I am heading down to have a sleeve in the 17 of December. As I look at the board here I am not seeing a lot of folks in my situation. I am about 530 pounds right now and I was wondering if there was anyone out there who was closer to my size that could give me some insight into how weight loss went for them after surgery?

Surgeon didn’t recommend a bypass over a sleeve?

Nope, I am all set for the sleeve. I've been looking into doing something like this for the last 10 years. I am not real keen on the idea of a bypass.

Hi Jed! I was 365 at my highest (which is pretty high for a woman) and I also had the sleeve. A couple of my friends thought I should do the bypass because I had/have so much to lose but my surgeon left it up to me so I chose the sleeve because of the slightly lower complication rate. Surgery was 1 month ago and I’ve lost 61 lbs (38 before surgery and 23 since). The good news about being REALLY overweight is you tend to lose faster than people with less to lose. Good luck to you!!

3 hours ago, CyndieRI said:

Hi Jed! I was 365 at my highest (which is pretty high for a woman) and I also had the sleeve. A couple of my friends thought I should do the bypass because I had/have so much to lose but my surgeon left it up to me so I chose the sleeve because of the slightly lower complication rate. Surgery was 1 month ago and I’ve lost 61 lbs (38 before surgery and 23 since). The good news about being REALLY overweight is you tend to lose faster than people with less to lose. Good luck to you!!

You chose the sleeve because of the SLIGHTLY lower complication rate? If there was only a slight rate, why were you dissuaded?

Edited November 12, 20187 yr by Missouri-Lee's Summit

4 hours ago, Jed J said:

Nope, I am all set for the sleeve. I've been looking into doing something like this for the last 10 years. I am not real keen on the idea of a bypass.

What turned you off about the bypass? I went in thinking the sleeve was for me, but ended up getting the bypass. My surgeon presented the pros and cons of both procedures during my initial visit, and I left that visit 100% confident that the bypass was the better choice -- FOR ME. Both procedures have malabsorption issues. The sleeve, however, has the chance of developing GERD (even without a history of the condition) whereas the bypass does not.

Regardless of your choice, this community will support you! I am so excited to hear about your upcoming procedure. It never gets old hearing about someone who is embarking on such a life-changing journey. Promise that you will stay connected with us and that you will share your story.

Edited November 12, 20187 yr by Missouri-Lee's Summit

On 11/12/2018 at 01:40, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

You chose the sleeve because of the SLIGHTLY lower complication rate? If there was only a slight rate, why were you dissuaded?

I guess I was just scared. I felt like the sleeve only affected my stomach and not my intestines which seemed safer to me. Also my surgeon said if I didn’t get to where I wanted to be, she could always do the bypass later. I’m only 4 1/2 weeks post surgery so right now things are good (fortunately no GERD)!

You've chose sleeve along with surgeons advice, that's great! Other posters brought up bypass, I would continue on the road that you've already have chosen. And if theres not anyone on this sight that has your starting weight, you can always check out intagram or utube for information and support. I wish you the best on your journey!

I am heading down to have a sleeve in the 17 of December. As I look at the board here I am not seeing a lot of folks in my situation. I am about 530 pounds right now and I was wondering if there was anyone out there who was closer to my size that could give me some insight into how weight loss went for them after surgery?

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Thank you all for your comments. I am honestly surprised so many people favor the bypass. It’s something to think about for sure. We all have different goals too I think. I’ve been over 300 pounds since 9th grade. I’ve always been what I would call very active for my size until the last couple of years. I’m not trying to look good in a swimsuit or anything like that, I’ve always been a big guy and I am happy with that. I just want to be able to take my sons hunting and prolong this wonderful life I have a little longer. For me complications, cost, personal feelings and goals all play part in my decision.

Hi there! I started at 463, so I'm up there with you. I had the sleeve. I never wanted to do the bypass, and my surgeon didn't try to persuade me to do one surgery or the other; he wanted me to make the choice, so I read info on both, and I decided to do the sleeve. I lost 58 pounds pre-op, and I've lost 119 post-op. It's been FANTASTIC for me! It's been the best decision I've ever made. Wouldn't change it!

Whatever you choose , so long as it is done in conjunction with the surgeon and lots of thought is good.

But the thing that never ceases to amaze me is how the 1 op seems to be regarded as so much more minor an op than the other.

In 1 they cut away a huge percentage of your stomach and throw it away.

In the other they reroute your intestines but they don't remove anything and should the need arise in the future it can be reversed.

On 11/12/2018 at 3:54 PM, elcee said:

Whatever you choose , so long as it is done in conjunction with the surgeon and lots of thought is good.

But the thing that never ceases to amaze me is how the 1 op seems to be regarded as so much more minor an op than the other.

In 1 they cut away a huge percentage of your stomach and throw it away.

In the other they reroute your intestines but they don't remove anything and should the need arise in the future it can be reversed.

As I remember the do remove part of your intestines when they reroute them, that's what cause the malabsorption I think. So technically they're removing something. And I do agree, both are major surgery, I think there's more risk of leaks with the sleeve but more complications (kinda?) with the bypass.

Either way, it's a personal choice. I chose the sleeve. My mother had a bypass 12 years ago and has had so many complications and issues so I said "no thanks" AND her GERD is NO better with her bypass than before, so it doesn't always cure it like almost everyone says.

On 11/11/2018 at 9:30 PM, Jed J said:

I am heading down to have a sleeve in the 17 of December. As I look at the board here I am not seeing a lot of folks in my situation. I am about 530 pounds right now and I was wondering if there was anyone out there who was closer to my size that could give me some insight into how weight loss went for them after surgery?

This may a stupid answer and probably doesn't apply to you but in my 600 pound life (TLC show if you're not familiar) lots of the patients have the sleeve. Good luck to you! I have a sleeve, I'm very happy with mine. I've lost 96 pounds so far and started at 292.9 at my surgery.

I think you will be happy with whatever you choose. I was a low BMI patient that qualified due to severe osteoarthritis, but my doctor still went over the risks. My doctor almost always recommends the sleeve, although he is very competent in both the sleeve and bypass. His main concern with the bypass is the long term issues with malabsorption. Saying that, if you take your vitamins and follow your plan, that should not be an issue. As he says though, we are all human and as you get used to your new normal and can begin to eat larger portions, many people will slip on their vitamin intake. Really, it comes down to what you are most comfortable with. You will see people who love both, so it is really up to you.

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Stay vigilant and you'll do great!

Safe Journey!!!

One nice thing about having a lot to lose is that a lot comes off pretty quickly. Three weeks into the pre-op diet and I’m down 32 pounds. I realize that percentage wise it’s not all that much but I’m going to go a head and take the “glass half full” approach.