Question:
Has anyone ever wished they had chosen a different type of surgery?

The different types of wls surgeries all seem to have pros and cons to them. Its so hard to really know what will work for you until its said and done and youre living with your choice.    — Donna L. (posted on September 15, 2001)

September 15, 2001
I had BPD/DS surgery 2 years ago at a major NYC hospital that does ALL types of WLS, including the trial AGB labarascopically. Until a year ago the meetings were all surgicary types together and it was an eyeful! At one meeting I noted that of 6 lap band patients, 2 had been revised to BPD/DS, and 2 were scheduled for revision already. The RNYs were complaining that no one had told them about the DS before surgery and why did they have so many food restrictions, and the DS patients were bored listening to all the talk of RNYs vomiting, dumping, having anastomis narrowing and spending so much time on dieting and food. The DS group finally demanded a separate support group from the other surgeries and I'm sure they've stopped doing the AGBs as they had such a low success rate -- even in the short term trials. The best way to find out about ALL the WLS types is to work with a hospital that offers ALL types of surgery and find out about the LONG term success rates. Most people lose weight the first year, but it's the long term results and quality of life that you're left with for the rest of your life that should be the deciding factor. Settling for the closest doctor may be a lifetime compromise and a revision, while possible, is no something you would want if it could be avoided, plus revisions from VBG & RNY are not always possible. I am eternally grateful that I did extra research and cancelled my first surgeon until I completely understood and felt secure in my choice.
   — Jill L.

September 15, 2001
I am near 11 weeks post op vertical silastic ring gastroplasty and I am glad I did NOT have the RNY..of the side effects list I just read from those posted, whew!! I am so glad I did not have my insides taken apart and reattached in a way our digestive system was not intended. I am soon 11 weeks post op and have lost 42 lbs, with little to no problems or side effects!!!
   — Maureen P.

September 16, 2001
Unfortunately, on sites such as this, readers are more often confronted with posts that are questioning or attempting to address problems and complications of the various weight loss surgeries. Your responsibility as a prospective patient is to do all the research possible regarding the various options available, then to discuss with your physician your eating "lifestyle" as it is now. That will better enable the two of you to determine the surgical approach that will most likely meet your individual needs. I, and three other members of my family, are strong advocates of RNY, and believe that it was absolutely the best choice for us. We are happy to say that following those first few post-op weeks, we have not experienced nausea, vomiting, stricture at the anastamosis site, nor narrowing of the stoma. We each experience some degree of dumping with the intake of concentrated sugars or high-fat foods, but those symptoms are limited to 15-20 minutes of "hot flashes" and slightly rapid heartrate....not life-threatening or physically incapacitating, but certainly a helpful reminder to stay away from the very types of foods that helped to create our morbid obesity in the first place! We have not felt "deprived" in any way....we eat whatever we want, only MUCH less of it. We are between 7-20 months post-op and none of us experience any sensations of hunger....what a blessedly liberating thing that has been for each of us! Our lab values are completely within normal range and we take only a daily multivitamin with iron and a calcium supplement. We are off all previous medications for hypertension and diabetes, and are each healthier than we have been for many, many years. Each procedure has its pros and cons....remember that there are many more completely satisfied "customers" of each than are represented here or on any other site. Best of luck to you!
   — Diana T.

September 16, 2001
In order to really make a choice, you must be informed. This is a great place to start and you asked a good question. Please do your research on all the procedures then make a decision as to what you will be able to live with -- for the rest of your life. I personally chose the RNY because I knew I needed a change in lifestyle and eating patterns. It works quite well for me. I've never thrown up, and have been blessed not to have the complications that can happen with ANY weight loss surgery. I'm pleased that I am now forced to make some changes. Food is no longer a top priority for me. It isn't the first thing I think about when I wake up anymore. I did my research and know that I am the type of person that will have no problem supplementing. It is now just second nature to me. I can eat anything with no problems. I'm just eating limited quantities now -- what society calls "normal serving sizes". It is great. Whatever you chose, make sure that it is the right thing for YOU. Good luck!
   — Kimberly L.