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I have decided on the bypass surgery. For me I feel that it will be the most successful and give me the most long-term success. I think it's definitely a personal choice. My surgeon recommends the bypass for me as well.

Trying to decide between bypass (RNY) and sleeve. I am leaning toward bypass but I am not sure. A little about me. I am 5'7" and my high weight was 265 (BMI of 42) current . Diabetic, HBP, Apnea and high cholesterol. The turning point was when my endo Dr was stumped at why my A1C was still high after all the drugs I was on...."duh, I eat like crap!" I went on a medically supervised weight loss diet for six months (exactly like the pre-op liquid diet) and lost 65 pounds. Transitioned off the diet and gained back 40 (CW is 240lbs). Decided the next step was WLS. My BMI is now 38 with all the same complications. According to charts my weight should be less than 165. From the research I have done I have a 50% chance of reaching: 158lbs with RNY or 170lbs with sleeve. My question is the 12 lbs worth the RNY vs sleeve. I am not sure what the extra "effort" of the bypass is??? Is day to day living different between the two procedures. I am leaning towards RNY for a couple reasons. 1) I have a better chance of getting at least a reasonable weight. There is an 80% chance of being at 190 with RNY two years out vs 208 with sleeve. I like those odds better. 2) Once you have the sleeve done you aren't going to go back and have the RNY done (if that is even possible). I am looking for input from people. What was the logic you used to decide pick the bypass. For the record my doctor has recommended RNY but it seems a lot of people in the support group has sleeves. Thanks in advance. Astro!

Please keep in mind that with either surgery it is just a tool. You won't be able to meet those goals if you don't change your lifestyle. However, I have found that getting sleeved has made it much easier for me to stick to a healthy eating plan than it was preop. The bypass will definitely help with some of your comorbidities particularly the diabetes and cholesterol since the changes to your intestines makes you absorb less of the food you eat. Good luck with whatever option you choose!

Hi everyone, I'm Gena and I'm still kinda new to this forum, even though I registered a while ago. I found this forum when I first started to check everything out about being banded about a year ago. But I decided to try 1 more diet before I did anything more. So I went on the Atkins Diet in April of 2007 and stay on it till the end of Feb. of 2008. I lost around 40 to 50 lbs till October, then from November to Feburary I wasn't losing anything. I kept telling myself that I was in a slump and I'll start losing again, but nothing. So on Feb. 23rd I stopped the diet and I have made an appt. with Dr. Clark in Ellis Hospital to go to the orientation for the lapband( before I gain the weight back). I need this, about 14yrs ago I had to have a hip replacement due to a car accident and it was only suppose to last 10 years, then I was to need of a new one. I am overdue and I have gained alot of weight through the years. I can't wait till I go to the appt. April 10th but I'm really nervous that I might not be able to have this surgery, I've been told that the Ins. Co. won't pay for the lapband but they will pay for the bypass and I will not have the bypass. I really can't afford to take a loan for it. I just found out last week that there is a woman from work that is being band on April 7th. She doesn't know if the Ins. will cover it. So I was wondering if I could get any info, if anyone has any? If I get my Hip surgeon involved does anyone think it will help with the Ins.?

When I went to see my surgeon the first time he asked me which procedure I wanted... I told him that I didn't know; that one of the reasons I was seeing him was to discuss my options with him. I did mention that I wasn't necessarily interested in a fast weight loss. I said that "slow and steady is fine with me". I then mentioned that was I was concerned about was not where I would be in 6 months or a year but where I would be in 5 years --- 10 years. As soon as I mentioned that (the long-term consideration) he immediately said that I would want the lap-band. And that was the "path" I began upon. As a part of my pre-surgery consults my surgeon wanted me to see my endocrinologist (I have some thyroid issues) for a surgical clearance. My endocrinologist asked me which procedure I was considering having and I told him the lap-band. He said "Good, because I would not approve you for gastric bypass." When I asked him why he said that because they bypass so much of the first part of the gut, in addition to the stomach, that I would have calcium problems. I already have a problem with calcium metabolism; I certainly do not need to place myself in a deficit with calcium absorption.

My neighbor behind me, his son in law had Bypass about 6 months ago. He told me about it as he has seen weight loss with me, thinking I had the same thing "NO THANK YOU !" His attitude is why would you put any thing in you, that's just going to cause you problems an choke? I told him why would you have them cut out 20+ feet of your intestines, cut your stomach up, and re route your insides. Only to have to suffer from Dumping Syndrome, and if you stretch yourself, you can gain the weight all over again.... He just walked away ! ! ! I didn't tell him that everyone that I ever knew that had Bypass are in the Ground. So if he wants to watch my progress,,, I guess I can watch his, as time goes by. I hope he makes it. He would be the first. I don't like those kinda odds..

