Question:
RNY vs Gastric Sleeve- Surgery scheduled Sept. 21, 2009 Help!

I am unsure as to whether to have the RNY or the Gastric Sleeve. I keep hearing more about the Sleeve and it doesn't sound like you have as many complications. I am a diabetic so always thought the RNY would be the best. I am sooo scared of gaining my weight back. Anyone out there have the sleeve and gain any weight back yet?    — geebee (posted on August 31, 2009)

August 31, 2009
This surgery comparison chart will help a great deal. GO TO WWW.LAPSF.COM, ON THE LEFT SIDE BLUE BOX CLICK "WEIGHT LOSS AND REVISIONAL SURGERIES" THEN CLICK "INTO-WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS", SCROLL DOWN TO WHERE YOU SEE THE PICTURE OF A STOMACH-CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SURGERY COMPARISON CHART. PRINT THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS.
   — Kristy

August 31, 2009
That is an awesome question. I struggled with the sleeve or RNY. I picked RNY because of the sugar.. You get very sick if you eat sugar and it will remind you that you can't have it. If I was a diabetic, RNY would be my best choice for me. Also for me anyway, I don't crave sugar like I used to...I am 16 months post op and have lost 220 pounds. Good luck in your decision.
   — okbuffy

August 31, 2009
I chose the RNY because I WANTED the complications that can come with it. I NEED the threat of dumping and getting sicker than a dog if I eat something wrong. It keeps me in line. I HATE to be sick, and they say when you suffer from the dumping syndrome, you feel like you're going to die for a couple of hours. It's really unpleasant. So, why subject myself to that. With the Gastric Sleeve, you can still eat everything you ate before, including sugar, just in much smaller amounts.... so it might not take care of your diabetes as quickly as the RNY would. I'd have a talk with my surgeon, and see what HIS/HER thoughts are. It's really a decision best made between you and your doctor.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

August 31, 2009
I choose the sleeve and could not be happier with my decison. I am one month out today with -32 pounds. I was happy about the less complications with this surgery. I know for myself at this point I have re-trained myself of how I think of food. I remind myself each day that I havent came this far for nothing. I don't want to fail. Good luck on your journey. May God Bless you!
   — TanyaMuncy

August 31, 2009
You need to look at the pros and cons of both and choose what you think will work best for you. I had the sleeve one year ago. I was diabetic, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and several other co-morbidities. I was off all my diabetic meds within a month. At one year out I am down 140 lbs, and my blood work shows everything within the normal range! I chose the sleeve because there was less chance of malnutrition due to malabsorption issues, and no dumping. I am very happy with the sleeve. However, if you think you might be someone who will be tempted to "drink" their calories (such as milk shakes, etc.), then you might want the RNY which causes many to dump if they get too much sugar in their system. Regardless of which surgery you have, it is still only a tool, and you will have to make some permanent lifestyle changes to succeed and keep the weight off once you lose it. I have not gained any weight back, and am still losing about 8 lbs a month - I lost about 20 the first month, and then have averaged about 10-12 lbs a month after that. If you lose much more than that each month, you may be losing muscle! Best of luck! And congrats! Let us know how you do and keep us posted!
   — Wendy M.

September 1, 2009
I chose the sleeve because of the low complications. I am very happy with my choice. I have lost 75 lbs in 5 months. I have eaten surgar but I have noticed that a lot of it doesn't taste as good to me as it used to. I have had mild dumping syndrom afterwards partially because I do not have a gall bladder. My blood pressure has come down and I do note eat near as much as I used to. I have heard of people with RNY gaining weight back and VSG hasn't been out there that long so there isn't as much info for long term results but so far they are pretty good on the average. As the previous poster said the surgery is only a tool the discipline has to come from us. VSG is a great tool and helps imensly. I truly hope you have great success in whichever surgery you choose.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

September 1, 2009
I used to be a diabetic before having the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I have lost over 100 pounds with the sleeve, and I am no longer a diabetic. There ARE far less complications with the sleeve, and I would highly recommend the procedure to MOST people. Hugh
   — hubarlow

September 19, 2009
I had the sleeve done for the reason of few complications, I am 14 months out and have lost 115 pounds and feel great all the time. I still cant eat much, but that is a good thing and all my test/labs come back good, so I just keep doing what i have been doing and I am very happy with my new life style. I think talking with your doctor about the pros and cons would be a good idea too.
   — [Deactivated Member]