Trying to decide--Bypass or Sleeve?

[NewSetOfCurves 1,553]

My story is similar to @PdxMan. I too had a hiatal hernia repair and it was repaired during my sleeve surgery. I no longer suffer from acid reflux.

[dreamscometrue 262]

I am also 28. I need to lose about 125 pounds or so. I'm a bit confused because my surgeon did not tell me that bypass was for 200+ pounds people.

I never said only people that need to lose 200+ pounds go with bypass, but when I was debating both options, my surgeon told me that in situations like mine where no co-morbidities exist (sleep apnea, high bp, cholesterol, etc...) he would recommend the sleeve, unless they had a lot more weight to lose like 200+ pounds because then you would have a better chance of getting to goal faster and keeping it off.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I recommend a Pro's and Con's list. No one's opinion should make you lean one way or another, of course everyone will tout their choice as the best. But you need to consider any prior health problems you have pre surgery to make a good decision for yourself. Such us, do you have reflux problems? Then the Sleeve is a very poor choice for you. Do you have problems with Vitamins and anemia? Then Bypass may not be your best choice.

Good luck.

[rhfactor272 50]

Tough decision...just discovering a barret from the egd has my doc recommending the bypass. Im not a bypass fan however. I never ever want to experience dumping and my herniated disk from years ago has anti-inflammatory needs im not so certain i can handle those spasms in my upper back without nsaids. Im unsure of what to do as well. I never even realized till recently that I even had acid reflux.

[PdxMan 4,292]

Irene, I have also heard that sleeve is not a good choice for those with reflux issues, but I do not understand the reasoning behind it. Like myself, Curvy also says the sleeve cured her reflux issues. Do you know the medical reasons why Drs do not recommend sleeve for reflux folk? Perhaps if the root cause is something other than a hiatal hernia?

[marysminute 20]

I have hiatal hernia

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

@@PdxMan It seems that majority of sleeved people with prior GERD end up with worse symptoms over time, as the stomach is small and the acids are still as active as they were when the stomach was a normal size. Most Surgeons will not recommend the Sleeve to someone with prior GERD problems anymore.

I of course can't explain the curing of GERD post op Sleeve, there are always exceptions to every rule.

Edited April 30, 2014 by LilmissDiva Irene

[cutiepieinchi 158]

I never said only people that need to lose 200+ pounds go with bypass, but when I was debating both options, my surgeon told me that in situations like mine where no co-morbidities exist (sleep apnea, high bp, cholesterol, etc...) he would recommend the sleeve, unless they had a lot more weight to lose like 200+ pounds because then you would have a better chance of getting to goal faster and keeping it off.

Oh ok..

[cutiepieinchi 158]

I think we all are passionate about the surgery we have chosen/had. Its all about what you want and what will work best for you.

[Blondiee 278]

You've been given some very sound advice in this thread. I'd totally suggest writing a PROS and CONS list and be very honest with yourself.

Good luck in whatever surgery you choose.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

PDXMan

I have GERD... my surgeon said that most of the acid in your stomach is made in the lower part. So, with bypass, that part of the stomach is separated from the digestive track and so no acid comes back up. With sleeve, you still have that lower part of your stomach intact.

I also have a hiatal hernia he's planning to fix.

Edited April 30, 2014 by Ginger Snaps

[par1959 470]

The sleeve was developed as the first surgery for very large people, then to be followed with a bypass. As time went on, statistics showed that the sleeve was almost as effective as the bypass. Now the sleeve is the popular surgery. That being said a bypass does have advantages for some. As another poster said, you can always get a bypass after a sleeve. That would be the more conservitive move.

[Time4Kindness 48]

I thankfully don't have GI problems. No heartburn or reflux history. From what I am finding out, Im leaning towards the sleeve. Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it

[RNBSN786 206]

Initially I wanted sleeve myself and the first few visits my surgeon and I decided on that. Later I did my own research and again had conversations with my surgeon and what he has seen in his experience. He is well known surgeon in NYC and all around the world and I trusted his opinion and he said with my weight which was 210 before surgery with high bp, dm2, cholesterol, pcos, gerd, sleep apnea that I should go for bypass. He did say there has been a lot of success with sleeve but whatever I want he will do. I wanted to get the max benefit out of my insurance and wanted to do this one time only so I moved forward with bypass. After almost 5 weeks I am down to 184 and have no more health issues. I still take protonix which we have to for 6 months to avoid ulcers. Do I regret it? I did the first few weeks but I am now very happy with my decision now. Also I felt sleeve is a new thing vs bypass. But everyone makes a decision on what works best for them. I am sure it will be the right decision for you and your body. Good luck!

[mi75 1,240]

i was in the same boat and had initially explored the sleeve. my initial appt with my surgeon didn't really discuss any of the options, just mostly ALL of the testing involved...

then my family doctor gave me a formal lesson in sleeve/reflux. i already have GERD and take a PPI drug twice a day. so i set my decision to bypass.

saw my surgeon last week for the final follow up and he actually says that he believes the sleeve is better for me because with my GI history, i don't want a blind stomach sitting there sealed shut that can't ever be scoped (I have EGD twice a year due to Barrett's disease).

everybody is very different and the opinion that counts most is your surgeon. have a candid discussion and get his/her true feelings about which fits you the best. also, some insurances will only pay for certain surgeries if you have certain diagnoses...

What is your GI history? Just curious...i want the sleeve but with a recent barrett discovery, the doc is recommending bypass.

I have had GERD since childhood and was formerly diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus in 2003. I have had multiple bleeding ulcers and barrett's lesions biopsied. The issue for ME is with bypass your pouch stomach is the only part that can be scoped in and EGD. the rest of your stomach sits there, functioning and secreting gastric enzymes, but is sealed shut. the only way to get in and see around is an actual surgery to cut open the stomach and examine it.

i have had too many problems to take the chance of just letting it sit there untouched. i would have to have surgeries about every 2 years to look inside the stomach.

this is ME. everyone is so different. bypass can be a great choice even with barretts, but i also have stomach history which adds to the equation...