I didn't tell anyone but my husband and my dad & stepmom because I didn't want anyone scrutinizing me or even paying attention to what I was doing. But seeing as you've told some people already and it's not working out so well you could either drop them from any updates (as in just say you want to be more private about it from now on) and carry on your merry way OR you could give them a crash course on what the band is all about: explain that the reason it's great is that it's NOT bypass so the weightloss is much slower and healthier (ie, 1 to 2 years to lose what you want), how the fills work and how you are not even at a stage where the banding is doing much yet etc etc. I hope you are able to make a choice and deal with this because these friends could really bring you down and you are doing really great. I'd hate to see you affected by that.

Hi, I did struggle and even had the financial person at the office suggest that I do VSG because everyone keeps revising the surgery from lap band to VSG. Ultimately I went with lapband because it's removable. Both parents had stomach issues where surgery was needed and if you have VSG, there is so much scar tissue it's about impossible to get in there and fix what is wrong. I just did not feel comfortable with having my stomach cut out and it's a greater risk.

Hi. I'm new to this site. It took me six months of diligence, but I finally got approval from my insurance company for my sleeve surgery. I had it on April 17th. I'm feeling remarkably well on Day 3 post surgery, much better than I had mentally prepared myself for (from past experience with C-section, tubal ligation, hysterectomy and two knee surgeries). At 7 am today (65 hours after surgery) I walked my dog around the block and had no set-backs from it. Later, I took a car ride (first real outing) to shop and came home very weary, but still ok!and, 3 days post surgery, I've already lost 10 lbs. That's what really impressed me! My motivation to have this procedure stems from my decimal history. Like most obese people, I am becoming diabetic, my joints hurt, and the GERDS is only getting worse. But, unlike most other obese people, my thyroid tanked about 27 years ago, which has made weight loss an even greater challenge. Add to that, I found out 5years ago that I have - not one, but TWO rare auto-immune diseases. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis ("PBC") and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Another name for NASH is Fatty Liver Disease. My weight continued a gradual climb over the years, despite my efforts to change my eating patterns and selections. I felt cornered. This surgery was my only hope to delay - and maybe even eliminate the need for a liver transplant someday. And, if a by-product of this decision is that my sweet husband gains 'arm-candy,' then great! I selected the sleeve over the other procedures because the full bypass surgery makes it impossible to receive a transplanted liver in the future (nix that one), and the Lap-Band is too easy to reverse. I wanted this decision to be permanent and never look back. I work with three people who had the Lap-Band, and only one of them has been successful at it. The other two have gained back all their weight and more. I know several others who have been successful at Lap-Band, but I wanted a permanent life-change. I'm so glad I did it. Pain and nausea? You bet! Unbearable? Maybe once or twice for five minutes, but I kept telling myself, 'this is normal. This, too, shall pass. The outcome of all of this is that YOU get to live to see your 3 year old granddaughter grow up.' There is so much stigma with gastric weight loss surgery, that I've chosen to not share it with more than my husband and two very close friends. It's no ones business why I chose to do this. I see people who have been skinny all their lives say, "Oh, I see.... No wonder you've lost weight," implying the fat person failed and had to "cheat." My coworkers, siblings, and others were told I'm having a procedure done to 'prop-up' my liver, give it some relief, and hopefully delay a transplant - all of which is 100% true. Maybe someday, I'll feel better about sharing the whole story with everyone. I am into Day 4 post-surgery. I've lost 10 lbs. I'm on the right track.

I'm glad you've told your BF. Hopefully between her/him and your family they will be a strong support. Along with this forum too! I'm sure that your hospital has support groups for face to face meetings as well. Unfortunately, the one at my hospital meets on Monday and it conflicts with a class I'm taking, but I have found much support here, and it's easier to be candid when you aren't face to face! ha My Mom was the same way, but I also watched her yo-yo her whole life and that is one of my goals of having this tool. She currently has lost and kept it off and I am proud of her, but she and I both know I need more. I had those same fears, and to be honest I was one of thhose judgemental people.... My friend got gastric bypass a year ago and I 100% thought she was taking "the easy way out" but that's for close minded people and I learned real quick going through this process that there isn't anything easy about it. It is hard work and your success will proves your commitment to that! I only have a 1 day liquid diet the day before-THANK GOD! I have been reading about these 2 week diets and I have no idea how they do it!! I would think I would have a problem being weak. But I also have thought maybe I should try a few days of liquids to get used to the weeks of liquids post op. Let us know how your consultation goes!

