Question:
If you had a RNY are you happy with it or do you wish you

had the DS? If you had the DS are you happy or do you wish you had the RNY? Who made the decision, you or your doctor? I think these are both miracles and want to know what is best for me. I have about 140 lbs to loose.    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 3, 2001)

September 3, 2001
I actually filled out a questioneer provided by the hospitak and when I was accepted into tne program I was told what my procedure would be and asigned to a doctor. I was happy with the rny and the doctor. My choice was weather to have it open or lap, the other decisions were made for me.I have never regretted any of the decisions.
   — Rose A.

September 3, 2001
I'm distal RNY. DS was not an option back in 1994, as far as I knew. Given that option today, when I had to revise due to staple line disruption, I still chose RNY. I need all the restrictions ir provides for me. I can supplement all day long, but not good at the dieting thing at all. I can work with a few restrictions, but I know what I'm good at and where I have weak spots. I need the tiny pouch and I need the maximum malabsorption. If I had it to do again, I'd replicate what I have.
   — vitalady

September 3, 2001
I thoroughly researched all the available surgical options for approximately three months before making a final decision. I knew ME and my eating lifestyle and habits better than anyone else, and I knew that I needed and wanted the "restrictions" that the RNY offered. I was confident that over a period of time, I would certainly "eat my way around" the VBG or lap banding. After struggling for years with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I just couldn't face the continued prospect of the chronic diarrhea that some distal patients experience. The RNY mandated that I would observe some very basic "rules": take small bites, eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and STOP as soon as you feel full. This is what most of our "skinny" friends do naturally, and what we have always been told that we should do, but just couldn't somehow. The RNY has a history with most patients of changing their tastes or desires for some foods....the things that we thought we just couldn't live without, don't seem to interest us at all anymore, and vice-versa. I do experience some degree of "dumping syndrome" with concentrated sugars and high-fat foods, but I have also found that those foods don't interest me at all now, so "dumping" is not a problem. In the 17 months since my surgery (and 145 lbs. later), I can honestly say that I have never felt hungry. I have to look at the clock and remind myself that its time to eat something, so I have never felt "deprived" or as if I have had to make any major sacrifices where food is concerned. Although vitamin and mineral supplementation will always be part of my daily lifestyle, I don't have the concerns about distal malabsorption, and all my lab values have always been right on target with just one Centrum vitamin and 3 TUMS a day. One of the attractions of the other procedures is that patients can, if they choose, continue for the most part to eat most or any of the foods that they enjoyed pre-op, but in smaller amounts. For me, all those foods (high sugar, high fat, high calorie) were the ones that got me "into trouble" in the first place. The RNY has given me a truly "healthy" dietary regimen for the first time in my life....I don't tolerate sugar, and even the thought of foods high in fat makes me just slightly queasy. I "crave" salads and fresh fruits now...I prefer chicken and seafood to any red meat...a total reverse from my "former life". The bottom line is that this is obviously the path that has worked for me (and three other family members), but each prospective WLS patient has different needs and different eating lifestyles. Do all the research and talk to as many post-ops that you possibly can...then make a decision that meets YOUR needs, no one else's. It is, after all, not so much how we arrive at the goal, but that we made the journey. Best wishes to you!
   — Diana T.

September 3, 2001
I am very happy with my RNY. I eat pretty normally, except small amounts. I was worried because I live in the New York area and we love to eat out at the many first class restaurants in the city and surrounding area. I have found that I can go to nice restaurants and eat just like my thin friends do. I feel free from food compulsions and dieting. I feel great. My doctor and I made the decision together. He felt that since I needed to lose "only" around 100 pounds, a distal procedure was more of a nutritional risk than a plus for me, ruling out BPD/DS or distal RNY.
   — blank first name B.

September 4, 2001
DS here, and could not be happier with my choice. It was definitely my decision, although my surgeon did talk to me at some length to make sure I understood the differences. I had 120 lbs. to lose (have lost 100). For me, the deciding factors were: distal procedure to provide ongoing malabsorption (based on my metabolism, I knew I would need something beyond intake restriction); normal stomach function and construction; ability to eat all foods. I was slightly deterred by the prevalence of vomiting issues with the RNY. Although the DS was (and continues to be) the right surgery for me, if I had been unable to have it due to insurance reasons, I certainly would have had the RNY without any qualms. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

September 4, 2001
I'm very happy with the RNY. I chose the surgeon first, as I'm convinced skill and experience are the most important things. More important than the type of surgery. Also, the hospital he was at has a stellar reputation and is constantly voted one of the 10 best in the country. My surgeon only does Lap RNY, so that's what I had. I may have asked him about the DS if I had known about it, but I'm fine with what I have and am very successful so far. Good luck.
   — Maria H.

September 4, 2001
I was revised from a VBG in '84 to an RNY in '00. The VBG never made me change my eating habits, but the RNY has. All surgeries are a tool, but I couldn't deal with constant supplements of a distal procedure. I eat well and normally, and am three pounds under my surgeon's goal. I would like to lose another 20 to meet my own personal goal. For the first time in my life I feel NORMAL when it comes to food, activities, and living. Research what is best for YOU and YOUR eating habits.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 4, 2001
I had an open rny three years ago. I didn't lose as much as I had hoped, I lost 100lbs. which brought me down to 215 from 315. But, I'm still very happy that I had the surgery. I much healthier and I'm wearing size 14/16 clothes which makes me feel great. The surgery was a breeze and recovery went nicely. I haven't had any problems at all. I've recently gone back to very low carb eating plan because I truly want to get down to 175 and my surgeon and my nutritionist both think that I can do that. But, even if I don't...I'm still happy and grateful with the results.
   — [Anonymous]