Question:
My Gi doctor said I should have the Vertical sleeve instead of RNY due to Gi probs

Ok So my daughter and I started this journey together. We both were getting Lapband. Then we saw the surgeon and he said my daughter could have it, but because of all my gi issues (peptic ulcer disease, Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis) amongst others I cant remember right now. My daughter decided to have RNY and is scheduled nest Thursday. I am so happy for her. Today I went back to my Gi doctor and he found more ulcers so I have to wait another month and have another scope. I told him I was having surgery and RNY and he told me not to. He said it would be one of the worse mistakes I could ever make. He said they would never be able to access my stomach accept for surgery if I had it. He told me I should have the Gastric sleeve. I don't know much about it. I don't know anyone who has had it done, their success, how much weight I can lose. I don't even know it my doctor does it,or if he has how many. I don't want to be like a practice case for him. Need less to say this bothers me. He even wrote in my chart that he wont recommend it. Any suggestions    — Hilkerrt (posted on January 14, 2010)

January 14, 2010
Get several opinions from various bariatric surgeons. They could confirm or refute what he's telling you. What state are you in?
   — Rebecca T.

January 14, 2010
Find out what your surgeon thinks of the recent opinion of the GI doctor. He may very well agree: my GI doc mentioned that it's one reason many surgeons have a full endoscopy performed before approving RNY... because the bottom part of the stomach, the part they seal off, can be a problem if there are ulcers there. He said the same thing, that the bottom, separated part of the stomach becomes difficult to treat for ulcers (or other problems like stomach cancer) after RNY surgery, so they want to check the health of that organ. The docs are just looking out for your health here; the point of RNY is to improve your health, not just lose weight... so I would listen to them, even though it's disappointing. Ask your surgeon about other options: Lap-band, Vertical Sleeve, and even duodenal switch. I noticed that my insurance has begun to approve of the DS on an equal basis with RNY, and if my surgeon actually performed that surgery, I would look into it. There are forums for each of the procedures here on the OH website, you can ask some of your questions there and learn a lot. Just go to FORUMS at the top of this page... then SURGICAL FORUMS and pick the surgery you want to learn about.
   — Greg K.

January 14, 2010
I hate to confirm bad news but I had VSG surgery 18 months ago. One of the first things they do is test your upper GI. If there are any consistent problems they won't do surgery. It's far too risky if you already have a problem with ulcers now. They cut away 70% of your stomach with the VSG. That doesn't leave you much tummy. I think you will have a difficult time getting any surgeon to agree to do a weight loss surgery with your ulcer problems and especially the esophagus being involved too. As far as success of the surgery. I couldn't have given myself a better gift. I was set to have the lap band at first but after investigating each surgery and asking my surgeon questions as well as telling him my various fears about each, I chose the Vertical Sleeve and I am so glad I did. I have lost 80 pounds and am still losing. I am healthier than I have been in years. I had high cholestrol, high triglycerides, and was a heart attack waiting to happen...border line diabetic and had sleep apnea. None of those health issues exist for me now thank God. Please, take care of you and make the decision that is the healthiest for you. A weight loss surgery wouldn't be worth it if something happened to you in the process that made you more ill or worse, resulted in your death. Be wise in your decision.
   — Jodi L.

January 14, 2010
The Vertical Sleeve has been performed in THIS country for DECADES for exactly your problem. Before it became a weight loss treatment, it was used to treat ulcers and stomach cancer. Doctors discovered that it had the added benefit of helping their patients lose weight. It is simply the SAFEST weight loss surgery currently available. What the doctors remove is the section of the stomach that is prone to ulcers and cancer. The part that is left is less likely to develop these problems. Keep in mind that the surgery does not eliminate the possibility of getting ulcers or stomach cancer, it just significantly reduces it. The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy has been shown to be nearly as effective in weight loss as the RnY. I had mine a bit over a year ago, and have lost over 100 pounds. I would strongly suggest that you get the VSG and consider yourself lucky. You won't have to deal with all the headaches that come with the RnY. You won't need regular blood tests for the rest of your life. You will not need to take special supplements for the rest of your life. You will not have to deal with sensitivities to fats or sugars, and you will not have to deal with smelly excrement or excess flatulence. I hope this helps.
   — hubarlow

January 15, 2010
I had the sleeve done 18 months ago, I have lost 122 pounds and I am at my goal, I feel great and best gift I could have ever given myself. Just check around, the sleeve isnt so new, I am from MI and my dr. has done many of these and doing more everyday. Good Luck to you and what you decide to use for your new TOOL!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 15, 2010
I was going to have the lap band and decided that the VGS instead. With the band there is fills, something forgein in tommy. With RNY, they actually re route your intestines/stomach, etc and you have to deal with the dumping sickness. With the vetical gastric sleeve, they cut away the bottom part of stomach and stitch you up. Nothing forgein added and no re routing. The hormone that sends the signal that makes us hungry was removed with the bottom part of the stomach, so you never feel or hear your stomach growl. I think your Dr is right in your case,but you must decide for yourself. I can tell you my surgery was Nov 19,2008 and I am almost at 100 pounds lost. I must get in my protein first and get in exercise. I am happy I did the sleeve. good luck.
   — Linda C.

January 15, 2010
I just had the sleeve done and I am thrilled with it. Many people don't need anything else, but if it stops working for you, there is a follow on procedure that can be done down the road. In addition, you can still take most of the medicines that you take now, which may not be the case with the RNY. The reason I had a sleeve was that I need to be able to take NSAIDS for my arthritis, and I can with the sleeve, but not with the RNY or with the band. Good Luck, and don't be afraid the sleeve won't be as successful for you, because it is an excellent method with many things to recommend it.
   — pshock