Sleeve vs. Bypass

I am scheduled for surgery on August 4th and was decided on the sleeve.  My BMI is 47.  However, I am now concerned that the bypass will give me better results and wondering if I should go with bypass.  Can you share what made you choose the sleeve over the bypass and how much weight you've lost in what period of time.  I thought deciding to have the surgery was hard but I am finding that deciding which surgery to have is difficult to.

Hello - I do not yet have a surgery date scheduled but I can tell you why I am choosing the sleeve.

1. I take NSAIDS for my migraines.  Can only do that with the VSG or DS
2. I do not want to risk dumping
3. I do not want a 'blind' stomach which can develop ulcers and cannot be scoped
4. I am not comfortable having the malabsorption of the RnY

And when you say bypass you are referring to the RnY, correct?  Do you also know about the DS?  IF not, please do your homework and research the crap out of each and every surgery available, the in's and out's, the pros and cons and find the one best suited to YOU and your lifestyle.

HTH,
Angie

I think the RNY (bypass) will give you faster results, not necessarily better.

The reason I chose VSG is because I didn't want to deal with malabsorption issues, ulcers, handfuls of vitamins 2-3 times a day, and dumping.  Also, I thought that because with the VSG  the weight loss is a bit slower, it would have longer lasting effects and not leave so much saggy, baggy, waggy skin as with the RNY.

I'm in the same boat. I went into this thinking I only wanted the band. Now I'm fairly certain that I definitely do *not* want the band. My surgeon currently only performs the bypass or the band so I'm in the process of getting an consultation with another surgeon who does offer the sleeve. My reasons for thinking I want the sleeve vs bypass are the same things stated above: limited dumping, ability to take NSAIDs if needed, being able to have an endoscopy if needed. 

Interestingly, I spoke to the NUT today because I need a letter that I've had a consultation with her in order to get into see the other surgeon and she told me that the sleeve was a hot topic at the ASBMS meeting last week. She didn't know that my doctor would start currently offering the sleeve but I think it's a good sign that it must have gotten good coverage at the meeting.

Can I get your nutritionist's number?  I'd like to find out more of what happened at the ASBMS meeting for my appeal.

I decided against any surgery in which the intestines are rearranged because:

1.  This is associatied with malnutrition, and long term severe malnutrition.

2.  You can not take NSAIDSm and some other forms of medications.

3.  Studies are showing a high incidence of intestinal ulcers, scarring, erosion and other long term problems with bypass surgeries.

4.  The stomach pouch stretches a LOT, and you can eat more and more.

5.  The rate of weight regain is higher with the bypass.

I chose to have the sleeve done because:

1.  There are NO long term complications.

2.  The remaining stomach is the least likely portion of the stomach to stretch significantly.

3.  You can take any and all oral medications.

4.  The reate of weight loss is comparable to what is expected with the  bypass.

5.  The rate of weight regain is significantly lower than with the bypass (so long as you follow a sensible eating pattern).

I figured that God (or mother nature if you don't believe in God) put our intestines in the order they are for a reason.  Muckling about so that you can't absorb much off the food that you do eat is not "normal".

With the sleeve, the only  thing you are doing is reducing the amount of food you can eat.

By the way, I am 65 years old, have lost 134 pounds since my surgery (and 47 before surgery), and I have found this to be easy.  I walk for exercise, just walk (and do normal chores, woodworking, mowing 3 acres, etc., etc.)

I didn't want to deal with the fills of the lapband. A friend had the lapband done in Mexico but eventually lost her job and insurance and couldn't afford the fills.  So she didn't lose and felt it was a waste of money.

I didn't want to deal with the nutitional issues that comes with they bypass. 

So I chose the sleeve. 

Now keep in mind insurance denied it, was supposed to have RNY, then during surgery the dr had to do the sleeve and insurance was fine with it.   So I got what I wanted, but if you are going through insurance you may have an issue there...

Anywhooooo, I had surgery on 9/22 and I am down 165 pounds.  I am past my halfway mark but still have a way to go. I'd like to lose my next 35 by my one year anniversary, but if it doesn't happen I'm ok with that as well.

I still go to WW, go to the gym, and follow my food plan (although I do have a treat from time to time).

Good luck with your decision and your journey....

If I didn't think the VSG would be enough for me, I would have the DS, not the RNY. The DS has better results and lower chance of regain, plus better quality of life.

For me, if my BMI were over 50 I would definitely get the DS. Not sure about a BMI of 47, could go either way. A lot of it has to do with how well you think you can stick to the diet and exercise. If you're pretty good at staying on plan and you enjoy exercise you would probably do well with the VSG.

Hi Carmelita!

Yes, I did several months of research into the RNY and DS before deciding on the sleeve, and I've read the boards and gone to support groups etc. I do think DS patients have a better quality of life and eat more normally.

Really I was just trying to say what I would do in her position, I know this is a personal decision and I would never tell anyone they should or should not have one type of surgery. For me, if I thought the VSG would not be enough, I would definitely choose the DS over the RNY.