Question:
Which surgery did you choose and why?
This is going to look like ALOT of ???, but I am just really curious so I would just like to take a survey to find out: Which surgery did you have done? What are the reasons that you chose this type? What kind of results have you had? Did you have any complications? Have you ever wished you had a different surgery and which? Long Term Post-Ops, have you gained any back? Have you ever been sorry that you had WLS? — DELINDA T. (posted on October 3, 2002)
October 3, 2002
I selected the RNY LAP because its the gold standard of bariatic surgery
and endorsed by the NIH. Attending support group meetings I saw first hand
the happy post ops and decided I wanted to be one of them. I selected LAP
because 30% of opens get herias and I didnt want a follow up surgery. My
surgery was July 23 2001. I lost 130 pounds and am maintaing well. My
profile badly needs updated. I help out here moderating and my life is so
busy. My ONLY regret is not having surgery sooner! My only complication was
some slow healing port sites. My wife had the surgery too december 10th
2001 and lost 100 pounds as of yesterday. She has had dehydration early on
and may have a ulcer, But her asthma is GONE! Surgery saved BOTH our
lives... I can work for you too!
— bob-haller
October 3, 2002
I had no choice. My doctor chose Open RNY because of the thickness of my
belly. He does lap whenever possible, but if he can't reach well, he has
to do open.
Pam German- 12 days post
— Pam G.
October 3, 2002
hi there, i had open rny on feb 8 02 im down nearly 150 lbs now. there were
no complications at all. im very greatful. this is the one i did the most
research on and after reading all of it and reading carnie wilsons book
this is the one i wanted. i had bcbs of illinois and the surgeon i was
referred to only did this one anyway. he only did it open. i had also read
that the rny was the most successful one. i have only one conern and that
is i am not transected. im just stapled. transection is when they cut the
old tummy and new pouch apart where the other way you are just stapled to
divide the two. i worry about staple line disruption someday. maybe ill be
ok and it will never happen. there are pros and cons to both. if you are
transected and you leak, its usually very early post op but if not caught
is usually fatal. if you arent transected, if you have a leak its not fatal
but you would be able to eat more ultimatly gaining the weight back. im not
sure if im rny proximal or rny distall. i think im distall though because i
started at 5 9 370 and i read some of the other patients my surgeon had
were all distall so hopefully im distall. proximal is usually done on the
lighter weights i think. best of luck to you and hope this helps :)
— carrie M.
October 3, 2002
At the time of my surgery (1994), my choices were VBG or (very) distal RNY,
both open. Of those 2 choices, what I saw were these: VBG's vomited daily
and were still roundy; DRNY were at goal wt and didn't vomit (except when
stupid). That's what I saw, no offense to VBG's. I will be 8 yrs tomorrow,
still under 115# (150 lost), but I rarely weigh. I had marginal ulcers,
BUT pre-op I had regular ulcers, so that's a wash. No, never wished I'd
had another surgery. I had to have a repair (old suagry, old style, not
transected, so I had staple line disruption), so I got to choose again in
2000. Same doc, just the repair, no change to my surgery type. I have had
NO regrets. I may resent the disease (morbid obesity) and wish I didn't
have to choose to live with the disease OR to live with the treatment, BUT
since I do have the disease, I am glad I chose this particular treatment.
My disease remains in remission as I write.
— vitalady
October 3, 2002
I chose the lap band (adjustable gastric band) over the other surgeries.
I'm very happy with my choice. Here's why I chose it:
1) it is a safer surgery with less mortality (6 out of 90,000 compared to
one in 200 for other surgeries)
2) it's less invasive-no internal organs are cut or rearranged and many
docs are doing it outpatient now
3) it's reversible with the result being a basically normal digestive
system
4) it's adjustable. as weight loss slows (as it does with all surgeries)
i can get a fill and weight loss continues. there is no "window of
opportunity" as with most other surgeries.
5) no malabsorption. all my vitamins and minerals get absorbed so massive
supplementation is not required
6) no dumping. i can't eat almost anything-just smaller amounts
7) i want to get pregnant in the future and in that case the band can be
emptied of any fill and the nutrition and eating patterns during the
pregnancy will be normal
8) weight loss is slower, but steady. it's not as much of a shock to the
body.
9) easier to keep a secret because of #8
10) the WLS of choice in Australia and Europe. the other surgeries are
almost unheard of over there because they are considered too dangerous
11) i personally could not imagine cutting up any of my internal organs
and sewing them back together. i also could not tolerate the high chance
of mortality from the surgery itself.
— M. B.
October 3, 2002
I had LAP RNY. I choose this surgery because, after months of research, it
was considered the most successful of all the surgeries. I have had great
results, had surgery Jan. 9th, 2002 and have lost 97 pounds with 23 to
goal. I haven't had any problems with throwing up or dumping. I DID have
complications though.......pneumonia and fluid (puss) between my lung and
diaphragm. Do I regret this surgery, NO WAY!! I can honestly say that for
the first 4 or 5 months I DID regret it because it took me quite a long
time to feel good and I didn't like ANY kind of food. It was pretty tough.
