Help! I Don't Know What To Do!

[makemyownluck 785]

So, my PCP and I have been discussing WLS since July. He submitted to my insurance this week and I was approved - the catch being they only do RNY and lap band. From the beginning, I've been thinking that I wanted to have VSG. I've been planning this whole time for having VSG.

I've been sort of averse to having rny because of the post-op dumping effect, but more importantly the malabsorbtion issues people face. I really wanted VSG because it seems like the most "normal" post op life.

At this point, to get the VSG I was set on is going to require major effort and potentially a lot of time. Phone calls, appeals, waiting, waiting, waiting. Meanwhile, I got an appointment for 10/29 when I called the surgeons office this morning for a consult. I'd still have pre-op tests to do, but surgery COULD be right around the corner if I just went with the rny. I could also do a lap band, but I don't want a band inside me forever, or the post op fills, etc.

At this point, it's fight for VSG or get RNY instead.

So, any recent (like, w/i 5 yrs maybe) surgical patients out there that had to decide between VSG and RNY, I'd love to hear from you.Really, from anyone. What made YOU choose RNY?

Also, if this makes any difference in anyone's response, I do have a significant amount of weight to lose. I'm well over 400lbs. The doctor can't weigh me, so I don't even know for sure how much. Probably like 420-440ish, and I'm 5'10 female, age 32.

Any links you have that are helpful are appreciated. Thanks so much for the advice!

[Butterfly66 63]

My daughter had the band put in a year ago and did not have very good success. She has PCOS and a knee injury that prevents her from heavy aerobic exercise. We initially looked at the sleeve for both of us - her as a revision and my initial, but my insurance would not cover. Having talked to the surgeon and done my own research, the RNY is the best, most effective surgery for rapid weight loss. I, like you, was concerned about dumping and malabsorption, but seeing how successful RNY is for most people AND it is the most popular surgery, I'm glad it worked out the way it did. I know that for heaving patients, they like to do the band first, then after a significant weight loss, then they go in, remove the band and perform the RNY. Good luck to you. My suggestion, don't wait!

[Sherry 0]

I wanted the sleeve at first, but after talking to the surgeon he recommended the RNY so I went with that. You have to talk and discuss your eating habits etc.. All should be factors.