I've been in the process of qualifying to get the sleeve since last summer. I got insurance approval three weeks ago, and had an Upper GI last week. My doc called today to let me know that he doesn't think I'm a good candidate for the sleeve since he detected GERD on my Upper GI results. I had heartburn the night before the procedure, which is weird, because I've only had heartburn 3 or 4 times in my entire life and I'm almost 40.

My doc said he will go ahead with gastric bypass. The problem: I feel disappointed because I've spent months preparing for the sleeve. I have to go back and get reapproved through insurance and take new education courses. I had tentatively planned my surgery for May 23rd. Now I have no idea when it will happen. I'm a teacher, so fingers crossed it can be rearranged for this summer.

So, please tell me everything you love and hate about gastric bypass. How's the recovery? Why did you choose it over the sleeve?

Thanks

Betsy

I am almost 3 years post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. One of the reasons why I choose this type of surgery was because I had severe acid reflux (GERD). It is a very good type of surgery. It has been around awhile and it is almost a gold standard. Here is my experience. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

Well only knowing what Gastric Bypass RNY is like, being 10 weeks post-op I can

tell you that so far it is the best thing I ever did. I wish I had done it 10/15 years ago, but it's

wonderfully life-changing. It is a powerful behavior modification tool that with a strong exercise and

careful eating program is the ticket to a new kind of life. You see with the sleeve you will still be able to eat anything

you want and eventually as much as you want, whereas with RNY I simply cannot eat anything with very high fat content

and almost NO sugar, which is fantastic because it MAKES me change. I wish I could show you before and after photos, it's unreal

I've gone over 10 lbs lower than my original goal weight, and now have re-assessed and am

headed for a new goal weight 20 lbs lower than I thought possible. The reason I had

set my goal as I did was because after so many years quite overweight, I had lowered my

expectations of what I thought was possible. Anyway, I would not be worried, this is great!!

I got RNY...no reflux ...no regrets!!!!

I agree with everyone here! I'm 5 weeks post up bypass and happy as a clam spared from the bake! Lol

Couple of things I've learned- healing and progressing through foods is easier with RNY. Because the surgical area with the sleeve is a greater surface area, takes longer to heal. With the sleeve, if you aren't super careful you can really stretch it out faster. Not saying you can't mess up with bypass- you can- but there are more stop-gaps to help you along: inability (for most) to properly process sugars and fats making the possibility of getting sick a plus--- you don't ever want to experience "dumping syndrome"! Sleeves and bands don't have that issue.

You will be closely monitored to be certain you are getting the proper Vitamins and nutrients.

Just remember- any of these surgeries are a TOOL. And with any tool, you have to read the instructions and follow the directions to safely reap the benefits.

I would also imagine that your insurance won't give your new procedure a second thought and approve it right away. The educational part is easy. My doc has us watch videos at home that are monitored by his staff for completion. I would lay money your surgery won't be delayed!

Good luck!

I went with the gastric bypass because I had diabetes. I am almost two weeks post op and it looks like it is gone. *fingers crossed* My understanding it it has a better success rate with diabetes remission than the sleeve. My understanding is it also has overall better weight loss success than the sleeve. My doctor also said there really isn't a lot of long term data on the sleeve. I did debate it since there is a huge commitment to taking vitamins/supplements but in the end, I felt like I wanted to attack my weight loss aggressively. I want to add as many happy and healthy years to my life as possible. Best of luck to you.

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