I have been poking around on the forums and wanted to introduce myself. I am a 39 yo mom of 2 boys, 10 and 7. At my recent check up, my doctor suggested I look into sleeve or bypass as a weight loss option. I am current 240lbs, but only 5'1". I have tried dieting, weight watchers, etc. over the past 15 years with little success. I always gain it back plus more. I went to an info session and am leaning towards the sleeve procedure. Any newbie suggestions, comments, advice would be appreciated. I am so glad there is this forum out there where I can share with others going through the same feelings!

Hi there! Sounds like you are in the same boat a lot of us were in when we finally made the big decision to have WLS. I chose the sleeve because I had some personal experience with the bypass, as my husband had one almost 9 years ago. I didn't want to deal with the re routing of parts, possible dumping, and malabsorbtion issues you don't usually get with the sleeve.

I personally believe weight loss is slower with the sleeve, (at least in my case), but I've also seen people lose just as quickly with the sleeve as with bypass. If you have problems with GERD or reflux, BEWARE. The sleeve can make it worse.

Other than the issues with GERD, I'm happy with it. I feel it was the perfect tool I needed to lose weight, and aside from a few scars and only being able to eat small amounts, I feel completely normal and healthy, like I never had the surgery. And that's what I wanted.

Thank you! I am not at all interested in the bypass as I, too, have had friends who are constantly dealing with dumping issues. I appreciate your feedback and am looking forward to having this support as I start this journey.

Anytime! There is a wealth of information on this site, so keep reading and asking questions! We all just want to help each other be as successful as we can be!