BUT, I would do it again in a heartbeat!!
— Kim B.
October 3, 2002
I chose Open RNY. Ok I didnt chose the open part the surgeon did. I couldnt
have had lap even if I was scheduled for it due to a super fatty liver.
(sounds yummy dont it) I decided on RNY mostly because of sucess rate and
the food restriction. I dont dump on sweet things but if I eat too much
(example a small piece of german chocolate cake) its like I am drunk and
need to pass out. So I guess that is a form of dumping but not the typical
form. I had my surgery 4 monhs ago and went from 304 to 210. I am so close
to the century club I can TASTE it!!! I think the type of surgery U chose
to have is such a personal decission. I know I needed to go for the gusto
and get the most for my mile. So RNY it was. I think the sucess of the
surgery depends alot on the person and the commitment as well as the TYPE
of surgery. PS with my open I do have a hernia. I just figure it will make
my tt easier to be approved. :0) Best of Luck!
— Sassy M.
October 3, 2002
My inital choice was the gastric bypass itself. My doctor made the choice
of lap or open. She will always start of lap but if she can't proceed she
will switch to open. She always warns you of this. Its like driving
through traffic and you have to make important choices as you go. If its
sunny surgery can be a breeze. If its raining she takes her time and make
sure she has your best interest first. I had my surgery March 22, 2002. I
am down from 260 to 178 and my 20 lbs from my goal and 30 from the doctors.
The doctor is very please at my pleasant weight and frankly so am i. I
chose to have the surgery because nothing else was working and although I
did not have major co morbid I did have severe ankle pain, swelling, back
aches, snoring, heavy breathing, reflex, and depression. I did not have
any complication that wasn't brought on by ME. So please follow doctors
orders. They can be strict but its for your own good. I would do this
again in an heartbeat. Good Luck and GoD Bless.
— Chris9672
October 4, 2002
I had open RNY. I chose Roux-en-Y because I wanted the benefits of dumping
if I ate too much sugar or fats and I wanted the malabsorption of calories.
I had my surgery 10 months ago and have lost 150+ pounds; I still have
about 40 or 50 to go to be "normal". The only complication I had
was a slight blockage in the pouch which was fixed with an endoscopy (no
big deal)and no, I have not wished that I had chosen a different surgery.
As far as being sorry that I had the surgery - no way. This is definitely
the best thing I have ever done for myself.
— Patty_Butler
October 4, 2002
I chose the lap RNY. RNY because its the gold standard with the highest
rate of success, and because I welcomed the dumping syndrome, having been
totally addicted to sugar and fats pre-op. I wanted lap because I had had
a previous lap surgery and was amazed at how quickly you recover from lap
vs. open and I like the little teeny scars. Results: 8 months post-op,
down 82 pounds and 20-25 away from goal. I did have a complication-5 days
after initial surgery, my small bowel was kinked and sucked into a hernia
that we didn't know I had until after the doc had opened me up the first
time. He thought the hernia would be OK until I returned for a tummy tuck
(good way to get insurance to approve) but guess it couldn't wait. So
despite wanting the lap, I had an emergency open surgery 5 days after the
lap RNY. I have not wished I had a different surgery, tho the lap band
intrigues me. But I have heard good and bad about the lap band, and I
think the malabsorbtion/dumping of RNY is a good thing for me and I
wouldn't have that with the lap band. And finally, I am very glad I had
WLS. It has given me a second chance at life, returned my self-esteem,
returned my happiness to me, and literally saved my marriage.
— Cindy R.
October 4, 2002
I had lap RNY distal on May 9th of this year. I chose lap because it would
be less scariing a a quicker recovery time. I was shopping at the mall 5
days post op and back to work within 14 days. The results have been I lost
92 pounds in 4 1/2 months. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 8. My
only regret is that I thought about the surgery for a year before I
actually did it. This was the best thing I have ever done. Check out my
profile. Before my surgery I was worried about how could a person be happy
after the surgery. I am happier than I have been since I was a teenager.
I eat anything I want, I just get filled up really easy now. You know how
you feel after eating Thankgiving dinner? That overstuffed feeling like
you can't put another bite in your mouth. I just get that feeling now
after a smaller amount. Like one pork chop and a baked potato instead of
three pork chops and a pile of potatoes, cake, bread and everything else.
I have had no complications and I don't have any hanging skin. I have been
extra careful to get in all of my protein everyday as well as my vitamins.
I also have all of my hair. People say I look like a teenage and I feel
like one too! I even got cardee last week. Trust me that is a good
feeling when you are married with four kids in your thirties. Please feel
free to email me with any questions you may have. The one piece of advice
I would give is research your surgeon. Find out what his success rates
have been what complications his patients have had. How many surgeries has
he performed. Interview him. Every surgeon is different and like any
other job some are better at their job than others.