Back in 2010 I had surgery on right ankle to repair a torn ligament. Went back to work after 3 months off but it hurt like a beast. Decided then to do something about carrying all this extra weight around. Atkins (induction phase extended) and lots of daily walking for 8 months and I lost 120 pounds. Gained every bit right back within 3 years......but for a while.....a short while......during the lighter weight......there was no knee pain....no back issues.....no ankle pain......everything felt great. Doc took me off the arthritis meds, blood pressure meds.....and every other medication I was on. I am so very grateful for that experience. It allowed me to glimpse.....and enjoy......how good I'm soon going to feel again. The cool part is that I hope to blow by that 120 lb mark and exceed 200 lbs lost. My knees are both going feel brand new again. So is my back. So is everything else. I can't stress how easy it was to spring out of bed.....get moving......stay active on long work days and come home ready for yard work and other fun stuff. Life is better when lived leaner. I have seen it. I know I can kill it on the pre-op diet.....but then the new tool arrives that will really help me get things dialed in. If I do my part I will be able to maintain a good healthy weight forever. I am absolutely convinced that proceeding with bypass is the right thing.

My dear hubby and I have been married for nearly 20 years, and he is my EVERYTHING! He had band-to-sleeve revision in mid-November 2013. His goal is to lose 100 lbs. In the eight weeks following surgery, he lost 55 lbs. But in the past 3 weeks, the scale is not moving. I tell him all the time how great he is doing, but I can tell he is starting to get discouraged. I'm not sure how to best support him during the inevitable 'stalls'. I figure this group can give me the best advice - - so.... what do you recommend?

I'm 8 days out from my revision from band to sleeve. I was very sore and had a hard time the first few days, but it gets better. my incision where they removed the port is the most tender, and if I do a lot of walking I use my codeine syrup because it gets very painful. Other than that, I just have the constant shooting pain of gas in my left shoulder, but everything else has passed. I'm sorry that you are still feeling unwell, but it will get better.

I've used "Tap and Track Pro" on my iPhone since Dec. 7th of last year. The app doesn't need to know that you've had a gastric bypass. You configure your height and weight. Then tell it your goal weight and how much you want to lose per week and the app calculates the number of calories you should have. Alternatively, you can configure it for whatever number of daily calories your doctor recommends at whatever post-op point you're at. It will even track water if you add it as a "Favorite" and then just add it to your daily intake as often as you like. It also allows you to generate all kinds of reports including custom date ranges. There is a free version that you can use to give it a try. Research has repeatedly shown that folks who maintain a food diary or log lose more weight, lose it faster, and are more successful at maintaing their goal weight. There are many options for apps but some kind of log is highly recommended!! You're gonna love the new you!!

Today I am going to see a hypnotherapist. As I wait for a surgery date I am working to get all my ducks in a row. I decided to do some therapy to help me sort out the different kinds of hunger as well as self-image issues, privacy about who I am telling, etc. I went through a long list of providers covered by our insurance and was surprised to see a hypnotherapist listed. I have had hypnotherapy before and love the feeling of bypassing my chattering mind to fully relax. That kind of mindfulness is what I need to bring to my banded life as I will be working hard to make excellent choices and avoid stress eating. Just wondered if any one else has used hypnosis or meditation to help with reinforcement. I'm preparing a list of what I want to address in these sessions: S-L-O-W eating, very slow and mindful. Put down the fork between bites. Look at the food and enjoy the colors, the smells, the plate itself. Listen for hunger sensations and notice fullness. Eat three meals a day, no grazing and snacking. Any thoughts are welcome! Thanks so much.

I have decided that I want to have RYN bypass and I have set up an appointment for my free seminar 01/08. I have my primary physician behind me a 110%. I just want to know what all else you have to go through before you get your surgery date?

Oh goodness. Mine started about 3 weeks post op. I was only able to drink and eat Soup. Anything that needed chewing- even puréed things would get stuck. The pain was nearly unbearable, horrible nausea, and the food would often come back up. My doctor wouldn't so a scope until his patients are 6 weeks post op. I was so frustrated with that but had no choice but to wait. At 6 weeks I called to make appt and he wanted me to go to ER to get tests done first. I went in on a Wednesday afternoon (this was 7/10 so not long ago). They did barium swallow test and gastrografin too. The barium test showed the stricture as the tablet got stuck. They also put me on fluids as I was so dehydrated my pee was brown and I had a UTI. They admitted me. I had the scope done this next morning. They found and stretched the stricture. They didn't let me go home until Friday as they wanted to make sure I could eat before I went home. So I ended up staying 2 nights which was more than I stayed for my bypass! I still deal with nausea and some vomiting when food doesn't agree but things aren't getting stuck anymore. They told me once you have a stricture you may need 2-3 scopes to totally keep it open. So far mine is doing fine with the one scope. But it's only been a few weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't come back! Good luck to you! I hope that helps you. I don't think most people have to stay that long. Mine may have been because of UTI and dehydration too- I ended up getting 6 bags of fluids. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

