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

Revision from band to sleeve.

I had the lapband from 2001 to 2011 - 10 years filled with much disappointment and physical discomfort. I really didn't think I could succeed with any WLS after that.

Band had to come out due to slippage and I was more obese in 2011 than I was in 2001 so I took a leap of faith and was sleeved Dec 2011. I am currently maintaining a 160# weight loss so pleased as punch.

So you asked what I think about the various procedures. I feel more normal sleeved than I ever felt with the band. I hated the port, hated fills and unfills, hated the varying restriction I experienced. Sleeve is more consistent and requires less ongoing maintenance from doctor.

However, best thing was the proper education and coaching this time. When I saw my surgeon at one year follow up he said something very important.... that year two was just as important. Then...he said..year 3 was just as important.

I don't care which procedure you have, maintenance is effort.

I feel the sleeve has given me the tooling to FINALLY manage my obesity. I love my life as a normal weight woman...makes me sad I missed out on so much in the past.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the sleeve. Initially I looked into the lap band because I though the sleeve was not offered/did not really know about it. I thought I only had choice of LB or RNY and thought I wasn't "fat enough' to go to RNY (at 300+ lbs can you spell DE NILE! It's not just a river!)

My PCP advised against the LB and when I saw the surgeon he gave me the overview on all 3. I decided to do the sleeve as a happy medium and because of the ghrelin affect. I also did not really want a port as I had one for chemo and found it very uncomfortable. Really hated it.

Oh well the grehlin affect only lasted a couple months but I persevered and have lost 135+ lbs and am in maintenance mode. It is and will be a lifelong commitment as I try to stay in the 170s which is still 25.8 BMI for my height. But oh well BMI not true measure of success as my BF % is < 24% which is more important. I don't want to lose muscle stupid scale!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am choosing the sleeve, because I don't want to deal with malabsorbtion, and don't want my insides rearranged. My surgeon no longer does the band, so its between the sleeve and bypass. I also like the bit slower weight loss, hoping that will help my skin recover better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In 2001 the only surgery available was gastric bypass. I am almost 14 years out now and have been able to maintain my goal weight. I actually believe that I could have been just as successful with any type because of where I was in my head. I made a promise that if I ever got the weight off (for the last time) I would do anything necessary to maintain. After 30 years of obesity and at the age of 47 in 2001 I was ready to finally live. I am 60 now and I'm healthier than I've ever been in my life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the DS for the most weight loss & least chance of regain. I needed the malabsorptive element. I'm extremely organized and knew I could handle all the work that comes with having a DS.

I think all the WLS are miracles in themselves. It's a very personal choice to decide which is right for you.

Edited by Postop

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did not want the malabsorptive issues of bypass, so I never even considered it.

I originally looked at Lapband, but my friend who was banded 6 years ago strongly urged against it. She felt that adequate maintenance (fills and unfills) would be very inconvenient since I would have to travel 2 hours one way to the closest Bariatric center that did them. And She actually needed emergency surgery when her band slipped and was concerned that slippage would put me in a dangerous situation considering my rural location.

Then I learned about VSG and the rest is history.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the sleeve because it kind of freaks me out to think about intestines being re-routed and changing the way God made us. I mean getting part of you removed is one thing, but the bypass changes the original lay out. The band involves way too much maintenance and I bet the lack of wide spread results will eventually get it phased out. I know it works really well for some people, but I wouldn't have been one of those people. And again, it freaks me out to think about a foreign object being planted in my body. Of course now I have staples in my body, lol. That's just my two cents on it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose RNY since I want to lose 100lbs and this surgery has the highest amount of weight loss according to stats. I also have GERD and my surgeon really advised against the sleeve since that could make it even worse. I was on the fence about the band but I still held the option in the back of my mind. After my endoscopy revealed a rather large hiatal hernia, my surgeon said the band was no longer an option so that left me with RNY. My choice became very clear at that point :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started this process convinced I would have the sleeve becuase I did not want my organs rearranged. After research, I became open to RNY and decided I would make my decision after meeting with my surgeon.

I met with my surgeon and we decided on the sleeve due to less complications. I m excited to have sugery!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I choose the Sleeve because:

1. I didn't want to reroute anything.

2. It was advised that it was best because I didn't have a lot of weight to lose.

3. I was afraid of the complications and the dumping of the RNY.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would like to add something to this thread. Almost anyone who is approved for WLS is given one choice because it's rare to have a revision covered. What am I saying? It's rare to have WLS covered these days for everyone who needs it period. It is very important to BELIEVE in your surgery because if you don't, it won't believe in you. If you don't nurture and respect your surgery, it won't nurture and respect you. When someone picks a surgery for whatever reason it may be (even if they are misinformed) it is a done deal. I have communicated with thousands of post-ops over the last ten years and every single kind of surgery has successes and some not so great outcomes. Please support your WLS brothers and sisters with their surgery type because we all need as much support as possible. No one should be treated as if they made a wrong choice regarding surgery type. Instead we need to help them with whatever choice they made because they all absolutely can work. Of course there is a small percentage of complications and various degrees of complications that are unavoidable....I'm speaking about the majority of situations out there. We are all in this together and I want to support everyone on their journey because we all need it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally I chose the sleeve because I wasn't really feeling the whole bypass thing, and never thought twice about the lap band. After my first consultation with the surgeon he chose the bypass for me because of me being a type II diabetic and high blood pressure. Wasn't happy at first but after speaking with the surgeon and doing my own research I decided that maybe the bypass would be a better option for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went with Gastric Bypass after discussing with my surgeon my options. Because I am Diabetic i was told the Bypass was the best option.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the sleeve after going to the weight loss surgery seminar. He only presented the band, the sleeve and gastric bypass. The dr said he only did the band if the patient insisted so I ruled that out right away. I didn't want the malabsorbtion and rerouting of the bypass. My Dr said that with my heart problems less time in the OR would be better. I had my sleeve 3 weeks ago and I'm very happy with my decision!

Edited by Karenlrn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I chose the sleeve over bypass for three main reasons:

1) I was afraid of dumping

2) I wanted to be able to use Nsaids. I have had a lot of broken bones, and fear arthritis is in my future

3) I heard a rumor that those that do bypass have a higher rate of farting. I already fart a lot, didn't want to increase it Lol!

Originally I was going to go lap-band. The high revision rate, low overall success rate, complications, all factored into changing my mind. Also, I was told that many insurances make it extremely difficult to do a revision. It is a "one surgery" chance!

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×