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I was given the option of Sleeve vs Bypass but chose bypass because I didn't want the risk of revision if GERD and also wanted a surgery that had better statistics to back up given my history of PCOS. So have you considered of Bypass? I think out of pocket means it may little more expensive for you to get bypass but do give it a thought and do your research to ease your nerves. Also like others mentioned, you shouldn't get intimidated by certain some a experiences. If some have had not so great experience, there are also others out here who have found success and turned a new leaf in their lives. Every experience is different and not everyone is going to describe their detailed medical history here. So best option for you is to speak to your surgical team and see what they have to say about your dilemma.

Hi I read on your facebook you are having a revision. When is that? I am roux n y this Thursday

I am 10 months out, maintaining below goal, feel great, and no, I've never once wished I had picked any other surgery. I have 1 friend that has been banded for 5 years and another who had bypass 8 years ago. The former has never lost all of her weight and has had emergency surgery when her band slipped. The latter has hit goal and maintained her weight loss well, but has had innumerable issues over the years including dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, vomiting, dumping, constipation and heartburn (she takes protonix and Rolaids everyday). My choice was clear after seeing what both of them deal with.

It depends on the medication and it's method of ingestion. A great number of XR type medications are absorbed in the Duodenum or Jejunum, well guess what, after a bypass we don't have those to use anymore. So those kinds of meds are out. Some will work, some will not. I think that for that reason they put a blanket "no XR meds" clause in, certain medications are okay, I take nexium in powder form, its DR 40 mg, but works fine. That being said GERD after a bypass is extremely rare, I agreed to continue taking it for 30 days post op, then I am done with it, after being on stomach acid medicine for 20 years. I also take psychotropic meds, some were XR, they had to be converted not just to IR, but liquid. Let's just say I have become a master compounder. Research Ora-Sweet, you can get in on Amazon, you will thank me later.

I had a revision and my surgeon made me do the preop and nutrition class again. The insurance needed to do a peer review with my dr but it was approved. You should not have an issue.

Hi! My surgery date is Nov 10th. I'm a little nervous because I'm having my lapband removed, then getting the gastric bypass done. I'm currently on the pre-op diet, but not losing anything. My metabolism is totally screwed! Looking forward to success with the gastric bypass. Any suggestions for someone like me who's allergic to whey protein & whey protein isolate products? It's been tough, and I think post op will be challenging as well.

Update: Gastric Bypass Date 8/16/2023 Starting weight 376 Current 295 Down 81 pounds. My heaviest was 387.

I had my gastric bypass at Swedish Seattle in 2013. I'm very happy with them Kat..????????????????????????????????????

Welcome. Since you have GERD, RNY gastric bypass is probably a good choice, since sleeve will only make the condition worse. Many times the timing from deciding to have surgery and actually having the surgery can be long. For me it was around 9 months. Therefore it is common for the process to encompass two calendar years and thereby two deductible year for your insurance. Therefore if you can schedule the whole process and fit it within a one year timeframe, it will minimize your health insurance costs.

Welcome. I'm in my 50s (that may be the first time I have ever written that statement) and have a higher BMI than you. I was recently sleeved on April 20. Don't assume that based on BMI that you have to go with the bypass. Everyone is different and your surgeon and research should help you decide on the best procedure for you. Best of luck.

