Sleeve or Bypass?

[Cate Watkins 2]

So I had my first (of six) appointments with my bariatric specialist today, who believes with my insurance and situation, I should have no problem being approved for surgery. That being said, he discussed the differences between the sleeve and bypass and before our talk, I was set on the VSG surgery, however now I'm beginning to think that maybe the bypass may be a better option for me. He said that if I'm wanting to lose 60-80lbs, that the VSG surgery is the better choice for slower weight loss, but if I'm looking to lose 100+lbs, I should consider the bypass. I'm currently 5'5", 294.1 lbs and definitely want to lose more than 100lbs, but I've done so much research on VSG that I feel the most comfortable with that option, but also want to give myself the best opportunity to lose the most weight.

What are your experiences with loss after either bypass or VSG? I'm not opposed to bypass, it was just never the direction I thought I was headed so I have done little research and feel my nerves all over again!

Any advise helps, thank you!

[BigDog Bryan 262]

I had VSG on October 20th, 2015. In just over 16 months I've lost about 140 pounds. It comes to about 35% of my peak body weight, and I could not be happier. I chose VSG so that my digestive tract would remain intact, so that I don't have to worry about malabsorption of Vitamins and/or Medications that I may require later in life.

The ONLY change that I would make would be to have the surgery sooner. I feel as if my clock has been tout 12 years, and I can go into most any store and buy clothes. I can sit down in a booth at a Diner, and my waist size starts with a "3" for the first time in decades. I suppose I would be further along after a Bypass, but going from a 5X to a 2X in a year+ seems plenty fast for me.

Hope that this little testimony helps you. Congratulations on choosing to take back your health and All the Best, no matter which way you choose to go.

[60Sandy 4]

I was all set to go with the sleeve but my surgeon steered me towards the bypass because I suffer from heartburn. It's not that bad but that is the option that he would choose for me. I have 80 pounds to lose, have a very large sweet tooth, and have been known to binge quite a bit. I like the fact that the sleeve takes away your hunger and would prefer that over the dumping syndrome that the bypass has. So many pros and cons to both of them. I think I'm going to have to go with my surgeon's recommendation because he knows best after all. The bypass does make me a little bit more nervous....... I too would welcome more dialogue between the sleeve versus bypass. Thanks.

[Meryline 546]

I was also set on the sleeve, but because of heartburn, (not a lot), he wouldn't do it. I'm either having the Mini Gastric Bypass or the Gastric Bypass. My surgeon will decide once he looks inside. I have scar tissue from earlier abdominal surgery, so he is going to see which one would be better.

[MissKay 329]

I've lost 100lbs in 9 months with my VSG, and this is including 4-5 different stalls, one being 2 months long. Which is possible, but not typical from what I've seen. So you can lose more weight over a shorter time, just depending on the body, the diet, and the exercise. Every one is different, no person loses the exact same. But it can be done, you just may have to adjust things over time to accomplish that.

[orionburn 1,023]

6 hours ago, BigDog Bryan said:

I had VSG on October 20th, 2015. In just over 16 months I've lost about 140 pounds. It comes to about 35% of my peak body weight, and I could not be happier. I chose VSG so that my digestive tract would remain intact, so that I don't have to worry about malabsorption of Vitamins and/or Medications that I may require later in life.

Those were my main reasons for choosing sleeve over bypass (and I originally went in with a plan of getting the band but quickly decided against that). I wasn't a sugar junkie so the possible dumping syndrome that can come with a bypass wouldn't do me much good. I was a binge eater and/or poor Portion Control. At dinner I could care less about a dessert, but I'd gladly take another helping of pasta! lol Like Bryan said I had concerns with the malabsorption and decided the sleeve was best for me.

Are you facing any other health issues that could help determine which course would be better? I had to get weight off because of back/sciatica issues. Even if I don't lose as much weight or it doesn't come off as quickly with my sleeve I'm okay with that. I want it to be a slow & steady pace. I was around 350 when I went to my first meeting. If I was heavier (I was near 400lbs at one point in my life) I might have given more consideration to the bypass if I had more weight to lose.

If it really comes down to just choosing your preference then keep researching and go with what you think is best for you.

[xoxococojay 842]

So trust your gut and do whatever makes you most comfortable. Research makes it seem like bypass patients lose more, but that's far from the truth. My doctor told me straight up, that long term you will loose about the same amount of weight regardless. It also depends on you and how active you decide to be and how well you stick to your diet.

Bypass is definitely more complicated of a procedure so recovery time is a tiny bit longer. Also because bypass re-routes your intestines you have to be good with taking your supplements every day and avoid high fat and high sugar foods to avoid dumping syndrome.

For that reason i chose the sleeve. I got sleeved in december. It's the best thing i've ever done for me. And the idea of losing 60-80 pounds with the sleeve is complete bullshit. Depending on where you start, you can lose as much as you want with it. I know plenty of people that lost well over 120 pounds with the sleeve and successfully kept it off. I haven't had any side effects or complications.

[Seraya 46]

Hi. I think I posted this same question after I went to my informational meeting. I had been set on the sleeve until I learned about the reflux considerations. I have reflux that is well managed but really worried about how the sleeve might affect it. I really did not want bypass because of the malabsorption issues and it just seemed more radical. I can definitely see the pros and it seems to be very very effective but was not my preference. I spoke to a college friend who is a Bariatric surgeon in another state (hadn't talked in 20 years), and he really reassured me. The sleeve is his preferred procedure and unless you have incredible severe reflux issues, he has not had any major issues post surgery. My surgeon isn't too concerned about it either as long as I'm willing to take medication, which I've been doing anyway for years. I agree with all, you need to go with your gut, think about your lifestyle, etc. but don't be afraid of the sleeve. Good luck.