Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Why Did You Choose Your Specific Type of Weight Loss Surgery?



Why Did You Choose Your Specific Type of Weight Loss Surgery?  

107 members have voted

  1. 1. How did you decide which surgery to get? If you haven’t had surgery yet, how are you making your decision?

    • My insurance only covers one type – read my answer below to find out which kind.
      2
    • I was too “small” to qualify for bypass or sleeve, so the lap-band was my best option.
      1
    • I chose the lap-band because it is adjustable; maybe I’ll become pregnant or get sick and need to eat extra food sometime in the future.
      6
    • I got the gastric sleeve because I’m a heavier patient and this was a lower-risk choice.
      20
    • I got the gastric bypass because of the restrictions on sugary foods.
      7
    • I chose my surgery based on the complication rates and expected weight loss. See which one I chose in the discussion below!
      35
    • I have revisional weight loss surgery. Read what happened and why I got it converted in the discussion below!
      3
    • Other. See my choice and reasons in the discussion below!
      33


Recommended Posts

I chose the gastric sleeve after I researched all of the options. After talking to my surgeon, I made my mind up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose Gastric Bypass for one reason only- I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes on Valentine's Day, 2013 (nice, huh?). After tons of research, it appeared to me that the bypass had the highest rate of managing/reversing diabetes, since exercise, changing my diet & diabetes meds were helping, but not enough. Don't get me wrong- the weight loss has been a fantastic "side effect" but I'm ecstatic to say that my blood sugars haven't gone above 100 since my surgery. I'm off all of my diabetes meds. Every. Single. One.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • I choose RnY because I knew that the AGB would not be a good fit for me and it was still in trials in 2001 so no long term data to support outcomes.
My ins would only cover 1 procedure per my lifetime so I choose the one with most proven long term outcomeDumping & malabsorption did not concern meI continue 13 yrs later to have no regrets. No negative side effects and minimal weight regain = SUCCESS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got the sleeve because I liked the idea of grehlin hormone level being drastically reduced. I wanted something permanent. I started with a lower BMI than most and based on my research, the sleeve seemed the best fit for me..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon, Dr. David Miles, chose the Sleeve for me because I have debilitating and painful arthritis in my knees and back ( undoubtedly due to 24 years of morbid obesity) and have to take an NSAID for it--Naproxen, 1,000 mg. a day---and the RNY doesn't allow NSAIDS. I totally chose to listen to his wisdom on this. Also, I was nervous about malabsorption, continual nausea possibility, and dumping syndrome with the RNY. He said the Sleeve allows for 10% less weight loss overall than the RNY but I don't care. He doesn't do Lap-Bands any more either and said that procedure wouldn't help me lose enough weight anyway.

So far I've lost 64 pounds since my Sleeve on September 9th, 2014, my surgeon's staff say my rate of weight loss is "excellent", and I'm very happy with the Sleeve and my surgeon's choice for me! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the gastric sleeve procedure because I had a heart to heart with my surgeon and was very honest with him related to how I was currently eating and my fears for after my surgery. Based on the fact that I have 4 children and spend a lot of the time "grazing" instead of eating, he said that I could graze right through a lap band and it would do my no good. So we eliminated that surgery. I voiced my concerns about being malabsorptive related to the other two surgeries because I'm also a IBD patient and when I have a flair, I am malabsorptive naturally and he said he would rather me go sleeve than bypass because it's less likely to alter how I react to certain foods that can aggravate my IBD, like dairy and gravy, etc. Also, he said that most sleevers have less throwing up than bipassers do, which sold me because I hate to throw up. lol.

On a serious note, my sleeve was the best decision of my life!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I ended up choosing gastric bypass after learning the the sleeve can cause acid reflux. I already had uncontrollable acid reflux. I did have fears about malabsorption however learned from speaking with professors that as long as you take your Vitamins and get regular check ups malabsorption should not be a problem. After that it was a very easy decision for me.

The lap band was never even a consideration for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was just told that I'm prediabetic, and that sealed the deal for me. RNY commonly reverses diabetes even before weight loss occurs. With my family history of deaths from diabetic complications, I'm not taking any chances.

Besides, I truly need my body to tell me "no carbs" in a drastic way. I feel great when I'm carb-reduced, but I have a real tendency to head back for them in moments of weakness.

My initial insurance would only cover RNY, so the decision was made easy. My current insurance will cover any bariatric surgery, but I think that RNY is the choice for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I voted for "only covers 1 type" but actually, in California, Medicare will cover 2 - RNY or Lapband. I chose RNY because of how restrictive it can be. I wanted "fear of dumping" but it has not happened!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose VSG because I knew going in I did not want RNY. I refused to bypass part of my normal functioning body. The risks of malabsoprtion were to great. I originally went in thinking I would get the LapBand as I had never heard of VSG, but once my Dr told me about it I was in. It is the best decision I could have ever made for myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the sleeve because I didn't want my organs "re-routed" as they are with the bypass. My surgeon felt the sleeve was the best option for me. I love my sleeve!

Edited by missbrown30

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose to do the sleeve because the idea of re-routing my insides didn't sound right. I figure God put them that way for a reason, probably not my place to change them around. I also watched my friend get the sleeve and how it helped her lose weight. I have heard too many stories about the bypass and I knew it wasn't for me.

Edited by Spicy06

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the gastric sleeve because I did not want the dumping that can come with RNY. I also wanted to eventually be able to eat all of my favorite foods, just in much smaller portions. I did not go with the band due to having to get fills and unfills and the "stuck episodes".

I am very happy with my decision :D

Summer

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I picked the gastric sleeve because I have severe Ulcerative Colitis and my Gastro and Surgeon thought it was the best option.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm getting the sleeve in late April this year. I had assumed because of my type 2 diabetes that I would be getting the bypass, but after consulting with my surgeon in December, he strongly encouraged me to get the sleeve instead. We know from experience that my diabetes all but resolves itself with a 10% mass reduction, so I don't necessarily need the more drastic measure of the bypass at this time. He suggested I "keep it in my back pocket" as a fail safe if my genetics come back to haunt me in my senior years and the diabetes returns, regardless of my weight at the time. (My surgeon postulated that in 30 years that maybe the procedure will be performed via a pill or something...)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×