Sleeve vs Bypass

[60Sandy 4]

Hi all! Newbie here. Just had my first consult with the doc. Went in thinking I would have the sleeve but he steered me away from that because of my heartburn. Thought the bypass would be better for me. Not feeling great with that choice but of course the doc is leaving it up to me. Can anyone give thoughts or comments about this? Only day one and so many questions!!

[Greensleevie 451]

Bypass is considered the "gold standard" of WLS. people statistically lose more weight at a faster rate. They are also more successful at keeping their weight off (don't jump on me for saying that, because it's statistically correct). The downfall is the malabsorption. You MUST be vigilant about taking Vitamins for the rest of your life, even more so than the sleeve. There is also statistically a higher chance of complications than the sleeve, although still low. Your surgeon is correct, if you suffer from GERD or heartburn, the sleeve may make it even worse. The bypass will usually cure it.

Neither one is magic. Both are amazing tools you will use to help you get to where you want to be health and fitness wise. Neither one will help you get up and move more or choose what you decide put into your mouth. That will be up to you

[Newme17 3,444]

Stats are stats...we can follow them for general ideas of how we might end up, only. But every body is different. I've heard of people having heartburn before the sleeve and not having it afterwards too. I've heard of people not having heartburn before and having it after. Or having it pre and post op. I am pre-op sleeve and I deal with acid reflux based on what foods I choose. I haven't had it for a while, since I've made better choices. Who's to say I'll have heartburn after the sleeve or not? I do take stats into consideration though. I've always dealt with the reflux so it's nothing I can't handle although I wouldn't want to. But I'm having faith that I won't have to after my surgery either.

[erp 2,016]

Both are great choices. In general, bypass is best for GERD. Do you have GERD or just occassional heartburn? If it is occassional like Newme17's then, sleeve should be okay. Again, both are great choices.

[Nina K 19]

I have had gerd for many years. I decided to do gastric bypass because my gerd has turned into Barrett's syndrome and gastric bypass stops the progression of that. It was a hard decision but I have no choice.

[60Sandy 4]

I'm so touched and thankful for all of your replies. What a wonderful forum this is and I'm delighted that I happened upon it on day four of my journey. Thank you all for taking the time and sharing your words of wisdom. Here's to the beginning of hopefully a long and healthy relationship!!!

[Greensleevie 451]

2 hours ago, Newme17 said:

Stats are stats...we can follow them for general ideas of how we might end up, only. But every body is different. I've heard of people having heartburn before the sleeve and not having it afterwards too. I've heard of people not having heartburn before and having it after. Or having it pre and post op. I am pre-op sleeve and I deal with acid reflux based on what foods I choose. I haven't had it for a while, since I've made better choices. Who's to say I'll have heartburn after the sleeve or not? I do take stats into consideration though. I've always dealt with the reflux so it's nothing I can't handle although I wouldn't want to. But I'm having faith that I won't have to after my surgery either.

I'd decided to have the sleeve even though I knew I had an issue with GERD. It did get worse in my case. So much so, I'm looking into a revision to bypass.

Edited February 27, 2017 by Greensleevie

[Newme17 3,444]

2 minutes ago, Greensleevie said:

I'd decided to have the sleeve even though I know I had an issue with GERD. It did get worse in my case. So much so, I'm looking into a revision to bypass.

Ah, I'm sorry!!! I sure hope I will not be dealing with it too. I hope you find success in getting rid/around it. It's a pain, I know.

Edited February 27, 2017 by Newme17

[Airstream88 361]

I posted this on another thread:

I originally wanted the sleeve but ended up deciding on RNY on my surgeon's advice. It was only my 3rd surgery ever in my lifetime. If your surgeon is experienced then you should have nothing to worry about. Mine was a part of a "Bariatric Center of Excellence" and had done this operation for over 10 years. I don't recall seeing that the complications percentages from RNY were that much higher than Sleeve - maybe 1 %.

The first couple days are rough but things get better exponentially each day after that. I am so glad I had this surgery. Really wished I had had it 10 years ago. My blood sugar is back to normal from being borderline diabetic. My knees and back feel so much better. I can walk faster, touch my toes, and generally just do everything so much easier than before.