Bypass or Sleeve

[Zemi 72]

I'm having the sleeve done, but started noticing a bit more heart burn and reflux recently so was getting worried when reading about the preference for bypass ... so firstly @GradyCat that's so encouraging, and wonderful, for you to hear the sleeve has actually improved yours. @MissLadyK what do they say when you ask them why the sleeve is better given the issues you mentioned and getting another surgeons opinion as others have suggested might be a good idea given your concerns

[Lynnlovesthebeach 625]

You are the patient, it is your decision! If this surgeon can't provide the service you need and want it's time for another doctor!

[pssk 225]

I went to my surgeon thinking I would get vsg and he talked me into rny due to my reflux history.

I’m 2 months pre-op rn.

[Missouri-Lee's Summit 1,256]

I'd love to hear this doctor's explanation as to why a sleeve is a good idea for someone with a GERD history. Pushing for a procedure contraindicated by a co-morbidity makes me suspicious about whether your best interests are being considered. It's sad that some doctors exploit patients to match their medical shortcomings. Run don't walk to another surgeon. What are your current doctor's qualifications exactly? Make sure you make an appointment with an experienced bariatric surgeon.

(I'd make a recording of his/her explanation to play for the second doctor!)

[Arturo Federico 10]

I was told to go with the Gastric Bypass because of my GERD from my doctor. Once I told him I had really bad Reflux he would not consider the Sleeve because it would make it worse.

[MissLadyK 11]

Yes I have an appointment with doctor on Wednesday just found out I have Barrett's Esophagus great huh well it's all good all things work out

[Mj77803 82]

My doc prefers the sleeve, he only does bypass is medically necessary I have/had history of gerd at the time, said if needed we can convert to bypass later, 17 months later I was bypass. But my gerd did improve at first with the sleeve, it wasn't until about 10-11 months that it go worse

[elcee 3,340]

10 minutes ago, Mj77803 said:

My doc prefers the sleeve, he only does bypass is medically necessary I have/had history of gerd at the time, said if needed we can convert to bypass later, 17 months later I was bypass. But my gerd did improve at first with the sleeve, it wasn't until about 10-11 months that it go worse

So in the short space of 17 months your Dr was proved wrong. He however can look at this as a win as it means he got the fee for 2 surgeries whereas had he done a proper risk assessment you would only have needed 1!

[FluffyChix 17,409]

With Barrett's there IS no other option for you but RNY. If he disagrees, run as far and fast from the di*k as you can! ((hugs)) He sees you as lambchops (with 2 surgeries) in front of him when he looks at you--not a patient.

[Lolo 2020 236]

I had GERD before and still have it after , have added Pepcid into my regime , but I was quite happy to get the sleeve because there are so many less effects to your digestion so that my post op life can be Fairly normal . And this was the case . Am down 70lbs and feel great . I say sleeve is best but it is ur body and ur choice

[elcee 3,340]

1 minute ago, Lolo 2020 said:

I had GERD before and still have it after , have added Pepcid into my regime , but I was quite happy to get the sleeve because there are so many less effects to your digestion so that my post op life can be Fairly normal . And this was the case . Am down 70lbs and feel great . I say sleeve is best but it is ur body and ur choice

In what way do you believe that your post op life is fairly normal as compared to someone that has had a bypass?

[Lolo 2020 236]

My understanding is that with bypass I would have had to be careful with exactly what I ate and sugar, fats, etc. I didn’t want dumping etc . I lost my weight quickly , I can eat at meetings and through work - can cheat a little and no issues with digestion or diarrhea. I feel great and weight is steady at my goal

[GreenTealael 24,849]

Had the sleeve in 2017 /Converted to bypass 2019

I really don't see a difference yet between the two (except all the issues are resolved & when labs are done in a few weeks I'll compare) but as far as lifestyle... Same so far

[GreenTealael 24,849]

1 hour ago, elcee said:

So in the short space of 17 months your Dr was proved wrong. He however can look at this as a win as it means he got the fee for 2 surgeries whereas had he done a proper risk assessment you would only have needed 1!

Seems that way right, but who knows the true motivation for preference of VSG by surgeons.

[catwoman7 10,844]

26 minutes ago, Lolo 2020 said:

My understanding is that with bypass I would have had to be careful with exactly what I ate and sugar, fats, etc. I didn’t want dumping etc . I lost my weight quickly , I can eat at meetings and through work - can cheat a little and no issues with digestion or diarrhea. I feel great and weight is steady at my goal

only about 30% of us dump - so although it can be a problem for some, it's by no means universal. And for those who dump, they can control it by watching their sugar and fat intake (there are times I wish I DID dump so I'd be forced to watch those!!). I can eat at meetings and work - and diarrhea is not a common problem among RNYers. Constipation is way more of a problem for us than diarrhea.

Edited August 13, 2019 by catwoman7