Question:
ROUX EN Y LAPAROSCOPIC VERSUS GASTRECTOMY LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE

I am scheduled for the older roux en y laparoscopic surgery. Has anyone had the newer gastrectomy laparoscopic sleeve. My surgeon says 1000 or more have been done in the U.S. I am having doubts, on my scheduled surgery, versus the new sleeve procedure. The newer sleeve does not bypass any of the intestines, and there are not malabsorption problems. please give your thoughts, feedback or advice. many thanks    — nana2one (posted on April 29, 2009)

April 29, 2009
I had lap-rny on March 9th. I didn't consider the sleeve because my insurance wouldn't cover it. A nurse I work with had no insurance coverage and since she was paying for it out of pocket decided on the sleeve and is doing great. During the research I did pre-op most everything I read put the sleeve between lap-band and rny on speed of weight loss, average total weight loss, and average long term weight maintence. There is a lot of interest because the sleeve doesn't have the malabsorption issues (it is purely restrictive) and may have stomach hormone advantages since part of the stomach is fully removed. As I have stated in other posts, I am approaching the weight loss journey as the rny is the tool to help me get the bulk of my excess weight off but it is up to me to use the tool correctly and then to learn to eat healthy and be regular with exercise to be able to keep the weight off. I believe this applies to all 4 weight loss surgeries currently in use. If you are having doubts discuss it with your surgeon as to why the surgeon advises rny over sleeve for your situation. Like I said I had about $20,000 worth of reason to have the rny over the sleeve, but once I decided to go this route I am trying to fully commit to making it work. Good luck on your decision. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

April 29, 2009
I had the sleeve procedure on 02/12/09. I have been very happy in that I have had no complications. I was private pay and it cost me $14900.00. (OUCH!) But I figured that I would just keep driving my same car for another 2 years to compensate for it. I would have liked to have had the older RNY but it was another $7000.00 and I was not willing to pay the additional money. As far as the sleeve versus RNY, the weight loss is slower. To date I have lost 37lbs but I also was taking 13 pills a day for so many issues that I was having before. I only take thyroid medication now. With RNY you do have a higher risk of complications. I feel like ultimately the same result could be achieved with either surgery. My surgeon strictly encouraged the sleeve over any other procedure. One of the hardest things for me has been realizing that this is life long and it doesn't happen overnight. This is a journey....a new chance to experience life like so many other people get to experience. I was very upset to wake up after surgery after forking out $15000.00 and not look like BARBIE! Just talk to your doctor and together the two of you will make the right decision. Good luck to you...
   — WINDSTAR1726

April 30, 2009
When I first started researching and learning about the different procedures, I just knew I was going to go with lapband. That decision changed once I found out that I would lose the weight faster with gastric bypass. I am 7 days out today and I have no regrets in my decision. My aunt had lapband Dec. 08 and she is not happy with it because she said she does not feel she is losing her weight fast enough. I really didn't give much consideration to the other types of WLS surgery. I wish you much luck with your journey!!!
   — cxperr01

May 1, 2009
At my surgeon's preactice, the happiest group of patients are the Sleeve (VSG) patients. This is according to the patient co-ordinator (who said if she had it to do all over again, she would have the sleeve instead of her lap-band.) I, myself, had the sleeve and it's great. As you said, there are no malabsorbtion issues. And the grehlin hormone is removed right along with the stomach! I've lost roughly 100 lb. in 6 to 8 months, and wouldn't change a thing. Best of luck.
   — ridge_redhead