Question:
gastric bypass or sleeve?
I went into my doctor's office with the confidence of opting for the gastric bypass. As I was there I met with a few of the clinicians and was spoken about the gastric sleeve.I did my research and as far as the sleeve is concerned it has more cons as far as the weightloss success but pros in that is less risky. I am 32 yrs old female weighing 274lbs bmi of 42.3. I would like to know peoples opinions on both surgeries and which they opt and why? — mperez77 (posted on June 21, 2010)
June 21, 2010
WOW...I am feamle 32 and 273 pounds..almost same as you...You may have seen
my earlier post about my deleiama of the bypass or sleeve but I have been
doing research for a week now on both(I already have the lap band). My doc
wants me to think about the sleeve now since my insurance covers it..he
says it's safer then the bypass because I already have scar tissue from the
band. In my opinion and from what I've researched the gastric bypass is
still the best option for having success with weight loss. The sleeve is
just restriction like the band...It does take a little longer to recover
but I think it will be worth it. So I'm sticking with the bypass. good luck
with ur decision
— SWESTMOR1
June 21, 2010
I also did a ton a research on the different types of bypasses and stomach
shapes and I was gaining weight on 1500 calories lo carbs high protein
while on Byetta (an injectable for type 2 diabetes. I was 5'4" 205
lbs, I opted for the malabsorption component of the Laproscopic bileo
pancreatic diversion also know as the duodenal switch with a vertical
sleeve gastrectomy. One of the great things about the vertical sleeve
gastrectomy is that the part of the stomach cut off has most of the cells
that secrete the hormone ghrelin that says "I'm hungry all the
time." So I love that lack of the constant hunger signal. I also
like the vertical sleeve gastrectomy anatomy of my stomach because I still
have my pyloric sphincter and my food does not dump directly into my small
intestines like the roux-en-y gastric bypass. My stomach shape now that I
am many months out, allows me to eat a reasonably sized meal, ie, a lean
cuisine, or what would fit into a cereal bowl, or a full sandwich, or 2
slices of pizza. The malabsorption means I get a big discount on calories
but also nutrition so I constantly have to focus on protein, vitamins,
minerals and risk serious complications if I malabsorb so one must take the
nutrition and lab work follow up serious if you do the duodenal switch.
— Melinda B.
June 21, 2010
in my area 50%+ of the people who get the sleeve go back in and get the
rny. friends who have the sleeve seem to want to loose lbs but don't want
to stop porking out .diabetics are recomendedto get rny.attitude toward
eating is the change you must make. a slogan to remember "2and best
remedies get 2and best results". what do you want?good luck hank
— hanksguns
June 21, 2010
Hi Maria,
I opted for the sleeve for the following reasons:
1) The only 2 folks I know personally who had the bypass (RNY) both
regained a LOT of their weight because their pouches stretched. There is
less chance of that with the sleeve because the portion of the stomach that
is left is the tougher, more grisly (sp?) part of the organ.
2) The malabsorption part of the RNY scared me. I've read lots of stories
here on OH about folks who have SEVERE medical problems because they
weren't religious about taking all the required nutritional supplements.
3) There is less chance of throwing up and/or dumping with the sleeve than
with either lap band or RNY.
4) I retained all the working parts of my stomach, unlike with the RNY.
5) I don't have an "unused" portion of my stomach sitting around
in my gut. My cousin (who had the RNY) developed a bleeding ulcer in hers.
Don't know if that's common or not but it was close to home for me and
therefore a concern.
6) As the previous poster commented, the sleeve is half of the DS procedure
so if I am totally unsuccessful with my sleeve, I always have the option of
having "the other half" of the surgery done. However, I've
encountered SO MANY folks on this site who have been highly successful with
their sleeves that I'm really not concerned about that.
7) Most folks who are "sleeved" will tell you that they are never
hungry anymore. That's because the portion of the stomach that produces
most of the hormone that makes you feel hungry is removed.
8) Plus the fact that I could have it performed laproscopically, which was
a major concern for me. I had open heart surgery and I do NOT want anyone
slicing me open ever again (knock wood!!).
