I have several questions and will probably post this in one other forum.
I have the opportunity to either get the sleeve or the gastric bypass.
I have done a pros and cons list for both surgeries and they are even.

So here are some questions for some of you veterans out there:
- Would the sleeve be better for me since I already have some nutrient issues?
- What is the average ammount of excessive weight loss with the sleeve?
- what is the average ammount of excessive weight loss with the RNY?
- can I still dump with the sleeve?
- can the sleeve be a good option since I am still fairly young?

*How in the world did people make these difficult decisions for themselves...I am going bonkers here.
It's kind of like buying a car, I know I need one, but I can't choose between the Honda or the Toyota.

The average ammount of excess weight loss with the sleeve is about 70%, and with the bypass it's only slightly higher (about 77%). But yes, there are nutritional issues with the bypass, plus a much higher complication rate. The sleeve is less invasive and therefore a safer surgery.

You can still dump with the sleeve, but it is rare. Very few people do so, because with the sleeve, you still have a fully functioning stomach and pyloric valve.

Yes, the sleeve is a good option regardless of your age.

One other thing. Do you have much of a sweet tooth? If so, the dumping syndrome with the bypass might help keep you honest. But if your weight problem is more about eating too much, then the sleeve might be a better option.

I did a TON of research and the sleeve is by far the best procedure out there IMO.

I chose the sleeve because of my age, my need to be able to take NSAIDs for migraines, and the success rate I've seen through my research. I had a coworker that had the bypass and he has gained back all the weight he lost and then some. I know there are ways to cheat with the sleeve, but honestly, it is hard to eat too much! I just came back from lunch and my left overs could be another 3 meals!!!

I am physically able to eat sugar without dumping, but my surgeon's plan is to cut out processed sugars, focus my eating on proteins first, and then if there is any room, vegetables, fruit, and lastly other carbs like bread, but ONLY if there is room (and right now there is barely room for protein!) WLS is not a magic pill or miracle. It's a tool you have to use diligently.

My biggest struggle pre-op was giving into my hunger and not being able to control my portions. With the sleeve, I have not yet felt hunger in 2 months (some people do right after surgery, but I am a lucky one that hasn't regained my hunger yet). I also physically cannot eat more than a few ounces at a time. And since I'm not hungry, I am eating to fuel my body.

One major thing I did not like when looking at the bypass option was that my stomach would still be in my body, and there would be no way to scope it for ulcers or cancer. That scared the crud out of me with all my family's history with cancer and my personal history of ulcers.

Ultimately, you need to do your research and make a decision based on your needs and lifestyle. You're the one using the tool after it's all said and done. I would strongly suggest the sleeve, though.

Amy

I feel your pain as I too just wanted the doctor to say this is the surgery you should have but he wouldn't he explained that each one is different and only I truly know how I live my life and which one will work best in my life style. Im not very good at sticking to things and you must be much more diligent with rny certain food are restricted you have mall nutrition issues but everyone is current for me the sleeve seemed easier maintenance wise for me not to much to remember just dont over eat. I lost 100% and then a few and have maintained easily for three years I love it and eat like a skinny person anything everything, burgers fries pizza pasta candy cookies literally everything just now my sleeve allows me to be like all those skinny people I always envied I just eat a little now I never believed I could be full or satisfied eating three french fries and a quarter of a burger but three years later I still am. I love my sleeve but it is a personal one and only you can make the decision that fits you. I'm sure you will be successful with either one best wishes to you and congrads on your first steps it is an awesome journey.