— Linda A.
October 4, 2002
I had an Open RNY on 02/14/02. I chose the RNY for the same reason as
others; it is widely acknowledged as the highest standard of WLS. I also
was attracted by the restrictive/malabsorptive combo. I do not dump,
although I choose not to eat sweets so maybe I would if I did. I chose
Open vs. Lap becasue I didn't want to be under anesthesia that long, and I
had the most confidence in my very excellent surgeon that he was more
competent performing it Open (which is very important). Despite being
open, I have a tidy, thin 3 inch scar. I am 7 1/2 months post-op and down
127.5lbs from my start weight of 314. I would like to lose about 27 more
pounds, but would be content if I didn't lose another. I feel fabulous and
can't imagine how I lived life for so long before surgery. I wouldn't give
my Weight Loss back for a million dollars. No complications, no regrets.
Now if I could only get my boobs back to where they used to be. ;)
— PaulaM
October 4, 2002
I am an academic researcher by trade. I was delayed (I believe by divine
intervention) in scheduling my RnY WLS surgery for over 2 months because of
high blood pressure and a sinus infection. Therefore, I had time to do a
lot of research (I did this research in four languages, and I was
open-minded about all that I read). I was especially interested in
learning the difference between RnY and the BPD/DS (Biliopancreatic
Diversion with Duodenal Switch). I learned that, what I came to believe
are unreasonable despite myths to the contrary, I found that the BPD/DS is
a superior operation to the RnY because it allows patients to lead a normal
life with near-normal dietary habits and sustained-weight-loss long after
surgery. The hallmark of BPD/DS is the preservation of the pyloric valve
which is at the last portion of the stomach and acts as a gateway to the
small bowel. In both surgeries the colon is bypassed, cut approximately in
half and brought up to the stomach. However, in the RnY the surgeon
restricts the new stomach pouch to one ounce, and then he/she also creates
a very small artificial opening in the stomach to attach the
"plumbing" to the lower colon "common channel". In the
BPD/DS the surgeon maintains more of the original stomach (a 6-8 ounce
stomach pouch is created), and an artificial opening does not need to be
made. Thus in this second procedure there is little or no "dumping
syndrome" nor restriction of food intake like there is in RnY. My
summation? The BPD/DS has the advantages of 1) almost complete lack of
"dumping"'; 2) no across-the board food restrictions; 3) much
lower incidence of weight regain (research shows 30% regain in RnY), 4)
almost no incidence of ulcers but in RnY it is 12-16%--quite often
happening at seven year post-op period; 5) and finally the pyloric valve
enables the body to absorb much more of the needed nutritents such as
calcium and iron.
— [Deactivated Member]
October 4, 2002
I chose the DS because of the nutritional freedom and also because my
Doctor was highly experienced with this surgery and with doing it lap.
I had regrets every day for the first 4 weeks and I think that's pretty
standard, I haven't looked back since.
With my surgery I'm surprised at the amount and variety of food I can eat,
I feel 100% normal. I have one small hernia that will be repaired with a
small TT when I reach my goal, I didn't loose any hair and I don't have
much hanging skin, I'm actually pretty body proud these days, even
naked.LOL..
I've lost 101 lbs in 7 months & 1 week...I feel wonderful, I want to
loose 35 more and with the DS we have an 18 months loosing window, so I'm
not too worried. LIFE IS GOOD!
— Diane B.
October 4, 2002
I had the DS. I chose this surgery for a couple of reasons. One I wanted
to keep my pyloric valve that emptys the stomach into the intestants. If
you lose your pyloris you dump, I didn't want to dump. Another reason, was
I wanted to be able to eat socialy and now one would know I had surgery. My
origional post op stomach was 6 oz it bigger now. I can eat that a normal
thin wonan would eat. I don't have to pulverize my food, I don't have to
eat really slow. I have never thrown up. Lastly, in doing my extensive
research I fould that the DS has the best long term sucess. I am 13 months
post op and down 125 lbs. I still have 40 more till goal, but atleast 20
if that is loose skin!!!! I have no direha, only loose stools some times
depending on what I eat. I don't have excessive gas nor do I have bo or
bad breath (unless you chatch me in the morning before I brush ha ha).
Those are myths. At the time of my surgery I has complications I have
endometrosis and that made my spleen adhere to my stomach so I lost a lot
of blood because of the spleen. Than I was immoble whith low blood counts
and devloped pnumonia. I was in the hospital 1 week and after that I have
had no problems. I would do this surgery again at the drop of a hat. I am
so happy I picked the DS I have heard so many storie about people with the
RNY wishing thay had the DS. They had complications with staple line
disruptions, stomas closing or streaching. The worst to me would be
margional ulcers. They are really painful I hear. The DS has non of those
problems. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery which ever you
choose, but here is a great link about the DS www.duodenalswitch.com and
www.mywls.com These 2 sites saved my life!!!!!!!!!
— Jody Diou
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