Those are the reasons I opted for the sleeve over all the other types of
WLS available. As it was pointed out to me very frequently, this surgery
is just a tool. I still have to do the work to get the weight off. And
like any other tool, it's only as good as I allow it to be. A hammer won't
pound any nails unless I pick it up and swing it. The sleeve was my tool
of choice.
BTW, I am 52, was 250 at highest weight and bmi of 40. I had my sleeve
done less than a week ago and I'm down to 230. Now part of that was the
pre-op diet, but I'm still feeling a BUNCH better with those 20 pounds
gone. It's amazing to me how much difference it makes in the pain I was
experiencing when I was trying to walk. My feet don't ache anymore!!!!
YEAH!
— boernecheryl
June 21, 2010
Go with the Bypass! I have fought my weight all of my life and and the
band in 2004. I lost 60 pounds before developing a slip so severe that the
band had to be removed. My surgeon then suggested the sleeve. By then I
was back up to 220. I had the sleeve 10 months ago and have lost 40
pounds. The sleeve restricts the amount of food that you can eat, but the
bypass both restricts the amount of food that you can eat and blocks some
of the calories absorbed from the food you eat. With the sleeve you can
eat anything you want after a healing period. Unless you have a very
strong will power, I would definately recommend the bypass for better
results with longer lasting success. Good luck with your decision!
— Bonnie H.
June 21, 2010
For me there was no question. I'm a nurse and have taken care of many
patients with medical problems due to the malabsorption caused by the RNY
surgery. Research is showing 2 yrs after surgery patients are getting the
similar results I believe. Also I liked the idea of a slower wt loss to
give my body time to adjust and the skin time to tighten. I also started at
270. Lost 20lb preop and am down 15 lbs in the 3 wks since surgery with my
sleeve. Also I have a hx of lymphoma and chemotherapy. As my PCP said if I
ever had to have chemo again having a RNY would be a nightmare to try and
eat enough calories to sustain me on top of getting chemo, he wasnt sure it
would be possible. And I have also taken care of patients who have regained
there wt with the RNY. No surgery is a guarantee. This is a tool only. Talk
with your surgeon and make sure you truly understand all the pros/cons of
both surgies. People do well with both, and I'm sure fail with both. But
the cons are by far more on the RNY side than on the sleeve side. Good
luck.
— kb64
June 21, 2010
Maria, I had RNY over three years ago and am very happy with the results.
I've lost 136 pounds and had absolutely no problems. I had the best surgeon
ever (Dr. Ben Meir of Cleveland) and have been doing everything as
required. I did get a little sick a few times but that was my own fault.
usually it was because I ate too fast. I take my supplements and am aware
of getting lots of protein. I'm happy I had RNY. Good luck.
— Muggs
June 22, 2010
Obviously, you are going to get lots of different opinions from people who
have had success with their WLS. As for myself,I had the sleeve. I was 50
at the time 5'4" and weighed 268.I wore size 24-26. I am now 134 and
wearing size 4-6. I am over 2 years out. I lost half my body weight in just
over a year. I have easily been maintaining for about 9 months. I have
known many people who have had both. The bypass people tend to either end
up very unhealthy and/or gain weight back. The ones I know of that have had
the sleeve lose the weight just as quickly, remain healthy, and haven't
gained it back, since the portion of the stomach left is not very stretchy.
My surgeon does several different surgeries and has told me he wishes
everyone would get the sleeve now, since it has proven itself to be just as
successful as the bypass. Of course, ultimitely, it is your decision. You
are doing the right thing by doing your homework. Keep researching and you
will find your answer. Read profiles, look at pictures. Just be sure
though. There is no going back once it's done. I wish you the best.
— corky1057
June 22, 2010
I know exactly how you feel. I am going thru the exact same thing. I went
in wanting RNY came out questioning RNY or Sleeve? After reading all the
posts and doing my research I am still wondering which is better for me. I
would like to know what you come up with and why. Maybe we can share
ideas.
— Moonlight12
June 25, 2010
I am 7wks out and I had the sleeve !!! Go for It..... I Knew I did not want
the RNY... Remember. weight loss Is all up to you... I have Lost 41 pounds
in 1 month
— punky57
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