I wanted to hear stories with sleeve or bypass. I'm still trying go decide which I want...

It is not really what you want that is the issue here..It is what is best for you..Your health and well being....Many are successful with any of the WLS options.

I chose the sleeve because of nutrients being absorbed a little in the stomach as well as both intestines.....I had also hoped that the feeling of hunger would go away and it have a lot...But not all!

I chose the sleeve because it was permanent and I could not go back to where I was before unless I really worked at it..

Comparison of Bariatric Surgical Procedures

The following information provides an overview of the differences between surgical weight loss options. Only you and your doctor can evaluate the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery and decide if it is an appropriate treatment option for you.

GASTRIC BAND
(REALIZE® Band*)

GASTRIC BYPASS

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY

Procedure Description

The REALIZE® Band* wraps around the upper part of the stomach, dividing the stomach into a small upper pouch that holds about ½ cup of food and a larger lower stomach. The degree of band tightness affects how much food you can eat and the length of time it takes for food to leave the stomach pouch.

In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine.

During the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device. The sleeve is about the size of a banana, The rest of the stomach is removed.

How it works to help you lose weight

By creating a smaller stomach pouch, the REALIZE Band* limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer. As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat energy supply.

By creating a smaller stomach pouch, a gastric bypass limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer. By bypassing a portion of the small intestine, your body also absorbs fewer calories. As you eat less, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.

By creating a smaller stomach pouch, a sleeve gastrectomy limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer. As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.

How it affects digestion

Does not significantly affect normal digestion and absorption. Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.

Reduces the amount of calories (in the form of nutrients) that are absorbed.

Does not significantly affect normal digestion and absorption. Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.

Total excess body weight lost

41%10

62%18

66%20

Health Benefits shown in Clinical Trials

GASTRIC BAND††

GASTRIC BYPASS

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY

Type 2 diabetes

20-59%
controlled 11,12,32,33,†

60-84%
controlled 8,11,12,17,32,34,35,†

45-58%
controlled 8,11,23,24,†

High blood pressure

42% resolved13

66% resolved19

50% resolved23

High cholesterol

71% resolved13

94% resolved11

77% resolved25

Obstructive sleep apnea

45% resolved12

76% resolved12

60% resolved23

Average surgery time

1 to 2.5 hours12

2 to 3.7 hours12

1.5 to 3.5 hours22

Length of hospital stay

1 to 3 days12

2 to 8 days12

2 to 12 days22

†Diabetes controlled in patients without medication. Control of diabetes is defined as HbA1c ≤ 7.0%.
††Data includes results from patients who have had either REALIZE Band surgery or LAP-BAND®surgery.

*Product is labeled as the Ethicon Endo-Surgery® Curved Adjustable Gastric Band

Excellent, RJ!

My wife had the bypass, I had the sleeve. Both reached goal, both doing good. Outside of her having to watch Calcium and Vitamin intake closer, not much difference for us.

Barring complications, success has more to do with diligence in following guidelines on a long term basis...like as long as you live. When you are dead you can slack off.

I went into my informational seminar certain I wanted the band; I knew nothing about the sleeve prior to that meeting. After much research and discussion with a surgeon, he suggested and I chose the sleeve.

I was worried about malabsorption issues with the bypass. I also liked that there was a Plan B with the sleeve - if something went wrong, I could get the bypass (not planning for failure, but having a backup plan if needed).

Best of luck to you in your decision!