I think that the sleeve would work just fine for you since you probably only have 60-70 pounds to lose to place you into the normal range. If you already have acid reflux issues or Gerd, those issues can be agitated or worsened by getting sleeved, however, and many people undergo a 2nd surgery to convert to GB because of this. If that is the case, you might be better off with GB instead. Other than that, see below: Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass Comparison of the Bariatric Surgery Procedures Comparing the various methods of weight loss surgery can help you determine which surgical approach is the best option for you. As weight loss surgery is only a tool to assist with weight loss, what works best for one individual is not necessarily what will work best for another individual. The following chart is a side-by-side comparison of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), also called gastric sleeve surgery, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The information is intended as a general overview of these two types of weight loss surgery to help you quickly compare the similarities and differences of these procedures. Weight Loss Procedure Gastric Sleeve Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Approach to Weight Loss Restriction Limits food ingestion Controls hunger sensations Restriction & Malabsorption Limits food ingestion Reduces food absorption Changes to Stomach Stomach size reduced 75-80% of the stomach is cut away along the greater curvature and removed from the body Stomach size reduced and new stomach outlet (stoma) created Stomach is separated into two and stoma is created in the smaller upper pouch; lower remaining portion of the stomach is bypassed Changes to Small Intestine Kept intact Cut and rerouted Small intestine is cut in the middle; upper section is bypassed and lower section is attached to the stoma Changes to Pyloric Valve Kept intact Bypassed Average Operating Time 1 to 3 hours 2 hours Average Hospital Stay 2 to 3 days 2 to 3 days Average Time off Work 2 weeks 2 to 3 weeks Average Recovery Time 3 weeks 3 months Surgery Advantages Safer and less complex procedure Limits food ingestion Reduces hunger sensations by removing the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hunger hormone Digestion occurs naturally and does not cause nutritional deficiencies resulting from intestinal bypass Does not cause Dumping syndrome as the pyloric valve is kept intact Few problematic foods Option for high-risk patients (very high BMI or medical issues such as anemia, Crohn?s disease, anti-inflammatory drug use, or extensive prior surgery) Greatly controls amount of food that can be eaten Malabsorption assists with weight loss Dumping syndrome prevents intake of sweets Considered gold standard for bariatric surgery based on long-term use and results Surgery Disadvantages General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots Leakage along the stomach sutured/stapled edge Not reversible Lack of long-term data Considered investigational and not covered by some insurance companies General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots Complex operation Leakage along the staple line of the stomach Stoma obstruction Nutritional deficiencies Gallstones, ulcers, reflux, and bowel obstruction Dumping syndrome Causes Dumping Syndrome No Yes Dietary Guidelines 600-800 calories per day, during weight loss period 1000-1200 calories per day for weight maintenance Meals should consist of high-protein, low-carbohydrate and low-fat foods Drink 6-8 cups of water or other low-calorie liquids per day 800 calories per day during weight loss period 1000-1200 calories per day for weight maintenance Meals should focus on protein-rich foods and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables Drink 6-8 cups of water or other low-calorie liquids per day Chew foods thoroughly into a pureed consistency Eating Habits Eat five small healthy meals each day Do not eat and drink at same time Do not overeat, skip meals, or snack between meals Eat three small protein-rich meals each day Do not eat and drink at same time Chew foods into a pureed consistency Do not overeat, skip meals, or snack between meals Problematic Foods Not many problematic food as the stomach continues to function normally, but high-calorie and high-fat foods and drinks must be avoided and daily calories limited for weight loss to occur Foods that are dry, sticky, or fibrous can cause discomfort or blockage, including tough meat, bread, pasta, rice, raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, and skins of fruits and vegetables, and chewing gum Sweets can cause Dumping syndrome Carbonated beverages can cause bloating High-calorie, high-sugar, high-fat foods and beverages will ruin weight loss efforts Nutritional Supplements Multivitamin Calcium Vitamin B12 Multivitamin Calcium Vitamin B12 Iron Average Weight Loss Studies show greater than 60% excess weight loss at 12 months after surgery and a maintained excess weight loss of 53-69% at 5 year follow-up.(1) Rapid weight loss during first 6 months Weight loss settles 18 to 24 months after surgery 70% excess weight loss at 1 year 60% excess weight loss at 5 years

Not every surgeon does the DS because of its complexity. Bypass has been around for a long time so they consider it the "gold standard" but I wouldn't necessarily say that makes it better. As mentioned another commenter, DS doesn't have dumping which is a plus in my book [emoji4]

I'm still struggling between having a ds, and a bypass. I'm terrified of surgery, and want to only have to do it once. My doctor has assured me that I have narrowed it down to the correct two surgeries for me, but says it's a personal choice. I have done tons of research, and am leaning more towards the ds, but am scared of the extra risks. Any advice would be great! My insurance mandated diet is over next month. I'll be having surgery hopefully in November.

But the bypass also runs the risk of malnutrition. I'm not certain that the there is an increased percentage of complications of the DS vs the bypass. I think they're pretty comparable. DS has a better long term outcome when it comes to regain. The SIPS is a modified DS having a single anastomoses vs the two anastomoses of the traditional. The SIPS also has a longer common channel that also helps reduce the risk of malnutrition and eases the whole gas/diarrhea issue. SIPS is also known as SADI or LOOP. Again this being a personal decision, you have to go with your gut [emoji173]️ good luck with your decision [emoji4]

Really....that's very interesting. I know ds is better for long term, and that's why I'm leaning more towards it. Also, my BMI is around 53 so I would need to loose a substantial amount of weight. I knew someone who was around 400lbs and lost about 100 just to gain it all back plus some. She had the sleeve though. My doctor says he's very confident in both procedures. But, he also says the bypass is the "work horse" of weight loss surgery and he's done loads more of those. I guess that doesn't mean anything....I dno. Just scared to be honest

My doctor is very confident in both. He told me my best options were ds or bypass and the choice was up to me. The fact that not many doctors offer it kind of concerns me. I've heard so many stories about gastric bypass not working. People gain all their weight back. Can't imagine going through all this and having that be the outcome.

