I am new to this site so I am not sure if this question has been asked before....

I recently decided that it was time to actively pursue weight loss surgery. I submitted paperwork to my perferred surgeon to get the ball rolling. I went today to meet with my rheumatologist who thinks that I may have a gluten sensitivity. She thinks I should consider the band instead of the sleeve which I have been leaning towards as she is afraid malabsorption of essential vitamins/minerals will be an issue for me. Obviously I will discuss with the surgeon once I get my appointment scheduled. Just wondering if anyone has any input on gluten sensitivity and the sleeve vs the band.

Thanks!!!

The band and the sleeve are both restrictive surgeries versus malabsorptive.

I wonder if you rheumatologist is confusing the sleeve with the bypass since bypass is both restrictive and malabsorptive.

I've read about alot of complications with the band lately so I'd definitely recommend doing as much research as possible before making a decision. Lots of people have had it without issues also though.

Personally, I'm very happy with the sleeve but I have nothing to compare it to!

Yes it seems possible that she may be thinking of the bypass.

The only absorption issue I am aware of with sleeve is b12, which is easily supplemented.

We have a gluten-free household and I find that lifestyle very easy as pasta, bread, etc. are not a good choice for me -- I try to eat protein first. We do occasionally have GF pasta, etc. and I might have a bite. Not bread, though -- doesn't work for me. I do not miss anything. The choice of what kind of surgery to get is very personal and there are so many factors to discuss with your medical professionals. No one surgery is better than another -- we are all different. I have arthritis and while it's great to be seventy pounds down and feeling so much better, the arthritis is still a part of my life. I have tried many dietary changes (pre-band) such as going off of dairy, wheat and the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant), rotation of foods, etc. Some people benefit from this. Personally I have not hit on a food-related contributor to the inflammation but do know that exercise helps me a lot and that is so much easier for me now. Congratulations on deciding to take care of your healthy future. Best wishes with all that is ahead. It's an exciting time and so powerful to choose yourself. Way to go!

I am a vegetarian with multiple food allergies. A food allergy is not something that would warrant not having sleeve surgery. What you will need to do is review your food issues with the nutritionist in your bariatric program so that you can develop ways to meet your nutrition goals