Having trouble deciding sleeve or bypass

[biggmatt714 2]

I'm 26. I wieghed 585 at my heaviest. The only Co morbidity I have is sleep apnea. I now am doing a pre op diet and have lost 20 pounds in a couple weeks and I'm trying to get down close to 500 or a little under before surgery as recommend by the surgeon. I have completed all my other pre op requirements. The surgeon recommend the bypass because he says I'll lose a larger percentage of my excess wieght. I was leaning more towards the sleeve. Is there that big of difference? Anyone close to my size that has had success with the bypass or with the sleeve? I trying to make my decision soon so I can schedule my date. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[Beachsprite 118]

Hi I'm no expert but my surgeon said that those on the larger end of the scale tend to do better with the bypass. I'm sure both could work but statically I think you'd be better with that option

[TLW 163]

I can tell you I chose RNY because it has been around the longest and there are lots of studies that support its success, I discovered on this sight and many others that lots of people who get sleeved end up having to go back through this process and get the RNY, finally, because there was no research or studies past 10 years on the Sleeve, I didn't wanna chance it.

[emleyrose 8]

I had the sleeve two years ago and am now regaining weight. I am a compulsive over eater and would probably regain with either. I just find it difficult to control grazing.

[jane13 2,256]

@@biggmatt714 - if the surgeon is pressing the bypass then because of the amount you are trying to lose, I would listen to him. but again, that's MY OPINION. I had the option of any of the three: band, sleeve or bypass. I ALMOST did the band - and got the sleeve like I originally planned. I have no regrets, only that I wished I had done it sooner. Make the decision that is best for you - YOU know YOU better than anyone. Be honest with yourself about your eating habits and understand that this is again, only a tool. YOU have to do the work.

best wishes and keep us posted!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

It's a tough decision to make. I was 414 at my highest. I choose the sleeve because I did not like the idea of rewiring my organs or the malabsorption from bypass. I was however fully aware that the weight loss would be slower with the sleeve and take a bigger commitment from me. At 10 mths out I can look back and say this first year has been relatively easy for me in terms of losing weight. I am mentally preparing myself to have to really work harder after this first year to lose. I have already committed myself to new eating habits and regular exercise, but I am literally working my butt off. I work out 5 -6 days a week and maintain a food diary. I am 26lbs away from the benchmark goal I set for myself to hit at 1 year out and 1.6lbs away from the goal range I wanted to hit. My anniversary date is September 18. I hope to be down with 100 - 125lbs by then.

Think about your lifestyle and eating habits. That's the best indicator as to which procedure would be best for you.

[kimby1029 119]

Welcome Matt!

I chose the sleeve despite having more than 200 pounds to lose because I already have some malabsorptive issues. The RNY may assist you more as it does have the additional component of not allowing you to absorb some of the food you have eaten. I do appreciate not feeling hunger with the sleeve.

Best of luck to you!

Kim

[Sajijoma 1,324]

@bigmatt714 I'm starting at 410 and my surgeon definitely agrees with me that bypass is more effect for maximum weight loss at my size. The sleeve can stretch and can be defeated in a moment of weakness, but with the bypass, if you try to defeat it by eating a sugary treat, you will get dumping syndrome and that will keep you honest, because it's very unpleasant.

[biggmatt714 2]

I am going to go with the bypass. I actually received a letter from my insurance today approving the bypass so now I'm just waiting for my date. Thanks for all the feedback everyone it is appreciated

[Soapandcandlequeen 124]

I would recommend bypass based on your size. I researched quite a bit and the results are better for patients with more to lose.

[dhrguru 1,238]

@bigmatt714 I'm starting at 410 and my surgeon definitely agrees with me that bypass is more effect for maximum weight loss at my size. The sleeve can stretch and can be defeated in a moment of weakness, but with the bypass, if you try to defeat it by eating a sugary treat, you will get dumping syndrome and that will keep you honest, because it's very unpleasant.

Keep in mind, not everyone dumps. I don't. I haven't consumed any major quantity of sugar, but have had no ill effects of anything thus far.

[Sajijoma 1,324]

@bigmatt714 I'm starting at 410 and my surgeon definitely agrees with me that bypass is more effect for maximum weight loss at my size. The sleeve can stretch and can be defeated in a moment of weakness, but with the bypass, if you try to defeat it by eating a sugary treat, you will get dumping syndrome and that will keep you honest, because it's very unpleasant.

Keep in mind, not everyone dumps. I don't. I haven't consumed any major quantity of sugar, but have had no ill effects of anything thus far.

i don't actually have to dump, just knowing it is a possibility is enough! LOL I had horrific dumping like symptoms after my gallbladder surgery every time I ate dairy or spicy foods and that was soooo horrifically painful and miserable that I keep telling myself that sugar will be the same after surgery! It's a great motivator!

[Rani 3]

I absolutely agree that you should choose what you feel is best for you. I suggest doing a lot of research on both. You can even find videos of procedures on YouTube, as well as video blogs from others who had the different procedures and get their take. I found this website through one of those blogs and I'm so glad I did.

In my research I found you can gain weight back with either of them, although it is easier to get past one hurdle (reduced stomach size) than two (reduced stomach size AND malabsorption). Ultimately, it boils down to how ready you are, how much work you are willing to do, and how honest and accountable you are to yourself. It's great that you're open to hearing why others made the decisions they did for themselves. I know that always helps me consider things I may have not otherwise have thought of.

I considered WLS several years ago, and after all the research I did I was not comfortable rerouting my plumbing with the Bypass/RNY. I felt the Band was too problematic and it was my opinion it wasn't worth going through it all just to have to have it removed anyway. But... now, the sleeve is established enough to have been tested and perfected and I am much more comfortable reducing the size of my stomach (the first half of the RNY) without bypassing and rerouting my small and large intestines. They were put there for a reason - lol.

According to medical websites, the weight loss rate is in the short term is slightly higher for the bypass, but in the long term it's about the same. So for such a small difference (between 10-15% of your EXCESS weight - not total weight), I think it's worth a little extra dedication. Besides, I'm expecting to keep very good records to remind myself how far I've gone as well as motivating reminders why I started this to begin with. I'm much more motivated now than I was the first time I considered this because I weigh more (highest 374), my health has gotten worse, and I now have a son as a single mom who depends on me.

But, again... I decided the sleeve was right for me because of the risks I was and was not willing to take as well as knowing what will keep me going to reach my goals.

Good luck on your path.

[cptdata69 1]

Hello Matt,

I have chosen the bypass because of the issues with co morbity issues reaccuring. I am a diabetic with neuropathy. sleep apnea, High blood plessure. I don't want to wait so long for the surgery and then endup up still having to take meds for all this.

I've heard that the chance of this happening is great with sleeve.

[biggmatt714 2]

thanks everyone for the feedback. i will be having the bypass Oct. 5th. really excited!!!!!!