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Good luck! Im right behind you with my gastric bypass on Wednesday July 3. We got this! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Trying to compare like that is very hard. I am sure there are an equal amount of side effects and benefits to both. This is why you have a surgeon to discuss it with that should be able to advise the best option for you. For the record most of the extra risk with the bypass is at the time of the op, it is a more complicated surgery than the sleeve so requires a more skilled, experienced surgeon. I had a revision from band to bypass in Jan and am very happy. I didn’t want a sleeve as i know so many people that have one and the majority seem to have either not had good loss or have major weight gain, I know this is also possible with bypass but I don’t know many people that have one. My surgeon also told me that with my history of reflux he wouldn’t consider sleeving me. At the end of the day the most important thing is the commitment of the patient. Realise the surgery is only a tool and that success requires hard work.

Most sleevers don't get GERD if they didn't have it before - it just seems that way because people don't really post the positive - you're FAR more likely to see a post about getting GERD than a post about not having a side effect/complication. According to some studies, about 9% of people who are sleeeved get GERD (the title in the link to this article is a bit misleading: https://www.mdedge.com/gihepnews/article/80250/gastroenterology/sleeve-gastrectomy-often-worsens-gerd) According to the article: "Most LSG patients [who had GERD before surgery] (84.1%) had persistent GERD symptoms after the procedure; only 15.9% reported resolution of symptoms. An additional 9.0% of LSG patients reported postoperative worsening of GERD symptoms. And 8.6% of patients who didn’t have GERD before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy developed the disorder afterward." So, if you don't have GERD now, this study would say you have an 8.6% chance of getting it afterwards. Most of the people I've met who have had the sleeve have no GERD (and one bypass patient I know does). And the few sleevers I know who do have GERD have it well under control with medicaiton. In the end, read the studies. Talk to your surgeon. Have you had an endoscopy - talk to your surgeon about the results and what s/he thinks it means for the likeliness of getting GERD. As to why - my understanding is that because you're stomach basically becomes a tube, the pressure in your stomach increases, which increases the chance of the acid being forced back into the esophagus. This is a really nerdy article, but Table 1 talks about why obese people in general have a higher incidence of GERD, why someone might newly get GERD after sleeve (de novo column), or why GERD might get better after sleeve ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4579881/ NOTE going into the next paragraph - my experience is NOT typical. I know some on this board would prefer that people don't talk about their bad outcomes, but I feel like people should know that a small number of patients do get the. I'd also say that, for me, some presentations of GERD are not preferable to being overweight. Unfortunately, my surgeon gave me the 8.6% figure as ALL sleeve patients - he didn't give me the #s on people who had GERD before (I recognize I should have done more of my own research - I did some, but somehow didn't see the study linked to above). I had a bit of GERD that was very well controlled before surgery. I felt great for about 3 months post-surgery. Months 4-5 were so rough with GERD I could barely eat (I struggled to get 3-400 calories vs. eating about 700 in the few months after surgery) and struggled every waking moment not to throw up. It is better now (at 8 months), but I still have GERD and can tell you at any given time exactly where the acid is in my esophagus. I can tell you that at months 4-5, I would have 100% taken all the weight back to feel better. And even now I seriously regret the surgery and would trade the 125-ish lbs loss to feel like I did before surgery (edited to add - I also have other complications, so its not just the GERD that makes me regret this - but I likely would have had the other complications with RNY, too). But, for various personal reasons that really only apply to me, I wouldn't have had the RNY and still won't convert. So, I'm working on it in therapy because it is not mentally healthy to continually regret a decision I can't take back.

I think this is a comprehensive list and i'm in the same boat as you. I "want" the sleeve due to the less complex nature of the surgery but so many people at least on this board seem to get GERD. Ii'm 48 and have never had that. Worried about the bypass not now but for when I'm older and the nutrution needs. following to see the replies.

Hi Folks, been scouring the posts and it seems like most sleevers get GERD, which is disconcerting but I know it's preferable to being overweight. Are you getting GERD because your surgeon made your sleeve too small? I'm specifically asking if you didn't have GERD before. Thinking I might just switch my surgery to the bypass to avoid this. I still don't know which procedure to get...ARGH

That's great. Hope you lose heaps. I can tolerate all foods now. Do you know how many feet was bypassed? I had 10ft.

I can definitely tell you that the hunger hormones are greatly if not totally reduced in bypass.

