I was just wondering what made everyone choose the sleeve instead of conventional gastric bypass? I have decided to do the sleeve, too, but when I mentioned it to my gynocologist he suggested I consider conventional bypass. He said the weight loss was quicker and that u lose more. Anyone wish they had gone the other way? And how is the weight coming off? I need to lose about 110 lbs. and would be happy to do it in a year. I have my first physical in a week so I still have time to decide on which surgery to use. I would love to hear your views and experienced.

Tina

Hi,

I personally chose the sleeve because Gastric Bypass surgerys are intense. All though all of them are intense, as well as serious. I am looking to lose about 100 pounds myself, and did not like the side effects such as the dumping syndrome etc with Gastric. Besides you are always able to get gastric in the event that the sleeve does not work for you. It is good to have another option avaliable.

Most of all good luck and I wish you well!

All WLS surgeries are something to not be taken lightly, for sure. I chose VSG over GBP because:

1. I did not want to have my intestines re-arranged
   
2. Possible bowel obstructions due to #1
   
3. Didn't want dumping syndrome
   
4. Wanted a fully functional pyloric valve
   
5. Didn't want malabsorption issues
   
6. Read too many stories of people gaining a lot of their weight back
   

So far, the only negative thing has been that I can't eat huge portions anymore. Oh, no ... wait ... that's a good thing! I don't regret my decision one bit to get the VSG. I stick to the program as best I can (I'm not perfect) and it has been great for me.

I chose sleeve over bypass as this is what my doctor recommended to me, as it removes totally about 85% of your stomach the part that has the hormones telling you that you are hungry. Where in the by pass they leave the stomach there it is just off to the side sitting there. As Jewels said you can alway get the bypass later if you do not loose the weight that you want to. I know people that have had the sleeve done and have lost over 100 pound in a year.

Pdxman Explains it very well

I agree with Nikki. Without trying to be redundant - Pdxman explains it very well. For me, it feels like a much more NATURAL option. Good luck!

What PDXMAN said, plus, with the sleeve you can still have endoscopic examination of the remaining stomach, whereas with bypass you cannot, according to my surgeon.

I'm going with sleeve over gastric bypass for all the reasons that PDxMan came up with, also I have a problem with adhesions and serious scar tissue. I get diverticulitis and have been known to develop polyps. I also have Lupus. I need all the nutrients I can get, and I can't afford to lose any intestines and I want less issues with adhesions related to my intestines.

With Lupus there is greater issues with the pancreas and the kidneya and there's the lovely issues with hair loss. For someone like me, sleeve is a safer surgery. I realize that I may lose "quicker" with gastric bypass" but this diet is for life, and I'm not looking for the "quick" weight loss, I'm looking for the healthiest and the most permanent weight loss. If you go back to eating the way you used to, you are going to gain weight with gastric bypass or the sleeve, for me sleeve is the safest option.

tinytears

i had always only heard of 2 WLS - the lapband & the gastric bypass. The gastric bypass, i call "the big one" - i always thought was way too complex for me. when i went for my initial seminar, and then talk with the surgeon, i was all set for the lapband.

i had NEVER heard of the sleeve. the surgeon talked to my DH and myself about the sleeve. after much discussion i opted for the sleeve and have been happy with my decision since i had my WLS 4 months ago.

others have stated the reasons for the sleeve correctly above. yes, the gastric bypass weight might come off very quicker/but thats not necessarily healthier/better . I also heard that there is quite a chance of regaining the weight.

regaining weight is true with any WLS - thats why the sleeve is always called a "tool" to significantly help accomplish our weight loss. But your extended weight loss/maintenence - depends on you.

you must continue to work as you should with eating correctly. Then again whatever weight loss you accomplish at any time - hoping to be successful in keeping your weight off - relies on you eating correctly always.

I also feel the sleeve is the best choice. when you choose the sleeve - you will always have that assistance from the sleeve that helps you not to eat as much. The sleeeve only holds so much, at 4 months i'm only allowed to eat 1/3 cup per meal, but as i said, you have to comply with proper eating habits - to continue to have the sleeve to work for and with you.

i hope you know what a wise decision you have made for yourself with the SLEEVE. everybody loses weight in there own time period. you should never compare your weight loss with anyone else. That being said, you asked how much weight/and time period it takes to lose some weight. in my case, it has taken me 4 months to lose 52 lbs - i need to lose about another 40 lbs. -

your time period for weight loss could be similar to mine, quicker, slower whatever. but it will happen, we all work hard to eat our correct portions and everything that is necessary -99.99999% of us sleevers are very happy, successful etc.

good luck with your surgery

on to a better healthier life

kathy

thank you everyone for your input. I feel that no matter what my gyno said the sleeve is the best for me. The thought of re-arranging my insides just isn't for me.

I am so happy I found this site. It has helped me so much in my decision to have this surgery.

As an ER nurse you could not pay me any amount of money to have a gastric bypass. I see ALL the mistakes and I refuse to live with a colostomy bag. There are very few issues with the sleeve. I may take me longer but I am 40 years old. It took me more than a year to gain this weight.

Hello! I choose the sleeve because I had severe endometrosis and my GI dr. wouldn't touch my intestines because I had adhesions for days. My main concern was malabsorption issues..I didn't want them. One of my family members had RenY done..and had dumping syndrome alot..and she felt miserable...alot. So that is why I chose the sleeve. GOOD LUCK! I am two weeks out and feel good..

Sent from my DROIDX using VST

I would think that the gastric bypass is way more invasive than the sleeve, I was sleeved on 3/14/12 and after the first couple of days of rest after surgery I was basically my old self and able to get around just fine with barely any discomfort, with the bypass I think it is way more painfulI and a lot more bed rest. I have lost about 26lbs so far losing 15 the first 2 wks and between 2 and 3 lbs a week now. Maybe the bypass makes you lose faster but I don't think all the side-effects are worth it when eventually you get to your goal any way. I only say this cause I hate pain and discomfort.

The Best of Luck to you on your surgery!!