The Sleeve vs Bypass?

[Michele 2021 25]

I’ve been second guessing getting the bypass vs the sleeve .I originally wanted to get the sleeve procedure since it seems less complicated. I have about 70 lbs to lose to reach my goal weight. On my preop appt they noticed I had some gerd. I was unaware of this. The surgeon advised I have a bypass vs a sleeve since gerd is a common issue that develops with sleeve patients and assured me that the bypass will resolve these symptoms. I’m noticing a lot of people in these message boards who have gerd and still opted for the Sleeve. It was such a long process to get approved for the WLS I never thought abut getting a second opinion as I’d probably be waiting another 6 months! I’d love to hear others experiences when making this decision!

[Maisey 260]

I initially thought I wanted the sleeve. I had a history of occasional GERD symptoms controlled by OTC medication. The surgeon advised bypass for that reason and others. He said if I wanted the sleeve, an endoscopy would be required first. I opted for bypass. I have been happy with my decision and have not had any GERD symptoms since surgery.

[Michele 2021 25]

That’s very reassuring to hear! I’m glad it resolved your symptoms!

[catwoman7 11,284]

if you already have GERD, think long and hard about getting the sleeve. GERD gets worse in about 30% of sleeve patients - so it depends on what your risk level is. I had GERD before surgery, and I didn't want to take the chance, so I had bypass. I've been very happy with my decision and would choose it again. Maybe you'll be one of the 70% whose GERD DOESN'T get worse - but again, the decision depends on how much you're willing to take that risk.

[Michele 2021 25]

That’s a great point! I’ve actually heard a lot of additional benefits with the bypass so I’m feeling more confident here. I’m guessing its normal to question your decision when surgery Is less than a week away!

[canadianpopcycle 77]

Hello!

I used to have heartburn 'occasionally', and it would be typically something like ketchup or a Tomato based meal that would set it off. I also really enjoyed my wine. Then whenever I would order out, I would take a Zantac preemptively. Eventually....by last May everything was setting it off. Sometimes I would even happen in the middle of the night.

I was even having heartburn on Protein Drinks during the pre-op liquid diet!

I had originally decided on the Sleeve because I was afraid of the malabsorption aspect of the RNY, as well as the thought of them re-arranging my intestines. Before meeting the surgeon, I decided on RNY due to the GERD and my high BMI. After meeting the surgeon, the agreed that RNY was the best way to go in my case.

Since surgery, I haven't had any issues with GERD (Thank Goodness!) since.

I Hope that helps.

[Jaelzion 1,129]

I really wanted the bypass but it was medically contraindicated for me. I was super disappointed, but I went ahead with the sleeve. It's worked out well, I lost all the weight I needed to lose and had no major complications. The sleeve turned out to be right for me. So if GERD is an issue for you, the bypass may be the better option. Just do your research so you understand the pros and cons.

[Nick71 1]

I opted for bypass. I have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and my BMI was over 50. And I had a huge issue with hunger and not eating healthy. The malabsorption aspect of bypass was a major factor. So was the dumping syndrome.

[DaisyAndSunshine 303]

8 hours ago, Jaelzion said:

I really wanted the bypass but it was medically contraindicated for me. I was super disappointed, but I went ahead with the sleeve. It's worked out well, I lost all the weight I needed to lose and had no major complications. The sleeve turned out to be right for me. So if GERD is an issue for you, the bypass may be the better option. Just do your research so you understand the pros and cons.

If you don't mind sharing, what was that contraindication for Bypass?! 🤔

[DaisyAndSunshine 303]

I have PCOS and few weeks back I was in the same dilemma to choose Sleeve over Bypass after reading some of the sleevers here having lost the same weight to reach their normal BMI.

But then some more research showed how Bypass patients in the long run have it little more easy to maintain the weight than sleevers.

With PCOS I wanted 1 surgery to give me the maximum benefit, don't want to return back to the OR either!

Ofc there's no guarantee what may happen in future and how many surgeries one may need. Plus many Bypass patients have also struggled with weight gain while many sleevers have kept it off. In the end this surgery is a tool and we definitely will have to work hard at it.

But I feel more comforting with the Bypass decision than have a *what if* moment in future. Plus the risk of hernia and GERD is more with sleeve than Bypass.

So I am in a happy place with the decision by mine to go with Bypass!

[Arimi 9]

By BMI I most likely qualified for bypass, however, I recently had some autoimmune issues and was put on Prednisone. With bypass prednisone is not allowed ever so I ended up with the sleeve.

[Jaelzion 1,129]

14 hours ago, DaisyAndSunshine said:

If you don't mind sharing, what was that contraindication for Bypass?! 🤔

The bypass interferes with absorbtion of a medication I depend on to stay alive. It would have been super risky for me.

[BypassedSophie 60]

I was in the same predicament as you—need to lose around 70lbs and wanted the sleeve. My GERD is horrendous and causing scar tissue in my esophagus, so surgeon highly recommended bypass. My surgery is Monday, and I am excited to read that people who had bypass, do not have GERD! Thank you! ❤️

[njlimmer 344]

I went to my consult asking for the sleeve, but after my doctor recommended the bypass and with more research, I chose the bypass. I had occasional GERD before, and I didn't want to take the chance of it getting worse. There are WAY too many folks on here getting revisions, and my insurance was very clear that this was a one-time thing. I also have diabetes, and you have more of a chance of being cured with the bypass. I was concerned about the bypass being more invasive with a harder recovery, but my doctor told me that on our end, the surgery and the recovery are the same for both the sleeve and the bypass. The only difference is on his end because bypass is a more technically complex surgery that takes about an hour longer. I had my bypass on 3/3, and I'm so glad I went with it.

[starladustangel 270]

If you have had GERD at all I would recommend bypass. I never had GERD before my sleeve but now have to revise to bypass due to it. Sleeve was great for me weight loss wise and I hit my goal but GERD has taken over my life because of how sick I am.