Your choice.

[Lost1 27]

Hi there,

I am sure everyone of you that made this choice had a reason. Maybe your doctor choose, maybe you did.. I want to know why you chose the Gastric Bypass over the Sleeve procedure.

My doctor won't make the choice for me.. I have asked what his medical opinion is and he just shakes his head and states that it's up to me. He thinks I am bordering both procedures.

I need to make up my mind before it's submitted to insurance. They're waiting for me now.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

[MBM1Forever 107]

Our surgeons only do RNY. They say that for the morbidly obese it has the best rate of patients keeping their weight off. After all I have read, it does seem to be the case.

[Bring It On 55]

I chose RNY for 3 reasons: 1) My insurance did not cover the sleeve. 2) I am diabetic. My doctor told me that 95% of diabetics come off their meds in the hospital before coming home with RNY. (and I did). 3) I had really bad acid reflux. My doctor told me that it would get much worse with the sleeve and with the RNY I would be off my Nexium 6 months post surgery. There were people in my class going from sleeve to RNY because the acid was eating their esophagus.

If you are choosing sleeve instead of RNY so you won't have dumping syndrome, you are not choosing this surgery for the right reasons. This is a LIFE CHANGE. I didn't fully realize that myself until after I had it done. Boy, what a rude awakening. This surgery forces you to make your diet choices that you don't have the strength to do yourself. I am 6 weeks post op and I still struggle daily. I can get my Protein in and my liquids, but my life is totally different. Be prepared to not only change your life, but the life of those who live with you. They sit and eat while after 5 bites, you are full.

Whichever you decide, good luck with your journey!!

[wildGoose 207]

In the end, I wound up with the Gastric Bypass. I'm scheduled for 10/28. The reason for the GB was because my insurance, Medicare, will only pay for the GB or the LapBand (California rule). I was certain the band was not for me. Until I found this out, I was wavering between the GB and the Sleeve. I am now glad that I am having the bypass; mostly because of the diabetes question. The bigger question, though, is what BRING IT ON, said - that this surgery is not about what is easier, it is about, for me, which "TOOL" will be the best teacher. I want the situation that is going to help me change the most. I wish you well. Please let us know what you decide and how you are going.

Edited October 21, 2014 by wildGoose

[Lost1 27]

In the end, I wound up with the Gastric Bypass. I'm scheduled for 10/28. The reason for the GB was because my insurance, Medicare, will only pay for the GB or the LapBand (California rule). I was certain the band was not for me. Until I found this out, I was wavering between the GB and the Sleeve. I am now glad that I am having the bypass; mostly because of the diabetes question. The bigger question, though, is what BRING IT ON, said - that this surgery is not about what is easier, it is about, for me, which "TOOL" will be the best teacher. I want the situation that is going to help me change the most. I wish you well. Please let us know what you decide and how you are going.

Thank you WildGoose for your input. I too agree this is life changing. I only have one shot per my insurance so I need to choose wisely. Your "wording" made perfect sense to me. I appreciate you very much!

[angel22_99 59]

The only reason why I picked the sleeve is because I have an illness unrelated to obesity and will need to take medication for the rest of my life.

[Lost1 27]

The only reason why I picked the sleeve is because I have an illness unrelated to obesity and will need to take medication for the rest of my life.

So do I. There are other medicines I can "try" but none have worked so far.

[CafeCathey 21]

Originally I wanted the band and my surgeon told me I doesn't do that procedure any more. So, if not the band I would go "all in". RNY has the highest percentage of weight loss. My high weight was #296. Also RNY can be reversed. Does not happen very often but can be done.

[Kimberly_J 4]

My doctor helped me make the decision. He said I was a candidate for RNY or Sleeve. At first I was going to go with sleeve. During one of our appointments two things changed my mind. 1 the chance of weight gain is higher with sleeve. 2 he said the chance of leaks after 2 weeks are actually less with RNY. Besides taking care of the diabetes those two things changed my mind.

[wildGoose 207]

There are so many reasons for choosing the surgery that we chose. Before we even start thinking about diabetes, and our other health issues, etc. there are more basic questions. How much weight do you want to lose? How old are you? After those two questions, consider our current health issues. Some times people are trying to prevent getting obesity related diseases, but there are others of us who already have Diabetes, sleep Apnea, Hypertension (high blood pressure), etc. There is no easy answer, and only one person and her or his surgeon can make a decision.