Very scared...questions about sleeve vs. bypass

[Marybeth7 0]

Hello, I am new to this board and to this surgery. My doctor suggested surgery because I have a 40 BMI w diabetes.

I have read and researched both the gastric sleeve and the roux en y bypass; the surgeon is reccomending the bypass because of better results with diabetes patients. I have known several people who had the bypass, but the resulting malabsorption issues and scarring have been a nightmare for them. I like what I have read about the sleeve because it seems to have fewer long term issues...

I am strongly leaning toward the sleeve, but world like additional information or opinions....Does anyone know of any good literature or studies on the long term efficacy of the sleeve for diabetes?

Many thanks,

Beth in VA

[Sassygirl06 962]

From what I have read the real difference is the amount of weight loss in the beginning. After around two years both surgeries pretty much even out with the weight loss. I didn't want the bypass because of the malabsorption. I wanted to lose weight to be healthy, and malabsorption is not a healthy thing. I am more then two years post op and I have lost 30 pounds more then the doctor expected me to lose with the sleeve, and I couldn't be happier. Make sure to do your research, but ultimately the decision is yours and yours alone to make! Good luck!

[Recycled 2,182]

Which study do you want. The ones with the really good outcomes....or, the ones with the not so great results??? Studies usually end up with the results lining up with the viewpoints of the ones conducting them.

"Because I have a 40 BMI with diabetes" - That's a statement, not an explanation. I would ask him what does that mean. Elaborate.......Why?? Keep in mind, his answers might be completely different than another Surgeon. I would recommend a second opinion at the very least. (I consulted 5 Surgeons before I had knee replacement surgery and three Bariatric Surgeons before I choose the Sleeve and the surgeon)

And finally, this IS a Sleeve forum........just sayin.........

[vicster247 8]

I choose the sleeve also due to the malabsorption and dumping plus felt this was less evasive. I have lost 65lbs. since 6/19. I feel good and haven't had any problems with the sleeve. I do think it is a personal choice in which one you do. My doctor told me each on is a tool and you have to work it for it to work for you. Good luck on your decision. I did search the web for information and asked question on here and people I know that have both. It is really your decision on what one you think is best for you. Good luck!

[Roo101769 742]

I am just now getting ready to have my paper work submitted to my insurance, so I have not had the surgery yet. But I can tell you I have done a LOT of research on the sleeve since deciding to go ahead with WLS. I was never really interested in the bypass due to the things that go along with it. I don't call them "side effects" because it seems to be the norm rather than the exception. Dumping syndrome and malabsorbtion are just a byproduct of that surgery. Neither are things I really want to deal with. And while I do want to get the weight off, it isn't a race for me. So a few pounds lost faster doesn't make much difference, in the long run I will lose what I will lose. As posted above you have to follow programs for either surgery to have the most success. Also, the sleeve is a bit less evasive in my eyes than the bypass. Originally I thought I was going to get banded, but I soon ruled that out once I saw all the issues that they have learned about them. My biggest source of information about the sleeve has actually come from this site! To be able to get it directly from a large pool of people who have actually had the surgery is the best form of research in my opinion. You will hear about things that your doctor may not tell you. You will hear all about the possible problems or things that turned out to be non issues. It is real, first hand knowledge that is invaluable. And I have found one constant for the most part....No matter what the journey the vast majority of people are happy the did it and would do it again! That is enough for me to know I have made the right choice.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

There are many causes of diabeties, and that can determine, to an extent, your success with either controlling it better or even seeing remission.

http://asmbs.org/benefits-of-bariatric-surgery/

The above is an older article, but the site it is in, ASMBS is an outstanding resource but it is not geared to quick plunk-down points or facts. I suggest taking some time and really looking through the site.

You might find this important also:

http://asmbs.org/mbs-aqip/

Talk to your Diabetes Specialist, and seek out a doctor to assist you that is up do date on information related to type 2 diabeties.

http://www.diabeteseducator.org/ProfessionalResources/accred/

Everyone has different issues and no matter what surgery you have there are no guarantees.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabeties going into emergency surgery after a hit-and-run (texting and driving and hit me on a bicycle). They think I had been diabetic, given the issues I had and when I began to develop them, for probably 5 years or so before that, but I had been going to lukewarm doctors, and they did only the basic tests. I was an 'atypical' diabetic and the other doctors did not catch the patterns and investigate further. I spent years with compromised quality of life risking infections, heart damage, kidney failure and more due to this.

Once diagnosed I went from a +8 A1C to a -6 A1C in less than 9 months, and maintained a a1c of 6 or less until my VSG. The last time I took medication for my diabeties was the week prior to surgery. By then I had began to experience lows so frequently I was already off all but 1 medication. That was late December 2011. My surgery date was 1-4-2012. I went into full remission in Feb/march of 2012, although the true test of that would come in the following months as my a-c stayed in the 4's. I am not diet controlled or medication controlled. My pancreas functions fully, my liver is working and my kidneys are healthy. My immunity has regulated itself and I maintain regular levels of gut bacteria which I also accredit to a almost fully raw lifestyle (Gut bacteria is HIGHLY underrated for mental stability and health, our gut is our 'second brain'). The consensus seems to be my aggressive control of my condition led to my body being in a position to heal faster.

http://lubbockonline.com/health/2013-09-06/right-bacteria-may-help-fight-obesity

This is a good starter article, you can decide how to proceed if you want to look into it further from there. Unfortunately a majority of the original papers and research are available in limited forms, either in memberships to accredited and certified organizations, or by purchase.

I have spent 6 years in active advocacy for diabetics, and I would be glad to assist in helping you find any answers you need.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/28/weight-loss-surgery-may-not-combat-diabetes-long-term/?_r=0

[Marybeth7 0]

Thanks guys, for your information and links...I appreciate any thoughts folks on here have. I am asking similar questions of some folks on a bypass site as well.

For “Recycled", I asked for articles, info because many articles are peer reviewed if they are medical articles, and I want to learn as much as I can. I disagree that most research is biased. As to why I am asking the question on a sleeve website, what kind of reply is that? You must enjoy flaming people. I was simply asking for thoughts and opinions.

[Recycled 2,182]

Thanks guys, for your information and links...I appreciate any thoughts folks on here have. I am asking similar questions of some folks on a bypass site as well.

For “Recycled", I asked for articles, info because many articles are peer reviewed if they are medical articles, and I want to learn as much as I can. I disagree that most research is biased. As to why I am asking the question on a sleeve website, what kind of reply is that? You must enjoy flaming people. I was simply asking for thoughts and opinions.

Chill out. Your title is Sleeve vs. Bypass. I just meant you can expect everyone to be touting the virtues of the sleeve over gastric bypass due to the fact that this IS a sleeve forum. As in, more than just slightly biased. And as far as opinions....that is all I offered.. You need to try to be a little more understanding and not so quick to accuse someone when you misunderstand the post.

Good luck with your research.