What are the advantages of the gastric sleeve versus the gastric bypass surgery? How common is it for patients to have complications? What side effects are most common?

Edited October 6, 20205 yr by Numbheart

When I was looking at both, the sleeve just sounded like a better option. It was a shorter surgery, it was less invasive then the full bypass (It didn't "reroute" everything), It was just taking a large section of the stomach off. Plus the success rate was very close. (slight edge to the bypass) It just made sense for me.

I personally went for the bypass option. It was one extra day in the hospital and the malabsorption helps with keeping the weight off.

I originally went in wanting a sleeve, but my surgeon convinced me that bypass is a better option for me. I have asthma that has put me in the hospital a few times and the chance of reflux increasing and asthma worsening was not worth it for me. He said he could do the sleeve but there would be a chance I would need a revision, and I did not want two surgeries. I think sleeves are supposed to be safer, but revisions are pretty common.

Sleeve is restrictive, but everything is intact. So, you can eat pretty much all foods, meds work as they do normally.

Bypass bypasses the pyloric valve and a small amount of intestines, creating malabsorption. Thus, anything you eat goes directly into your intestines. Sugar or Fat may cause 'dumping' syndrome which is unpleasant. Time release meds MAY need adjusting.

I wanted dumping because I wanted to be forced into changing my habits. It worked. I've managed to stay more or less on plan to this day. Sugar & fat make appearances, but in vastly reduced quantity.

Some folks think restriction is enough and more power to them.

I chose RNY because I found myself thinking I could return to old eating habits if I chose with other surgeries. I didn't trust that I could not stay on plan without some 'adjustments' the RNY would provide.

Good luck.

Tek

I went into my initial consult not really knowing much about either procedure. After the nurse gave her presentation, I knew that I wanted the RNY.

I had mild GERD, and was concerned it would get worse with the sleeve. After I joined this board, I read a lot of stories about members having a revision from sleeve to RNY b/c of GERD which reinforced my choice.

So far, so good!! I'm very happy with my surgery!

I did lots or reading before surgery. I also chose the sleeve because it didn’t change my digestive pathway & I wouldn’t be challenged by malabsorption issues. Sleevers also seemed to be less likely to suffer from dumping & food intolerances. The average weight loss over 5 years is about the same for the two surgeries though bypass patients often lose more quickly at first.

I had stress related reflux before but while I have odd days now when I have attacks (usually at night) it’s manageable with medication - I just take 20mg Nexium every day & not as needed as I did pre surgery.

I didn’t have any side effects from my surgery so I can’t advise you on that. I just have the usual side effects of weight loss: feeling the cold, bony butt pain, cholesterol went up before settling back to normal, low blood pressure, etc. & better health.

As with all things, we all have different experiences throughout this journey & level of your success is directly dependent upon the effort you put in. I’m so glad I had my sleeve surgery. Whichever surgery you decide to have I’m sure you’ll be equally as happy.

Good luck.

if you have GERD prior to surgery, they'll usually recommend bypass. Otherwise, it comes down to personal preference.

I chose bypass (actually, my surgeon recommended it) because I was one of those who had GERD prior to surgery. But that aside, I felt more comfortable with bypass anyway because at the time I had surgery over five years ago, the sleeve was still kind of a new thing. I was a little afraid it might become "Lapband 2". However, it's been around long enough at this point that it's proven itself, so that wouldn't have been a concern to me at this point. But...the GERD still would have. VSG can make that worse. It doesn't happen to everyone - or even the majority - but it happens enough that I didn't want to risk it.

I've been very happy with my RNY, by the way.

forgot to add that most of us have either no complications or minor ones that are usually "fixable". Major complications aren't very common with either surgery.

I am a sleeve patient now having a revision due to GERD/reflux and other issues. I wanted the bypass and my Dr talked me into the sleeve because of my age and its success was close to bypass, I was also sold on the less invasive aspect etc. Should have went with my gut to avoid a second surgery.

You should work alongside your doctor to choose the best weight loss procedure for you.

On 10/7/2020 at 2:20 AM, Lilfootie said:

I originally went in wanting a sleeve, but my surgeon convinced me that bypass is a better option for me. I have asthma that has put me in the hospital a few times and the chance of reflux increasing and asthma worsening was not worth it for me. He said he could do the sleeve but there would be a chance I would need a revision, and I did not want two surgeries. I think sleeves are supposed to be safer, but revisions are pretty common.

So it depends maybe on your condition and the doctor's assessment?

25 minutes ago, Numbheart said:

So it depends maybe on your condition and the doctor's assessment?

there are some health considerations that would make one or the other surgery more appropriate for you, but if those conditions don't apply to you, then it comes down to personal preference. Of course, many surgeons will honor your preference even if they advise you against it. I had GERD before I had surgery, so my surgeon strongly recommended RNY, although he said if I really wanted sleeve, he would do it. But I did follow his advice and got the RNY.

Hello,

I am new to site and I'm not even sure if I am posting this where I should be? Anyway here goes. I am 55yo and I have had 5-cesections, 1 tubal reversl, and then after all these abdoninal surgeries I had a complete hysterectomy. I first went in thinking sleeve, but all my life I have battled my weight. I am currantly at 282lbs, but highest was 290lbs. I am on track for surgery sometime mid to late November. Now my worry is, I have been doing lots of research and I'm so concerned and scar tissue/lesions on my small intestines making a the bypass surgery impossable? I have a neighbor that just had bypass surgery with same dr as mine on the 6th this month and she wasn't home 24hrs and was rushed backed to hospital to have more surgery to stop bleeding she said for having so much scar tissue? I'm not sure how much of the information she told me would relate to me, because I know everyone is different. Anyone that has mybe had c-sections and other abdominal surgeries or even knows about this issue could give me some input, I'd sure appreciate you time and help. Thanks in advance.