[stimpy911]

Originally Posted by DocSanae

This does seem a promising new procedure in that
1) the success ratio is the same as, or may surpass, that of gastric bypass
2) if the desired weighloss is not achieved, the second operation can be done.
3) less malabsorbtion (however, when switched to DS, the rate of deficiencies increase some.
4) surgery mortality rate is very low.

Do not forget to ask your surgeon what his surgery statstics are.

Can it be switched to an RNY rather than a DS?

[DocSanae]

Originally Posted by stimpy911

Can it be switched to an RNY rather than a DS?

Anatomically/theoretically speaking, it could, but it is going to depend on how much of the portion of the stomach that the pouch is made of is left. With sleeve, the outer curvature of the stomach will be removed, making it into a tube. If the tube is too narrow, it is possible that there's not enough left for a pouch. This has to do with which part of the stomach is best fit for a pouch--the section that doesn't stretch much, as compared to the portion that does.

[jdforeman]

Despite the fact I'm a former RN and hospital/healthcare administrator (and have worked in the health insurance industry!) I tried for years to get my WLS covered by several insurance plans and was unsuccessful. I researched WLS surgeons and facilities in the US and was ready to schedule a date for lap band surgery at $18,000-$25,000 when I discovered a better and more affordable option for sugery. Dr. Alberto Aceves of the Mexicali Bariatric Center did my sleeve a year ago. I weighed 243 lbs at the time of surgery. I'm 155 lbs today. My goal is 135 lbs and I'm still losing at the rate of 1 to 1-1/2 lbs per week. I had absolutely no problems after surgery and today can eat anything I want in small amounts. One unexpected and welcome benefit is that I'm rarely hungry and don't crave sweets, fatty foods, fast foods, etc. Food is no longer the priority in my life! Yipee! The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VST) or sleeve has been performed since 2002 and studies to date show that patients lose 70-80% of their excess body weight after 3 years, comparable to bypass surgery. Obviously, long-term (10 year) outcome data isn't available yet. It's being done by fewer surgeons in the US than in Mexico. It's better than the band or bypass for several reasons: no risk of slippage or erosion; it's permanent (this may be an advantage or disadvantage to some); reduced hunger and cravings; no need for fills; no risk of dumping; less risk of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; less need for supplements. After I discovered the sleeve option, I never gave considered other choices. It was a no brainer for me.