Hello, I'm looking to start my process next year (after I quit smoking) and was wondering how you chose between the sleeve or bypass? I was referred here by a friend who just got the sleeve. I know the surgeon can help as well but wanted to hear from people who made the choice for themselves

I want the sleeve because I don't want malabsorption issues. I don't have diabetes, for which (to date, anyway) GBP is the preferred procedure.

I had the GBP because I had diabetes. I am 6 years out, do extreme ultra distance events, and am just now starting to need Iron infusions and I take b-12 shots. Other than that, no complications, and I am still good with my decision.

I had the RNY bypass for several reasons. I thought I might benefit from having both the restrictive and malabsorption components. I was also concerned about the possibility of developing post op GERD issues. And I also felt the psychological "fear" of dumping would help me curb my serious sweet tooth (I've yet to actually dump). My surgeon cleared me for either procedure, and at four months out I have no regrets about my choice. Good luck!

Thank you all, your responses are good to hear as I try to decide myself

The sleeve will resolve diabetes also.

I like the idea of the sleeve because they actually remove your stomach and it includes the hunger hormone so you don't get that hunger anymore.

I was really hesitant to consider weight loss surgery. My surgeon had us take an online tutorial that explained the different procedures. What I saw of the sleeve (positive and negative) and a discussion with my surgeon persuaded to have the sleeve weight loss surgery. I don't really know if I would have gone through with surgery (at least not as eagerly) if he had recommended RNY for me.

I have absolutely no regrets.

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Edited December 3, 201510 yr by rowenusmc

My decision was based on largely irrational fear of the bypass.

I suffered mightly with the band and I dreaded something permanent that would make me vomit alot and often without predictability. Tighter in the morning, certain foods especially Proteins, fiberous veggies and rice often triggered vomiting. I had watched a reality show about a very big (800#?) man who was bitter about the bypass and vomited ALOT. What I recognize now is that he was not over his food addiction and ate too fast/too much.

So I choose the sleeve 4 years ago and am quite pleased! I am half my former size and maintaining a normal weight/size.

I would do it again in a heartbeat (so far no complications!), and a lucky member of the majority that don't have reflux. However, I would advise a smart person to be open and research both. Like, read research abstracts. Ask opinions of people who are years post op. Ask your surgeon for his reasons behind whatever he recommended. Go to support groups, heavily biased toward newer post op, but another perspective.

BTW, they have their biases too. First surgeon I went to recommended bypass for me since I failed with the band and was high BMI. I didn't question him but was not comfortable with the bypass. I went to one of the support groups, and all the patients were bypass. I realized that this surgeon strongly advocated bypass, so I wound up switching surgeons/clinics. There were other reasons (hated his NUT) and it truly worked out for the best.

I'm pre-op but I am choosing sleeve in the coming months because I have several psych meds that I take everyday and need to be on them

I choose the sleeve because I was not thrilled with the idea of the malabsorption or dumping. I have food allergies and was getting sick enough from that. I looked at 2 programs one recommended bypass, the other recommended the sleeve. Ironically enough the tipping point for me was speaking to a friend who had gotten the bypass. I choose her surgeon to do my sleeve. I had a super easy time of it and despite starting from a high BMI am steadily losing weight. The bonus is my allergies are under control for the first time in years.

Due to my medical issues, my surgeon said bypass would be best. I was going to go with the sleeve before I met with him. I go for my 6 mo post op in January so hopefully my pouch is absorbing like it it is supposed to.

I've heard the word "dumping" multiple times, what does this mean?

I suggest Googling to read up on dumping, but it is an unpleasant experience in response to eating crappy sugary food