I am trying to decide between a sleeve and the bypass. For me my Dr. is suggesting the sleeve. I have to be on predisone for an unknown length of time. I have a problem with my muscles. Everyone I know has chosen the bypass with great results. Can you tell me why you would recommend the sleeve over bypass. Anxiously waiting....

I have a personal and family history of autoimmune disease that would make it difficult to get the right meds after bypass (prednisone etc.).

I also hate the idea of cutting out and rearranging my intestines. I know that removing most of your stomach is also drastic and unnatural but the intestinal chop-job and reroute is more than I want to inflict on my body.

Lesser considerations: struggling to get adequate vitamins for the rest of your life with the bypass, strong possibility that you will have to completely give up several types of food and not even taste them again (asparagus, steak, bread, sweets -- I have read that all of these can cause major distress to people with bypass), greater risk of surgical complications with the bypass, stronger possibility of lingering unpleasant digestive problems with the bypass (gas, diarrhea, vomiting), the idea of a blind, inaccessible portion of your stomach floating around and possibly getting cancerous with no way to scope it and see what's going on, and the fact that the few people I know who have had the bypass did well with their weight loss but struggled with energy and health after.

This is a sleeve board so likely you will get lots of people singing the praises of the sleeve and explaining the downsides (as we see them) to the bypass -- make sure you get lots of good info from all different kinds of sources before you make your decision. Good luck to you!

I am trying to decide between a sleeve and the bypass. For me my Dr. is suggesting the sleeve. I have to be on predisone for an unknown length of time. I have a problem with my muscles. Everyone I know has chosen the bypass with great results. Can you tell me why you would recommend the sleeve over bypass. Anxiously waiting....

Forced portion control, which is what I needed. I know numerous by pass patients, some personal friends, who have gained all or some of their weight back. Of course, there are sleeve patients who will regain. The doctor does the surgery, then it's up to us. I went for my three year check up last Friday. His daughter in law works in his office. She has gotten sleeve surgery. That tells me something, but still you have to do what you think is best for YOU. Good luck!

The reason I chose the sleeve over bypass was because I have worked in the medical field for over 20 years, and over the years I have seen many patients with life-long complications from by-pass as a result of mal-absorption of nutrients. I felt that for me, the safer option would be the sleeve because it was only restrictive, and I would not have to worry about not receiving the correct nutrients in the future. I know several people who had severe complications from by-pass, requiring months-long hospital stays, and I know of two people who can never eat solid food again in their lifetime due to intestinal complications from bypass. One of my friends can eat absolutely nothing with sugar or fat, not even one bite, or it sends him straight to the bathroom with explosive diarrhea and dumping syndrome, and his surgery was three years ago. That was just too much of a risk for me to take for myself. I know the weight loss will be a bit slower, but as far as long term, I know I will be able to have a few bites of all my favorite foods without having to worry.

Thank you all for your input. I have researched all of this also and I feel the same way. Why would you want to do more than you have to. I am new to all of this and you all seem to have so much knowledge. Thank you so much.