What's the main difference between the Sleeve and Bypass?

[courtcourt90 4]

Hello. I'm stuck trying to choose the best option for me. I'm a 400+ person. Young but I'm active for my size. I play a lot of basketball and wanna still be able to do that and more with my friends. I'm trying to figure out what's the honest main difference between sleeve and bypass with a ring. As far as complications vs the weight loss. And over all lifestyle change. Thanks for the help in advance.

[blashlee 509]

There are a lot of topics asking this very question, my advice would be to browse the forums a bit more, here are a couple that might help:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/340349-newbie-with-questions/?hl=+sleeve+bypass

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/340870-cant-decide/

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I was over 500 lbs. and sleeved April 20. One thing I can tell you is that with the sleeve your digestive system remains intact. The stretchy part of the stomach is removed but the entrance to your stomach and the pyloric valve (that empties the stomach) work the same way they always have.

I agree with the recommendation that you do a lot of reading (on these boards and elsewhere).

Most people seem to think the procedure they chose is the best but deciding which one is best for you should include a good discussion with your surgeon.

Best of luck.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I just realized what I wrote. I WAS over 500 pounds. As of my one month post-op appointment, I blew past the 500 pound mark. I won't ever see that "5" on a scale again. Pretty awesome.

[liannatx 897]

I chose the Sleeve and I am very happy with it. However, I really think if I had much over 100 lbs to lose I probably would have done the Bypass. Statistically, the weight loss is faster with Bypass... and with WLS the majority of weight is lost in that first year window. With Bypass the malabsorption makes the faster loss, yet there is the aspect of dumping. With the sleeve it is all about tiny portions of the right foods. People can, and do, reach goal with ANY of the surgeries if the commitment to following a plan is strong enough.

You are doing the right thing by researching this before you make a decision.

Edited June 5, 2015 by liannatx

[jane13 2,256]

@@courtcourt90 - research and talk to your doctor he/she may decide for you. Reading here on both forums will give you some insight into someone's personal experience but we all are affected differently by the same surgery. All in all - WLS is a TOOL - you can use it the right way or not, you have to live with the results.

[SlimJill 291]

You also have the option of getting the sleeve, and then switching to the bypass to lose more...

I have 100-125 pounds to lose so I chose the sleeve because my surgeon explained it like this... with the sleeve everything will still work normally. The bypass will make you lose more... but you might just trade your current problems for new ones!

So I decided with the sleeve... and like I said... you could get the sleeve and maybe it will be perfect for you and you'll lose all the weight you want, but if it doesn't you always have the option of switching to bypass later. The opposite can not happen though.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I lost 160 with sleeve - I have gained a few back but am within 5# of my goal. Surgeon I initially consulted with poo-poo'd the sleeve due to my high BMI and history of failure with lapband. I went to another surgeon who warned me that revisions didn't always do as well, but he felt sleeve was still a good choice for me. No regrets, but I do think you should have an open mind about other procedures if you have ALOT of weight to lose. You are pretty tall - what is your goal weight?