr. when I have the schedulling appointment with him.

Thanks so much, Linda

I have the sleeve, i was not diabetic,but leaning towards prediabetes....
The sleeve will take the weight off, but not sure on the diabetes end. With RNY you can't eat sweets, you will be sick!
so that is a deterrent

I am working my way toward my surgery date, but have done the research in order to choose which surgery I want.  I am choosing the sleeve.  I think this is best for me.  There are pros & cons of both.  I've decided on the sleeve because there is no dumping with the sleeve.  Also, I've read that the vitamin deffic. are less severe with the sleeve and that there is possibly less risk of hair loss.  Not to say that these won't happen, but I think the risk is lower.  I like that with the sleeve I will be restricted, but the pouch is bigger then the RNY.  Also, I like that there is no re-routing of bowels.  That is just some insight as to what I have found and how I came to my decision.  Good luck on yours and just do your research.

Thanks for your thoughts "Smile."  I'm with you on the points you make, and hadn't heard that there's possibly less hair loss, which is a good thing!  One thing I like about the sleeve is that it would keep things more naturally intact, i.e., pyloric valve, bowels.

I just want to make the best long term choice.  At my age, I don't plan to have any "do overs!"

Thanks for your post...Linda

Hello to All!  I am also a Newbie!  And I need to decide which surgery to go for...Sleeve or RNY?  I know I will be successful with either, at least the first year.  My concern is in the years to follow!  I DO NOT want to re-gain the weight.  In the past I have been my own worst enemy.  I will be 55 years old this February and weight 245.  I would love to see 140 again.  The only health issue I have is hypothroidism- 20 years ago (when I weighed 150, after having 4 children) my thyroid stopped and I've been gaining weight ever since.       
       My one question is-how do you gain the weight back with RNY surgery??? I can see stretching your stomach out with the Sleeve, but how the heck can you consume enough food when you barely have a pouch?  DOes that stretch also?  
     I need to make a decision in the next few weeks and I am trying to research this.  My doctor says I will do great with either, but I think he prefers the RNY for me...maybe it is an easier surgery for him?  Any advice would be helpful and very appreciated!

Thanks, Maggie

Thanks for your post, Maggie.  My Dr. is like yours because he is giving me time to inform myself and consider all the possibilities, which I appreciate.   From what I've read, the sleeve is a simpler procedure surgically, so I don't think he/she would prefer the RNY for you based on that.

I think I'm just going to read, read, read and then have the discussion with him and come to the best conclusion.  I certainly don't want to gain any weight back, either!

All the best to you!  Linda

Hi all,

I had the sleeve gastric bypass last week (10/13/11) and I am doing well. No problems with walking and bending over either. I was like the both of you trying to decide last month what surgery to have and my surgeon and I decided on the SGB. I liked the fact that it was simple. My new stomach is intact to my small intestine about 6-8 inches further down than my original stomach. I feel both can be successful b/c I have friends that had both and they are doing great. Good Luck!

Hi Gigi -- thank you so much for your feedback.  That's the type of info that is helpful!  Good luck on your continued success!!  Regards, Linda