I have appt this coming week, they are working me in so am not sure what date it will be on - for final meet with dr. I've been working on researching bypass vs. sleeve to make sure that I feel like I concur with what the dr. has suggested. I'm torn on some of the pros/cons of both surgeries based on following about co-morbidities/health situation: I do NOT have high blood pressure I do NOT have high cholesterol I do NOT have diabetes I do NOT currently have ongoing heartburn/acid reflux (get heartburn 3 or 4 times a yr, and acid reflux..maybe once a year if that) My BMI started out at 60 and is now 54? I am 50 yrs old (not young) I have long clotting history but NO clotting disorder EVERY episode of clotting (DVT's/PE's) had known causation. Have permanent IVC filter since 2011. Knees have severe arthritis and need replacing - have to get to 40 BMI to have kneed surgery Here are some generalities I've gathered on sleeve vs bypass from searching here, google searches, and many youtube videos watched. If anything is wrong, please let me know. It's amazing that despite how much you read/watch, you can come away with questions still - maybe my retention is shot with long pre-op diet?: Bypass – possible chance of bowel obstruction later after surgery Bypass – possible chance of twisting bowels after surgery (don't know %) Bypass - less chance of reflux/resolves reflux for many Sleeve – chance of developing reflux (do not have more than 4 episodes a yr of heartburn, maybe 1 of reflux) Sleeve – chances of clots forming in previous ‘stomach/fundus’ area - not able to get specific % (this was also something dr. mentioned) Bypass – chances of clots/DVT's? (haven't found specifics yet) Bypass vs. Sleeve - hair loss - tied. Rapid weight loss causes this and can occur with either surgery Bypass vs. Sleeve - more long term data on bypass than sleeve Bypass vs. Sleeve - overall amt of weight loss tends to even out for both at around 5 to 6 yr mark, but bypass has 10 to 20% greater chance of 'initial faster weight loss" Bypass vs. Sleeve - chance for hernias, ulcers, etc. %? for both (need to find out) Bypass vs. Sleeve – likely to cause more time in bathroom? Bypass due to dumping/vomiting (some see dumping as a 'pro'?)? Sleeve due to vomiting /diarrhea? Bypass vs. Sleeve - % of Vomiting / Amount of Nausea (same?) Bypass vs. Sleeve - easier to stretch out sleeve pouch?? Bypass vs. Sleeve - lesser % of chances or regain with bypass in long term? Statistically significant? True or False? Bypass vs. Sleeve - sleeve has more reduction of hunger hormones ghrelin & leptin as fundus removed? Anyone know if bypass has statistically significant reduction in 'unger hormones'? Bypass vs. Sleeve - more chance of malnutrition with bypass - what happens with my long term meds & how they will absorb/not absorb (take 2 anti-depressants and 1 is 'slow release' - take 2 diff meds for sleep due to shift work disorder)?? Bypass vs. Sleeve - bypass surgery longer Dang..i feel like I'm missing some obvious stuff on this list!!!! Going to go look at snippets saved in Word doc.

Hey lady! What advice are you looking for? I had gastric bypass surgery and I am 25 weeks with a healthy baby girl in my belly ❤️

6/28: I'm in control of what I can control... So very very true. I need to be revised to RNY for GERD. At first I was was shocked, then all for it, then felt like it was totally my fault but testing confirmed it was nothing i could have done to prevent it. So far im totally just rolling with it until its a reality. It feels surreal for sure. Especially doing a 2 week preop diet while being at goal 😭 but ... C'est la vie 6/29: My past doesn't define me, but helps me remember the future I'm fighting for 6/30: June has been a whirlwind for me, not necessarily bad but definitely filled with some... moments I'll never forget I truly appreciate you @Cheeseburgh for throwing an amazing party in here... the Skalender tried to kill us in the end 😭😂 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

Unfortunately, i did not lose much weight as anticipated. The day of surgery i was 335 and my lowest was 260. That's with adhering to the diet given (low fat, low carb) and moderate exercise. My weight fluctuated for years and i met Dr. Roslin at a seminar where we talked revision options. I can't say i have any comorbidilities that prompted the 'need' for a revision, i just wanted the best tool to help fight this battle of the bulge Sent from my LM-Q710(FGN) using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey everyone! My gastric bypass was on 2/5. I had a rough month in May for weight loss. I guess my body just needed some time to adjust. Weight is coming off again, thank goodness. My hair loss is astounding. Hope it stops soon. I have gone from 268 the day I started my pre op liquid diet to 207. I will be half way to my goal in 5 more pounds!! I have gone from an “extremely obese” BMI of almost 48 to now just “obese” at 37. I’m getting to where I want to be. I’m not one of the fast losers but that is ok. Picture is this morning and October 2017 where I was around 250 lbs (5’3”).

