Question:
RNY vs Sleeve

Hi Everyone - Looking for H E L P! I weight 193 pounds and although that isnt huge - the demons are plenty in my head! I am going to mexico for a surger (Shirly has been GREAT) but I have to decide on which. I am torn between still be able to enjoy something i love .....food - yet know it is also my enemy! I had a band in 1999 in Mexico and it never worked! I was 234 and got down to 220 after 5 years. My US doc said that if i failed with a Band that probable the sleeve will faile me. Yet, im told that the RNY is pretty harsh for someone my size. Anyone have opinions based on personal experience?    — Marie S. (posted on November 17, 2009)

November 17, 2009
The sleeve is the 1st part of duodenal switch, for info on the sleeve, (dsfacts.com)the sleeve is a excellent choice,check out the revision board,go under forums,then click on surgical,scroll down,you will find the sleeve board and revisions, they are people who had failed surgeries,facing,simular problems. Good luck with your journey.
   — rebecca W.

November 17, 2009
Hi there, first thing is you need to log your food and realize exactly what you are eating. If you eat a lot of sweets or fats then RNY as you would have dumping (hopefully). The sleeve is a great option for lightwieghts, my hubby just had it done in September (down 47 pounds). His passion is chips and just plain over eating. He was afraid of the absorbtion issues and vitamin requirements with RNY. I have done great with my RNY and always compliant with my vitamins etc. The sleeve is much cheaper if your a self pay. Both are very good options compared to the band. So thats my 2 cents worth. Toni
   — ToniLee

November 17, 2009
I had the sleeve done Sept. 1 of this year, as of today I have lost 77 pounds. This was the best option for me, I was self pay so yes it is affortable but the biggest thing is that I have not had any complications what so ever. Also with the sleeve you still have all the functions of the stomach, you just have 70% less to fill, because it is gone. What ever you choose it is a great tool to help you with you weightloss. Good luck!
   — tmhlls300

November 17, 2009
No doubt you will hear fro both sides, but here is my point of view. First off, I COMPLETELY disagree with what the surgeon told you about the sleeve failing you. I have met numerous people over the course of my journey, who have had revisions, and they are all VERY happy they did it. Understand, though, that you CAN cheat any WLS. As for me, I had the sleeve March 31, 2008. I have lost 134 lbs and met that final goal in just over a year. I can still eat the foods I enjoy (although I do make choices as any WL patient should. Yet,I don't have any ill effects or have to worry about long term health issues. It is a BIG decision and not one to be taken lightly. Do your research. Spend time in both forums on OH. Ask lots of questions. Go with your gut. I wish you the best. Mary
   — corky1057

November 18, 2009
I had the sleeve, for me, it was the sleeve or lap band. I was 275. Tomorrow will be one year and I've lost 90 lbs. I chose it due to the no object inside me and no vitamin issues as you might with rny. I too, went to Mexico and I don't regret it at all. To me, an rny is somewhat deastic for the amt of weight you have to lose. Good luck with your choice.
   — Linda C.

November 18, 2009
Also, what you might consider in the sleeve is the hormone that tells you you are hungry isn't there, you actually have to make yourself remember to eat. hope that helps
   — Linda C.

November 18, 2009
Any of these surgeries are only a tool and will not keep you from gaining weight back if you don't make some changes in eating habits and exercise as is neccessary with any weight loss. I had the VSG 7 months ago and have lost 88 lbs and I feel great. It does definitly restrict how much you can eat but not so much what you can eat. I am sensitive to pasta and rice and bread doesn't settle that well either but that is good becasue those are extra carbs I don't need anyway. I have platued and struggled with the last 20 lbs I've lost and I know that I need to exercise and whatch what I am eating if I want to continue to lose. I would really like to lose anothe 55 lbs. VSG is a great choice because it is also considered the first stage of an RNY which is how my insurance covered it. So you can go from a VSG to an RNY as the next step. One advantage I've been told is in the shape of the VSG and it being the top portion of the stomach which is tougher and harder to stretch. I do have time when I seem to be able to eat more and then other times when I seem to get full really quick and I can't eat much at all. When you do eat too much you will feel sick and can get sick because you still have the bottom valve that keeps the food from just passing through your stomach really fast. So there are lots of things to consider. I would reccommend the VSG because of the lower amount of complications and that you can take it to the next level if needed. I hope you have great success.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

November 18, 2009
I had VSG June 2008, I have lost 173 lbs. I do not regret it, my surgeon recommended RNY, but I wasn't comfortable with the idea of the malabsorbtion and dumping. He told me that I would lose more weight with an RNY, but I chose a VSG because I felt that it was the best option for me. Whichever surgery you choose, it will still be life changing, and your success will still depend on how hard you are willing to work at it. May God Bless You Abundantly!
   — KathieV