What's Your Surgery Opinion?

[RiskyGirl21 19]

I am 21 years old and almost 500 pounds. My goal weight is to be 180 pounds one day. I plan on getting surgery soon but I am still trying to choose which one. Based on your experience what is your opinion on which surgery I should use. Give your reasons. Feel free to ask me for any additional information.

[Jonathan Blue 311]

I had over half of my body weight to lose as well. My surgeon hands down said full bypass. He said my age put me at less risk for complications even with it being a bit more of an invasive procedure. It also has the best success rate of all the major surgeries with 85% of the number of people having the surgery losing the proposed amount of weight and keeping it all off for 5 years. It is also the most effective for people who have more than half of their body weight to lose. I would say with the amount of weight you are looking to lose and you being so young, it would more than likely be your best option for success.

Ultimately, it is a personal decision. I took my surgeons advice even though I was originally only wanting the band. After reading and researching extensively about the high failure rate and complication rate of the band I opted to agree with the professional.

If you need any additional help at all or any other questions please let me know. You can contact me at the links below. I would like to help in any way I can. This is an amazing journey you are about to undertake and I am so exciting for the new world that will be opening up to you. I look forward to hearing great things from you.

[da50bear 83]

From the research that I have done and the information that I have learned a patient starting at 500 lbs should look into the Duodenal Switch. This procedure seems tov work best to help these patients lose tremendous amount of weight.

Do your research and ask questions. Best of luck on your journey and I hope you find the healthier you!

[gabbykittyvsg 184]

I agree with da50bear, I think you should look into the duodenal switch.

[Jonathan Blue 311]

The people above commenting about the duodenal switch are correct. I have heard very good things about it. It was just not an option my surgeon provided. I just researched the ones he offered which were the bypass, the sleeve, and the band. I also definitely agree that you should research them all. In this journey, knowledge is power. The more you know and understand, the better.

[barriej9 61]

I would sit down with a doctor to make your choice. That is what I did. I was not sure if I even wanted surgery when I first met with my weight-loss doctor. After a few meeting she factor in my age weight and needs and we decided on the sleeve. I went this option because it only messes with one organ not several. You also have less risks of malabsorption and complications. Most places offer seminars that are free and will talk about options and risks. Insurance may also come into play on what you can have as well.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

its up to your doctor and YOU and what they feel would work best for you.

all WLS can help and aid a person's health...i was starting at a BMI of 62. I was as wide as i am tall.

the doctor pushed me for the bypass and was shocked i chose the lap band.i made it work. i had too.

i couldnt wipe my ass.

i suggest you read and learn all about all WLS

write down questions/concerns and ask your doctor.

remember, having WLS will help but YOU have to help yourself also.

all the best

[Redsfan19 37]

Agree with everyone - research the various options available, but consultation with your surgeon will be key for you. I did a ton of research, but my surgeon had thoughts on one procedure that I hadn't even considered until I spoke with him.

[bikrchk 1,313]

It's up to your Dr, but from what I know from MY Dr's history, he typically recommends R/Y for ultra-high BMI patients. I had about 100 pounds to lose and he didn't steer me either way when I way researching R\Y against the Sleeve. I eventually chose the sleeve. But my same surgeon directed a friend with over 200 pounds to lose to R\Y and wouldn't even consider him for the sleeve. I would have cheerfully done whichever procedure he told me!

[mrsto 2,925]

My doctor felt that I would do well with the RNY. I actually had it scheduled, but cancelled two weeks prior to surgery. The permanence of that procedure didn't sit well with me. Nor did the sleeve, and that small possibility of leakage from the staples, which could mean several weeks in the hospital. Being self employed, that alone would have destroyed my business.

With the band/plication, I knew that my work would start the minute I opened my eyes from surgery. And I was really ready and perfectly fine with that. I did very well, and at the 12 month mark, my surgeon said that I could not have done any better with the other surgeries. He said that I was in the lower percentile; band patients don't seem to lose quite as much as the other surgeries. But many DO lose their weight, and I'm grateful that I'm one of them.

So, yes, as stated by some posters above, do listen to your doctor. But don't rule out your own comfort level with possible issues inherent with each surgery. Scour the internet, talk to every and anyone you know who has been through it; leave no stone unturned. Then make the decision that YOU feel is best for you. Many doctors these days like the more aggressive procedures. But that doesn't mean that they are the right procedure for you.

I wish you all the best!

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

For me it was an easy decision. I didn't want the band with the adjustments needed (complete fear of needles) and didn't like the idea of some foreign thing in my body (especially the port up under the skin). My doctor also told me he doesn't prefer bands as he sees better results with VSG or bypass.

VSG was out of the question for me because I already had severe reflux and it can make it worse.

So, with his suggestions and my own phobias and ideas in mind, I went with bypass.

It is a very personal decision based on your goals, your concerns, your ideas about having surgery and your medical history. Nobody but you can make that decision, with your doctor's suggestions of course. My advice is this: Don't make your decision based on fear. All of the surgeries have risks of complications. They all modify your body (even the band can erode and change the shape of the stomach long term). Again, personally for me, I don't understand the concern over "re-routing" the intestines... VSG removes part of the somach. Bypass leaves it all there but reroutes the intestines.

So, like most have said -- it's a personal decision. Work with your doctor, research and figure out what's best for you.

[IcanMakeit 1,318]

One thing to consider: If you get the VSG, and find that it doesn't get you all the way to where you want to go, you can later revise to the duodenal switch. The VSG was commonly used as a first step for high BMI patients. The DS has some pretty impressive statistics as well.

I personally chose the VSG over the gastric bypass based on the long term impact each would have on my ability to get good nutrition.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I have been successful with sleeve but my BMI was in the 52range, now 23 range.

I believe you would do best with the malabsoprtive surgeries like bypass or DS ,based on my reading. Go to dsfacts.com for lots of info. DS is a big deal and not all surgeons do it. I would consider it in your shoes.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I am over 500 and my surgeon recommends the sleeve. Do your research and talk with your surgeon.

[mrsto 2,925]

I have been successful with sleeve but my BMI was in the 52range, now 23 range.

I believe you would do best with the malabsoprtive surgeries like bypass or DS ,based on my reading. Go to dsfacts.com for lots of info. DS is a big deal and not all surgeons do it. I would consider it in your shoes.

My surgeon used to do the DS, but not anymore.