I'm at the very beginning of this process and reading everything I can get my hands on. I've been concentrating on researching the surgical options. I was wondering if anyone would share the reasons they chose gastric sleeve over gastric bypass. Would you share your decision process? Are you happy with your decision?

Edited February 3, 201511 yr by JustBeth13

I'm 2.5 months post-op. I went into the process definitely wanting the bypass but had the sleeve.

I had no comorbidities and am really healthy. My surgeon explained that they've seen young healthy females, with no other health issues, who have bypass start having blood sugar issues (severe ones) a few years post-op. Since that pretty much described me to a 't', they strongly recommended I do sleeve instead.

I'm currently 12 lbs from my surgeon's goal and feeling fantastic!

I wanted to be able to take NSAIDS, and to avoid malabsorption. I wanted to restrict my intake, but not be sick (dumping) if I ate something sweet. At two years out, it was a good choice for me.

The sleeve keeps your digestive system intact, no long term dietary supplements except OTC Vitamins, much quicker recovery AND my surgeon said it is the most performed bariatric surgery he performs at this point in his career. I really didn't want my digestive system "replumbed" and the band wasn't even worth discussing due to it's long term failure rates.

My surgeon said it is the most performed bariatric surgery he performs at this point in his career. I really didn't want my digestive system "replumbed" and the band wasn't even worth discussing due to it's long term failure rates.

This!

I spoke to my PCP about having surgery - and she recommended the sleeve over the band and bypass. When I spoke to my bariatric surgeon, she also recommended the sleeve over other options. I was initially considering the band, but my bariatric surgeon stated that she's having to do more revisions and seeing more complications with the band than with any of the other surgeries. So sleeve it is.

I didn't choose RNY for the following reasons:

• rerouting intestines meant more joints where there could be leaks
• the bypassed portion of my stomach might develop ulcers or other issues down the road and would not be easily accessible with an endoscopy or for treatment
• potential malabsorption of vital vitamins and minerals
• inability to eat certain foods ever again (like sugar)
• dumping syndrome
• cost (I was self pay and RNY is more expensive than sleeve)
• lower starting BMI (my BMI on my surgery date was under 40)

I'm choosing sleeve because I am only 25 years old and still make mistakes with eating Lolz I LOVE chocolate and couldn't see myself never able to eat it again. I don't want issues with malabsorption of something so vital like nutrients and vitamins and the thought of rerouting my intestines wasn't my idea of a happy dream.

Like yourself, I did a great deal of research, and was first intent with getting the Lab Band...the I heard about all the 'fills' that you had to return back and forth to the surgeon's office for, until you get that 'just right fill', and then still have adjustments done accordingly. I had not had much previous knowledge about the sleeve until I saw the surgeon and he told me all about the procedure. I was skeptical at first, but then realized this would fit my lifestyle. I knew I wanted something permanent, but not something that seemed as drastic as the bypass.

Now after being a year post-op, the only regret that I have about the entire decision is that I wish I had made the decision to do it sooner!! Everything has been great, I followed everyone's instructions to the letter, and I truly feel 100% better!!!

Best of luck with your decision, and much success to you on your journey!!!

I'm choosing sleeve because I am only 25 years old and still make mistakes with eating Lolz I LOVE chocolate and couldn't see myself never able to eat it again. I don't want issues with malabsorption of something so vital like nutrients and vitamins and the thought of rerouting my intestines wasn't my idea of a happy dream.

Definitely hear you about chocolate!!

Thanks everybody! I really appreciate your wisdom!

I wanted to be able to take NSAIDS, and to avoid malabsorption. I wanted to restrict my intake, but not be sick (dumping) if I ate something sweet. At two years out, it was a good choice for me.

I was told absolutely no NSAIDS after sleeve surgery.

I can give you a very rational reasons for my choice of the sleeve but in all honesty I had an irrational fear of bypass. That fear came from knowing ladies who had open bypass and going to my first bariatric info session. ..early 1990s I believe. I also went to a weight loss group that had a very obese member who was several years post bypass so it seemed like it failed. I was so terrified of the prospect that really the sleeve was my only option (i revised from band that I got in 2001).

Now 3 years post sleeve. .uber happy, estatic with my choice as I lost 100 % of my excess and maintaining BUT I recognize my fear of bypass was not rational and based on outdated "experiences".

I think they are both good procedures just learn the pros and cons of each.