I'm also going back and forth between the two surgeries. I'm leaning towards the one and done. I'm reading that a lot of surgeons will lean you in the direction of their expertise which is Sleeve or Bypass my thought is to go with their recommendation since they are not confident in performing the DS. Being self pay I'll choose the DR that is confident in doing the DS and has performed enough with great reviews. I'm leaning towards Dr A Lopez but am going back and forth on Facility.

Other than your personality and desire for privacy, it really does depend on your workplace. Is it a small, close collaborative environment or a snake pit? The kind of place where people talk about you behind your back and office gossip leans towards the mean spirited. By all means, if you want, tell your work friends but assume that everyone will eventually find out. Also, while this is a big deal to us, does anyone else really give a crap? It’s not lying, you are losing weight through diet and exercise. Only if someone flat out asked you if you had WLS and you told them you didn’t, would it be lying. I’d be happy lying in those circumstances! I don’t know if anyone else remembers that host on the tv show, the View, Star Jones who had a bypass, denied it, viewers started to hate her and then she got kicked off the show. If you host a tv show, you should definitely tell your viewers. The other day, I was buying a salad and got to chatting with the girl behind me. She mentioned that she had had WLS. She was willing to tell a perfect stranger. By contrast, I haven’t even told my father and some of my siblings. its really all about your personal comfort level. You do you!

When I had my bypass on June 28th it was the very first surgery I had ever had in life. Indeed a big deal! But you will get through it. You’ve got this! Congrats! My sleeve in 2 weeks will be my first surgery as well. My fear is of being put under. But it's gonna be so worth it!

No, the sleeve isn't more complicated. Either your surgeon misspoke or you misheard. There IS risk of leaks during the first 2 months postop, but bypass also has its own set of risks. The complication rate during and right after surgery are about the same for sleeve and bypass. BUT, the further you get from surgery, the sleeve complications drop significantly lower than those of the bypass. (Pretty sure GERD is left out of this statistic).

ROFL. I guess I will be a self-pay, too. I guess it's not "enough" loose skin for insurance to pay (ok, I won't exclude being lucky so lets wait and see, I'm financially prepared already for the worst case though). I'm looking into the Avelar technique and would have to go to Austria then but I essentially cancelled all the thoughts about plastics (well, almost all thoughts...) when surgeons recommended a revision and told me to expect another 10% weight loss. 6.something kg doesn't sound that much but at a height of 167 cm it means more than two BMI points. However, I can have a mommy makeover myself then when the time comes around. Surgeons in Germany usually don't do breasts and tummy in one sitting when insurance covers the procedures because of how hospital stays are paid. (Germany's health care system is sick in its own special way.) ETA: Yes, gotta see the bright site of being a self-pay. One can get what's medically safe and not what some insurance company thinks they're going to pay for.

I'm torn between the surgeries. My surgeon said I qualify for both and it's my choice. I've seen friends have great results with both surgeries. I'm 41, low BMI of 35 with comorbidities of very high BP, high cholesterol, pre diabetic , weight 205. If anyone has any recommendations or insight please share. Anyone In the same situation please share your thoughts or choice of surgery and why. I originally was thinking sleeve but now wondering if long term bypass would be best....[emoji17] Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

According to my doctor, the sleeve is actually or more complicated surgery and the recovery time is longer. The possibility of leaks is greater in a sleeve then a gastric bypass. Ultimately it's what you feel comfortable with. I know people who have done both. Some have kept the weight off and others have not. It's about what you feel you can maintain.

Vera- was there any extra cost you had to endure for this revision?

Thank you all so very much. I was not given Actigall post-op because I had zero history of GB attacks, and because my revision was going to be extensive they didn't want to risk another complication. I've read a lot of conflicting information on the drug Actigall so I wouldn't of probably taken it to begin with. . . My symptoms were the explosive diarrhea and dry heaving on Saturday night after I went out to dinner. Then Sunday, I was super puny. Monday the pain while eating and drinking started and progressed to get worse. The pain came when I ate or drank anything. Then it would radiate across my abdomen, and shoot up to my left shoulder. Today, I've been able to eat some wheat thins with PB, and it has stayed down. Unfortunately, the shoulder pain has gone from occasionally to constant. It's a nawing, sharp pain, not throbbing, but constant. I'm learning to just deal with it. I got 2 percocets at the ER, and they did absolutely nothing for the pain, so I'm not going to ask for more pain meds. Thank you all for your support, well wishes, thoughts and prayers.