Hi, I am new here.
I think I want to go with the gastric bypass VS the sleeve.

The more I read about the gastric bypass and here of malnutrition because of lack of absorption makes me think it may not be the best option.

What are your pros and cons? Do you regret the gastric bypass? What did you wish you knew before you chose the gastric bypass?

Thank you you in advance!

people will have pros and cons for both, talk to your surgeon and see what they say. I had reflux before surgery and many said a sleeve would make it worse, my surgeon said he believed it would resolve after surgery due to the weight loss I am 6 months out and haven't had any more issues than I had previously in fact less. I am to scared to go off my meds for it just yet but I hope in time I can do that. the reason I am telling you this is because reflux seems to be a reason people don't go for the sleeve

Go on youtube and search that... There are dozens and dozens and dozens of videos on the subject and peoples own experience. I watched dozens of videos before settling on what i wanted. There are also tons of videos on people showing before surgery, during surgery and right after surgery and so on on what its like. Great resource to do some learning.

My doctor said he recommended sleeve because I take medication for bipolar disorder and it might be hard to figure out dosing with the malabsorption with bypass. I was worried because I have had issues with GERD. I'm four months out now and I haven't had to change any of my meds and I haven't had any GERD.

But ask your surgeon what they recommend for YOU and WHY and then get a second opinion if you want (I did, and they agreed).

I've had both. I was sleeved in 2016 and did very well but then had some personal issues and put back most of the weight. I had the revision to a bypass last November and feel great and am doing well again. I was considering resleeving however I have had GERD for 11 years - it wasn't cured with the sleeve and it didn't get worse, but it didn't go away - and my doctor strongly recommended the bypass to avoid potential severe issues in the future from the GERD.

I take the vitamins they recommend to avoid malnutrition and it seems to be working so far.

The surgery for the sleeve is quicker than the surgery for the bypass since there's less moving stuff around, so the recovery can theoretically take a little longer, but I was in the hospital for only one night after both surgeries.

The bypass was the "gold standard" for many many years and the statistics show that people with the bypass tend to lose SLIGHTLY more weight than those with the sleeve, all else being equal, but only a few percentage points. And you can certainly lose all the weight you need to lose with the sleeve, those are just overall statistics.

if you have issues with reflux, then the bypass is the better option. Otherwise, it comes down to personal preference.

vitamin deficiencies with the bypass are rare as long as you keep on top of your vitamins.

most common complication with the sleeve is GERD. Happens to about 30% of sleevers. Usually it can be controlled medically (by taking PPIs), but there are a minority who have severe cases that only a revision to bypass will cure.

most common complication with bypass is dumping. Also happens to about 30% of patients. It can be controlled by limiting or avoiding sugar (and for some people, fat).

I had bypass almost seven years ago. Like many of us, I've never had any issues with it, and I would do it again if I had to make that choice today. I've been very happy with it.

they're both good surgeries and you'll find many people on here who've had a lot of success with both. Unless you have a medical condition that would make one more appropriate than the other, I think either option would be a good one.

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by catwoman7

On 1/21/2022 at 9:29 AM, berryboo97 said:

Hi, I am new here.
I think I want to go with the gastric bypass VS the sleeve.

The more I read about the gastric bypass and here of malnutrition because of lack of absorption makes me think it may not be the best option.

What are your pros and cons? Do you regret the gastric bypass? What did you wish you knew before you chose the gastric bypass?

Thank you you in advance!

I had the sleeve then due to reflux I had to get a revision to a gastric bypass. I wish I knew that gastric bypass is far more effective for me in regards to weight loss, no reflux and no bowel issues. I would've gone straight to having the gastric bypass. I haven't had any problem maintaining my nutrition. Like the others, I take my MV every day and calcium supplements if I don't get enough calcium from my diet. My sleeve was on the large side so if you do decide to go this route, ask your surgeon what size your stomach will be. Mine started off at 10 ounces. I never stretched it but it was difficult to maintain a calorie deficiency. With the bypass, everything seems so natural for me. I feel great, small amounts satisfy me and literally zero side effects as far as bowel, acid reflux... Etc. Hope this helps.

Edited January 22, 20224 yr by Tomo