Im panicking, My highest weight was 352lb. My current weight is 281lb. I had a Gastric Bypass 12.18.2018. I've been 281pounds for 2 months. When i went for my 6 month post op i still weighed 281. That means im not losing any weight. Is that normal? Sent from my LG-Q710AL using BariatricPal mobile app

It sounds to me like he would really benefit from attending an info seminar. He may be more inclined to accept info about how WLS actually works from a medical professional. Having your primary support people on board is important. And your question about hair loss... I don't know that there's a real difference between those who get the sleeve vs. those who get bypass. One of my SIL had sleeve, the other RnY and both lost about the same amount of hair. I had RnY and am on track to lose a bit more hair than either of them. I think genetics and protein consumption play significant roles. My personal outlook on hair loss is that if it means my co-morbidities are brought under control and/or eliminated, then I can live with less hair for a while. Me bald is better than me missing limbs due to diabetes or dead from a heart attack.

SIGH, my husband keeps saying that "he knows lots of ppl who have had bariatric surgery when I started looking into WLS, when I got serious about it, when I actively pursued approval..and again today. I have been, perhaps because of vanity, a bit hesitant to bring up the subject of WLS causing potential hair loss..as I've been a bit worried about..well, how he might feel about how i look...and he heard me listening to some youtube videos done by ppl who have had both gastric sleeve and/or bypass. I'm trying to make sure that I get the one that is the best fit for me, not based on just what the doctor says. He kept interrupting but was asking questions so I thought ok, now he is interested that is cool. He asked about difference between bypass and sleeve. I gave him some basics. Just based on the quicker weight loss he 'agrees with new dr' that I should have that. Then I told him my concerns about dumping/malabsorption (do you lose more hair with bypass than with sleeve due to this?)..and he brought out the "no one i know who as had WLS has ever showed any signs of hair loss"... He is a distant co-worker to 2 ppl he THINKS may have had WLS. He doesn't intimately know them. He has told me this before. When I went through diff things (pros and cons of each) he became more horrified and said "maybe you shouldn't be doing this and just keep trying to lose weight". SIGH...I've been "trying to lose weight" most of my life...although I was never super morbidly obese until my late 30's. Anyone else have mixed signals from their 'closest support'? I've invited him to the 3 hr seminar/clinic I went to and to my dr appts. Don't get me wrong, it's not that he doesn't care at all..he just "doesn't get it..that he doesn't get it" I really...could use him "getting it". I guess I'll have to start a pros and cons thread on sleeve vs. bypass. I've looked at many old threads that have been posted here over the years and I've googled, etc. - but mine would be in regards to the fact of my own co-morbidities or lack thereof, etc.

I have Blue Cross and they just approved my revision due to medical reason

Reflux feels like fire. BUT Only testing from your surgeon will confirm the need for revisions. Are you still taking medication? Talking to your Team about your concerns? Asked for testing? Are you currently experiencing symptoms or wondering about the future? Good Luck!

I had bypass surgery on May 23rd. I am experiencing the same kind of pain. It’s not severe but very annoying. It’s like a crook in your neck type pain but on the left side under the ribs. I am concerned because my main incision was over my belly button. If you find out something let me know and I will do the same.

I initially was going to get the sleeve but my diabetes at the time was so far out of whack it was over a A1c of 12 at one point and having in-depth medical conversations with my surgeon about clinical trials and the like as it relates to gastric bypass or sleeves and diabetes with both of them having virtually the same outcome at 5 to 6 years post operation the only difference was in two weeks I was no longer going to be a diabetic so that's why I opted for the gastric bypass as opposed to sleeve and I literally was no longer a diabetic probably a week after the operation it was just gone and I sit around and eat candy all the time right now and I still continue to lose an extreme amount of weight I think the candy slows my weight loss down some honestly Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Many, many wise things in what you have shared. It's taken me 5 years to come to this decision. Previously I was not ready so I just read, studied, watched, learned. I feel despite how confident one is in their decision, hopefully after much soul searching, headwork, prep, etc. that 'theory' vs 'reality' is where the "rubber meets the road". I noticed you had bypass surgery...i've spent countless hrs trying to cram info into my head about pros and cons of sleeve vs. bypass....I'm just curious..did you ever consider one over the other (and I know that no matter how many ppl are happy with whatever option they've chosen, it doesn't necessarily mean I will be...)?