@ itskariduh I'd like to befriend fellow gastric bypass patients share progress and see all your guys progress I should be getting mine this month or October at the latest my coordinator is really slowing things down for me :/

I was 320 on the day of my surgery. My surgeon thought I would lose more with bypass but I was not interested in that because of the higher risk of complications and I did not let her push me into it. I have been SO happy with my results so far- no regrets!

Hi Kristy! You and I are almost the same age and live in the same area, ( I'm 33 & reside in San Clemente ) I have been on this journey for almost 2 years once going back and fourth with gastric bypass or the Lap- Band. All I can say from my journey so far, is that nobody really has the answers for you. You have to go out and find them and take your time to do your homework. I have spent countless hours on the internet researching and comparing surgery's including doctor's etc. It is my experience that I had to go out and find answers myself. Take your time. Time is the best medicine! I am sceduled for surgery on January 7th 2008 with Dr.Peter Leport's group in Orange County, Ca called smart dimensions. I suggest also that you attend one of there support groups and gain some more insight since this is such a personal decision. Look him up and my best wishes go out to you! Good-Luck.

Congratulations to everyone that was approved. I have Aetna and was denied. the denial was uphelp in the first and second level appeal by Aetna. It was so stressful. The final appeal is an independent external review process. This is where the decision goes out to an independent doctor not associated with the insurance company who will decide based upon the information provided if the patient meets the standards published by NIH and other medical groups. Mine did and the decision by Aetna was overturned. The entire process took almost 10 months and was SO stressful. All of my appeals were done with the help of http://www.obesitylaw.com It cost me nothing and Kelley is the BEST !! She called me 2 days before I was going to Disney to tell me the good news. She even offered to give me passes to Disneyland that they use to take out the employees in the office each year. Unfortunately I was going to Disney World in FL so I couldn't use the passes. She was so nice I decided I would tell everyone who was having issues with approval about them. They provide an awesome service to people who could really use help. I believe her husband Walter had both Gastric bypass and a Lapband revision later on. Good Luck to anyone having to deal with Aetna.

Hi, everybody, my name is Jackie and I had VSG last August. I've been on OH for over a year now but I came here to check out your board. at 8 months out I've stopped losing: I'm about 5 pounds above goal and over-all feeling pretty good. no more honeymoon, though, so there are issues to tackle! who is here, mostly pre-ops? revisions? whoever you are, nice to meet you! :thumbdown: Jackie edited to add: what does "furl this post" mean?

Why did your surgeon opt for sleeve instead of bypass if you have such bad reflux issues?

Oh the lapband, the first year was great. I was mostly compliant and lost 65 lbs. Then, in one weekend, I thought I was going to die. Turns out I had a slippage with 2 little pouches. So I went in for a revision. I tried my best to hold onto that band. I didn't want to gain the weight back. You know the deal, vomiting all the time, but worst than that, trapped gas. So after another year of all that, it had to come out. Now, 3 yrs later, I'm heavier than ever at 343. In this year I have been down to 313 and back up to this weight. I can drop and gain the same 7/lbs over and over. Water weight. So now I want to thoroughly investigate the sleeve. My concerns are #1: excessive Scar tissue as that was to blame for band removal, #2 do you get trapped gas with sleeve, heck I still have it, and #3: I have Dercum's Disease. Does anyone else have Dercum's and WLS? So can some of you help me make a decision? I'm not doing good on my own. I have severe osteoarthritis and this weight is dragging me down. I thought I had done my investigating with the band but no, I didn't do enough. Really, mostly concerned about Scar tissue... Please give me your thoughts.

Actually slippage isn't mentioned in the 2013 study...these were the complications and rates..... "A high number of revision procedures were performed-proximal pouch enlargement (26%), erosion (3.4%), and port and tubing problems (21%)." Happy you are happy and I hope you stay in the 50% with no issues. I never had a slip. I had irritation, reflux and then eventually device broke. I lost as well and I felt great as well for the first 3 years. The point of my post is for people to know that if it does go bad...don't put your head in the sand. Do something...