What type of surgery to have? - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

happ · 08-10-2010, 08:05 PM

I am so happy I found this web site! I am new here and am just starting to think about having weight loss surgery. From what I have been reading, I am leaning toward the gastric sleave surgery. It doesn't seem as radical as the gastric bypass. I am terified of gastric bypass. It seems too extreme and I am worried about the side effects. I also don't think the lap band is for me. I don't like the whole "port in your side". Have any of you had this procedure done? Any suggestions/comments would be helpful.

jillybean720 · 08-13-2010, 11:54 AM

I have a sleeved stomach but with some added intestinal reconfiguration for malabsorption. The procedure you choose should be based on lots if considerations, not just how "radical" it is or isn't. Things to consider include how much weight you have to lose, what types of weight loss plans have/haven't worked for you in the past, examination of the real "why" you are at your current weight, what comorbidities do you have that you are hoping to alleviate, what you can/cannot commit to for the rest of your life (such as vitamins 3+ times a day), what type of eater you are (binger, volume eater, grazer, etc.)...

happ · 08-13-2010, 04:11 PM

Thanks for your reply. I went to my first support group last night and heard stories from people who had all the different types of surgeries done. It puts me more at ease as far as the gastric bypass or lap band although I am still leaning towards the vertical sleeve procedure. I meet with a surgeon in a couple weeks to discuss this.

jiffypop · 08-13-2010, 11:06 PM

there's a lot of good data that the gastric sleeve works. and farther down the line, it's possible to add malabsorption to it as well - assuming your insurance will cover a second surgery!!

glad you found us!

30and300 · 08-19-2010, 12:23 AM

Well, I am currently waiting on my surgery day. I'm getting a Duodenal Switch, which is like the vertical sleeve but with an additional part with the intestines that adds malabsorption.

I understand what you are saying about the gastric bypass RNY procedure. All surgeries are risky and have side-effects to an extent, but to me, i know I could not live with that particular surgery. Some people love it though, and more power to them.

I would encourage you to read up on the DS also, especially if you have a BMI over 50 or have serious co-morbidities. Like Jillybean said, there are a few different surgeries because there are some that work better for some folks. One size doesn't fit all, that's for sure.

Any way you decide, good luck to you. =]