I'm new here, just had surgical consult but I have a question

My surgeon does lap band, gastric sleeve and the bypass.  I've thought about having this surgery for over 11 years and I'm finally ready to do it and finally have an insurance that will help pay.  My surgeon isn't really steering me in any direction, but I went into the appointment pretty sure I wanted to have the bypass surgery.  He said either one would be great, but I kind of got the impression he was really into the sleeve.  Does anyone have any thoughts on that???? I have the next 3 months to decide but I needed a little feedback.  Thanks in advance for any advice!

There's a fourth option you should research as well---the Duodenal Switch, or DS for short. The DS has the same stomach as the Sleeve, plus an intestinal bypass to dramatically change the way your body metabolizes food. The DS has the very best long-term, maintained weight-loss stats, and the best stats for resolving or preventing co-morbs like diabetes and high cholesterol.

One big advantage of the Sleeve and the DS is that they preserve the pylorus and all normal stomach function. The RNY/gastric bypass doesn't, and this is what leads to dumping syndrome, getting food 'stuck', and possibly reactive hypoglycemia. Also, after the RNY you'll need to be VERY careful about taking NSAIDs---pretty much every OTC pain killer/fever reducer/anti-inflammatory other than Tylenol.

Visit the various surgical boards, including the Revision board. TAlk with folks who've been living with their WLS for at least three years. Find out what people like/don't like about their WLS---then choose the one you think YOU can live happily with forever after. (*grin*)

I'm 8+ years post-op from my DS, and couldn't be happier with my choice.

 Hi!  Well, just to give you my feedback, I was all gung ho about getting the lap band, BUT after hearing about others that had the lap band, bypass and sleeve, I listened to all their stories and found out about all the follow up care and figured, I want to go in and go on with my life, I chose the bypass and I'm scheduled to have it done the 11th of June!  Don't rely on your surgeon to make the decision for you, YOU need to make that call, just research the heck out of it, ask questions, I found this board is awesome at support and feedback and do what you think is best for YOU.  I like that the bypass will help control my appetite for a while, maybe even up to 2 years if I'm lucky and I also found that this helps you lose the weight the fastest.  That's why I chose the bypass.  The band requires you to go in for fills and lots of follow up for the rest of your life and though I do like who I chose as my surgeon I don't want to see him for the rest of my life.  I hope this little bit helps.  The sleeve I believe doesn't give you that not hungry feeling, that's what I'm assuming anyway.  Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong.  Good luck to you and congratulations on making the right step and in a healthier, longer life!

Kal

The Sleeve actually removes from the body most of the stomach tissue that produces the 'hunger hormone', ghrelin. For some people, this means they're never again very hungry.

I had a DS, so I have a Sleeved stomach. Pre-op, I was, literally, hungry ALL THE TIME. Even when I was stuffed, something in me wanted more---my satiety mechanism was broken. But since my DS over 8 years ago---I have what I think of as 'normal' hunger. I get hungry every few hours, I eat a normal portion, and I'm satisfied in a way I NEVER was pre-op.

The Sleeve also preserves the pylorus and all normal stomach function---the RNY/gastric bypass doesn't. Something you really might want to think about before you go under the knife. You might also want to visit the Revision board a bit.

Thanks so much for your feedback!  I think I'm leaning towards the bypass as well, but I'm still doing the research.  Wow, the 11th is coming up, good luck!

If you have acid reflux problems or have in the past, which I personally have had, my surgeon agreed with me that bypass was a good fit for me. However she also previously suggested I research into the sleeve, but I had no interest in it.

Best of luck to you!