Gastric Bypass vs. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

I am in the process of being approved by my insurance company for my surgery. I went into my consultation thinking I wanted the sleeve. But, the surgeon recommended that I have the Gastric Bypass. He is not forcing it on me, it is just his opinion.

Did anyone else here ever consider having the bypass? Do you mind telling me what made you choose the Gastric Bypass over the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?
 
~Unsure now...

The only reason I personally chose RNY over VSG is because my BMI was not high enough to qualify for the VSG and I did not want to pay out of pocket the 40k$

VSG has a larger surgical incision scar, is not reversible,and I think a longer recovery time; it has nearly the same results as RNY, it has better absorption so less chance of needing additional supplements (but some are mandatory) there is no cutting into the intestine, no dumping syndrome (which may or may not occur with RNY) , VSG is newer (5 years old) so there is less long term studies data available.

but thats just my opinion. Im sure you will do what is best for you.

Same thing happened to me.  I wanted the sleeve but surgeon recommended the bypass.  I decided on bypass.  I'm three months out today and am very pleased with the outcome.  I decided bypass had been around longer and the stats were better. You will have a little more weightloss with bypass than sleeve.  I had no complications during or after surgery and have been able to adjust to eating the smaller amounts.  I have had no dumping.  Occasionally I eat to fast and experience some pain but it passes quickly.  It is a personal decision and I think you will be happy with either.  Good luck with your decision.  Research both procedures and see which will best fit you and your goals.  Best of luck.

I went to see the surgeon wanting the band--after taking my age (67)  and my medical problems into consideration he thought the better way to go would be the bypass- the sleeve isn't an option with my insurance--which after reading about the 3 options --I really think might be easier than the bypass. I've gotten a ton of information about the surgery here and am trying to mentally prepare myself for all the after effects possible. I figure the more I know of both the good and the bad it will be easier to deal with the whole process.

I am having my band removed and I wanted the sleeve but doc advised that bypass would be more effective since I have already had one restrictive only procedure and lost and gained most back.
My twin daughters had bypass 6 years ago and are at their high school weight and have kept it off.
i think also he took my age into consideration (57).
I think the sleeve sounds great BUT like with any of the surgeries there is a big risk of re-gain. I think for me I need the malabsorbtion even tho my BMI is 37.
Good luck in what ever you choose

I could've written your post, almost word for word.

I've been set on the sleeve since August of last year when I decided to persue WLS again.  I researched, researched, and researched more, until Jan of this year when I started pre-op work-ups.

After my endoscopy showed some problems, my surgeon stated RNY is my best bet because excess bile in my stomach will create misery and havoc if I stick with the sleeve.  Waking up aspirating on bile and acid isn't appealing to me in the least, and I'm high-risk for that... ugh.

I'm so not wanting RNY... I want to take my NSAIDs as needed for arthritis.  I'm concerned about malasorption.  Then again, I don't want to continue trying to battle weight without surgical help.  I've done that for 25 of my 45 years, right on up to 325 lbs.

So yeah, I'm in the same boat.  Not being forced, but certainly being highly encouraged.

Thanks everyone!

To clarify, the Doc is not coercing or pressuring me in any way. He merely stated that today, he rates the gastric btpass a 10 and the sleeve a 9. He said that in a few more years, he might say that the sleeve is an 8. He said that not enough time has passed/statistics returned in order for him to say that it will stay a 9 in his opinion (or be lowered to an 8). He stated it more eloquently than I just did, though. His opinion is based on long term results, 10-15 years out.

I, too, am tired of the weight roller coaster that I am on. I only want to do this once. So, I want to pick the best procedure for the long term, but I do not want to have a procedure done that causes greater issues later.

My main concerns seem to be what medicines you can/cannot take after gastric bypass and, is this REALLY an issue? Several people seem to have a concern with this. Also, is your nutrient absorption worse with the bypass? If so, does simply taking vitamin supplements solve the issue?

Thanks again everyone for all of your fantastic responses!