For CIGNA, it is a 1 bariatric surgery in a lifetime thing. They will never pay for a revision, period. My BMI when i met with 1st dr was 56 (down from over 60 when I started doing keto 15+ months ago). 1st Dr actually said he would do a bypass as well due to my very high BMI and the need to get weight off faster (both knees have severe arthritis and I have to get injections to be able to walk and that is even lately...even with 52.3 lbs lost..getting progressively more painful). Knee orthos (got 2nd opinion) have said both knees are so bad they require full replacement and as soon as my BMI is under 40, they will consider doing the operation. 1st dr though, felt uncomfortable with my clotting history so he said he would only do sleeve at this time and to save up my money (which I don't have) to pay for my own revision to bypass with duodenal switch in a yr or 2. I still have mixed feelings about the 2 different surgeries..things I like and don't like about the both. Do you think I should still reconsider? I'm asking this as I'm wanting to make the best decision..not just what either dr's have said...and I'm torn although both said I needed the bypass originally.

Doing my two week pre op Liquid meals and I must admit that after two days, it’s still tuff! Lol You soon learn that not wanting to eat and being REQUIRED not to eat can play with your mind. You start noticing that every other commercial is showing food!! Lmao! You really have to have a strong constitution and be committed to becoming a healthier you. All I know is that on July 12th 2019, I’m having my Surgery! (Gastric Bypass). For those struggling like me on the pre op liquids, take it one day at a time and believe you can get through it!

There has been something that has bothered me since my operation 5 years ago was my psychiatric visit pre-op. Like most of you I'm sure they're going to do this or have already done this you know the psychiatric evaluation consisted of a questionnaire and a second visit to discuss it now granted I am a psychologist and I kind of chalk this up to no one doctor to another in office but the first 15 minutes at my follow-up visit we just kind of chatted briefly just talked about the piece of paper that he had his hand that I filled out the questionnaire not one question to lie about it the rest of the time we sat and visited and talked about the treatment of borderline personality disorder and that's obviously unrelated but I just considered that you know if he felt I was going to have a problem he might have addressed it I didn't feel I was going to have a problem. However I went into this operation a very strong-willed individual I didn't have self-esteem problems I didn't have issues of that nature and a very strong personal sense of self. The problem began about three days in maybe four days when I was in so much pain realizing that gravity of the entire situation being at it was that I've never considered killing myself in my entire life I just never thought like that however on that night I remember sitting up in the couch cuz I couldn't lay down yet and was thinking of ways to pretty much into my life fortunately I was able to snap out of that really quick and move on and you know obviously nothing bad happened however I do worry about people that go into this not mentally prepared enough for this. If you're not a strong individual and you go into this operation and you're not mentally prepared it's going to be extremely difficult just try to make sure you understand the amount of pain and the amount of a commitment that you're going to go through. The doctors love to give you all the upsides and they kind of glossed over the downside quite a bit but they'll tell you oh it's going it's going to be that wonderful wonderful wonderful well you know what the reality is there's more to it than that so the biggest piece of advice that I can give anybody that's thinking of this operation is to just take pause just for a moment mentally prepare yourself for the first month to five years and just get ready because it's not that easy and don't let anyone try to tell you that this is the easy way out I still struggle everyday with my diet with trying to get enough fluids and still have a hard time processing the foods that I used to enjoy there are other concerns that you know I wasn't meant to prepare for that warm fuzzy feeling that you used to get from Thanksgiving dinner when you stress eat all that that's all gone after gastric bypass a friend of mine told me about that and I didn't believe him until I experienced it for myself so I just asked it please take a moment to gather your faculties and just mentally prepare yourself it's going to be okay in the long run and it will just follow up with the doctor say and you'll be fine do what they say but just mentally prepare yourself that's all I can add. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

So I'm coming up on 5 years since my gastric bypass operation. I weighed 384 lbs the day of my procedure, as of today I have now broke 170 lbs range that's with the excess skin still hanging on there lol which I assume is probably around another 10 to 12 pounds. Its has been a struggle but worthwhile I look at myself in the mirror and feel like just got out of a concentration camp... Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

@Qbaby08 We're twins!! I had my revision with Dr Illan on 6/15 also. I was actually his first patient of the day. I only know of one other person from that day which was Clara, from Cali. We were driven across the border and back together. Not sure where you were hiding. 😉