Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass, to a Bander?

[meyouus 415]

Hey, didn't know where to post this....

BACKSTORY: I've been banded since '07, problems ensued between the Band's performance and my compliance. I now weigh my highest ever at 365, I'm 5'4". I'm in therapy that has been focusing on food addiction and the relationship I have with eating, dieting, etc. I can honestly say I am ready to start all over, and have in some ways...small steps, small steps...

I've been researching for a year now on whether to apply for a Bypass, or Sleeve. I just joined a Medically supervised fitness club at my Cardio/Pulmonology Center. I have asthma that requires supplemental Oxygen. I can't walk very far and my artificial knees don't like holding me up under all this weight. 4 professionals asked if I would have Bariatric surgery. I'm 47, otherwise healthy.

QUESTION(S): Can someone give me an argument why the sleeve might be the best way to go? I know a lot about the Gastric Bypass, but haven't read many personal stories about the why's and where fore's of the sleeve that might aid me in my research. Can you help me out?

I beg you to respond....

[Mom10 5]

I chose the sleeve because I did not like the thought of them rerouting my insides. also because with the sleeve they remove the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone. But be aware it is not easy you need to change the way you eat and how you think about food.

[piercedqt78 658]

I agree with @@Mom10 I went with the sleeve for the exact same reasons. That and I know that sleevers have less dumping issues, and less hair loss. I do not tolerate sugar substitutes very well, as they then to cause me Migraines, so that was another factor. I just read a study that they are taking out the gland in the stomach that produces the hunger sensation, and the sugar craving in young teens with weight issues. That is part of being sleeved, when the bypass they leave that portion of the stomach intact inside your abdomen. I think the sleeve will be the "gold standard" within 5 years, and I'm a former lap band patient. Feel free to take a look at my story in my profile, and check out my before/after in my gallery.

[NothingUpMySleeve 244]

I chose the sleeve because the results seemed similar but with less malabsorption of Vitamins. I also liked that the sleeve isn't very stretchy.

People seem to have great success with either, but the sleeve has easier recovery.

[meyouus 415]

Thank you guys, I know well o most of what I have to do, but just need)ed_ to hear what made the Sleeve "more special", so to speak. I spent a great amount of time in the RNY/GB Forum, I think I'll be moving over here! I need that iFamily Feeling, as I have very little family and I would love more support from all of you guys.

pierce... the prt of the stomach that is removed is called Grehlin. And I also liked that part of the Sleeve process.

Well, you've all answered my aged prayers of deciding which way to go. And I thank you SO much for that!

However, I still need to get my surgeon's opinions on how to proceed. His word is IT. But we all know that WE'VE been there, been through it and can share stuff a surgeon couldn't. That's what makes us all SPECIAL !

Thank you SO much! See you around....

[Scylla 106]

As others have said, my reasons for choosing the sleeve were that my intestines would not need to be re-routed, that the hunger hormone ghrelin would be removed, and that I wouldn't have malabsoption issues with the sleeve.

I would argue that your surgeon's opinion is not IT. You are the patient and the boss and the decision on what surgery to have is ultimately yours. You should take his or her recommendations seriously, however.

[fuzzymonkey 38]

I couldn't agree with you more. I did it for the same reasons and I too think it is going to be the preferred option.