Hi all,

I started this journey believing I wanted the sleeve because there is supposed to be easier recovery and it's cheaper (I am self pay) but after reading, googling and speaking to professionals at my bariatric center I changed my thinking and decided that bypass was the better surgery for me.

My reasons: I am 49 yrs old with a 49 bmi. I have a lot of weight to lose, I'm not getting any younger and bypass has a higher rate of weight loss. Also, it looks like with a bypass I will have a better chance of keeping it off, and since menopause is right around the corner, that is important.

But now here is my problem with my decision...I have many issues that I need to take NSAIDs for. Such as: osteoporosis, meniscus surgery, degenerative spinal pain, hip pain, major period cramps, breast soreness...the list goes on and on. I have been attempting to use Tylenol as a substitute but it does absolutely nothing.

I understand that much of these pains will get better as my weight decreases but many will not and I also have to consider the fact that some will get WORSE as I age. And what about arthritis pain?

I have been googling NSAID alternatives and am only finding "natural cures" (I'm sorry but these are all but useless for heavy duty pain)

no real medications that replace them.

Please, if you have discovered an alternative medication or have gone through this yourself and found a solution to this problem I would be so grateful for the knowledge.

Good info PdxMan,

Thanks, and congrats on your success.

I believe research is wise but stats don't matter when something happens to YOU. So i have a sleeve, I lost a crud load of weight and am keeping it off. I guess it doesn't matter how I compare to stats because I can't change my surgery choice anyway!

Btw, I was a failed bandsters so I guess I had alot of strikes against me in terms of chances of success, but I wanted this like the oxygen I breathe. ...

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@@ridgerunner

There are pros and cons to each of these surgeries, but regardless of which you choose, how well you do will ultimately depend on you. I know two people who had bypass about 2 years ago. Neither reached goal and both lost control and gained their weight back, one is currently also in rehab (for the second time) thanks to her new alcohol addiction. So there's that bit.

I flip flopped between the sleeve or bypass decision right up to the point where I needed to decide for insurance approval. I also relied heavily on nsaids for arthritis and any other pain in the wherever. In the end, I chose the sleeve for the options it offers, not only with meds (which my surgeon okay'd once I reached all foods stage tho I've barely needed them), but when my surgeon told me that there are more options for sleeve revision and basically none for bypass, that sealed the deal for me. Commitment scares me a little Also since the sleeve is next to impossible to stretch, I feel it will serve me better in the long term. Portion size has always been my biggest problem. At this point, I am thrilled with my sleeve decision!

All that said, you have to choose the surgery you feel is best for you, but be sure to look at all the angles. Tons of people here have blown right past their weight loss goals with the sleeve. Forget about the statistics. The end result is up to the individual and how well one chooses to work their tool.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response! Yes, I have been driving myself crazy looking at all the pros and cons for one or the other. My true decision will probably not come until I have my last consult with my surgeon. I had started out so ansy waiting for "the day" to come but as I look deeper I am actually glad I have time to weigh all things and make the decision that is best for me. I think it is as hard as it is because when you geat down to the bones of it the sleeve and bypass are BOTH excellent choices.

Just wanted to say to everyone who has reached out to me with support and advice...You have all given me options to look at and important ideas to weigh I would not otherwise have considered. When you are starting this journey it is such uncharted territory that it can be overwhelming and a little scary. You have all made me feel less alone and I feel more empowered to make the decision that is best for me. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You All ❤

@@ridgerunner,

Talk to your doctor, for sure! Ask about the alternative medications. Also, ask whether some of your conditions might get a lot better (and less painful) if you do lose a lot of weight.

I’m not certain about the rules, but are you allowed to take NSAIDS after the sleeve but not the RNY? If that’s the case, I wouldn’t rule out the sleeve just because of its slower rate of weight loss. In reality, we’re probably talking about a difference of a few months to hit goal weight after sleeve versus RNY. That’s not a lot of time in the context of life! I know you’re 49…and that is not “old” in the slightest. Whether you hit goal when you’re 50 or 51, it doesn’t really matter. You have decades left to live!

Just my opinion. Good luck getting answers. I agree – those natural medicines don’t usually seem to do much.

Thanks for taking the time to address my question. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the sleeve and NSAIDS. Ultimately it will probably come down to what the individuals surgeon believes and what the patient does with that advice. But for the most part there seems to be a way better possibilty of taking them when sleeved then with bypass. I am feeling much more encouraged about my chances with the sleeve and will be talking to my surgeon about all my newly acquired knowledge...and thanks for saying I'm not old ????

definitely not to old for this - there are lots of us on this forum who had WLS when we were over 50