Was ready for sleeve, medically necessary for bypass, now need advice

[JessiPhoenix 9]

Hi, so I am scheduled to have the sleeve done on March 17th. I had an endoscopy done this morning and because of the results, my doctor has changed my surgery to bypass. I've learned everything about the sleeve and have prepared for it. Now I'm going to have to start over and prepare for the bypass. I'd appreciate any advice on things to be prepared for, preop and post op, and anything else you can think of!! Thanks!

[liveaboard15 1,292]

Hi. So what are the results of the endoscopy that they changed it to bypass? Acid reflux/heartburn issues?

[njlimmer 338]

Honestly, other than the Vitamin regimen being slightly different, it's pretty much the same. I went in asking about the sleeve but my doctor suggested the bypass. As I asked questions - now that it's done laparoscopically, there's not a ton of difference in the recovery. I think the Vitamins are probably the biggest difference and your doctor should be able to give you that info. I love my bypass. My surgery was 3/3/2021 so I'm almost a year out and down 139lbs. In fact, tomorrow a year ago is when I started my pre-op diet. It is mentally challenging though when you're all prepped for one thing but then it gets changed to something else. You've got time to do some more research:)

[catwoman7 10,922]

I agree with the people above - there's really not that much difference. Post-op diets are the same. As far as Vitamin regimens go, some clinics have the two groups of patients on the exact same vitamin regimen (and some clinics have the sleeve patients on fewer Vitamins - but still, everyone is on vitamins). Recovery time is about the same.

I also went with bypass because of reflux. I've been very happy with my bypass and would choose it again if I had to make the decision today (had mine almost seven years ago)

Edited February 16, 2022 by catwoman7

[lizonaplane 1,605]

Like everyone said, the recovery is pretty similar between the two. In fact, there is so much variation from one surgery center to the next and that is for EITHER a sleeve OR a bypass. Usually, if the surgeon strongly recommends one surgery, they have a reason.

It is even more important to take your Vitamins with bypass, and some people with bypass "dump" if they eat too much sugar or fat in one sitting, but occasionally people with sleeve can dump too

[Lisa LoVuolo 63]

I love my bypass but I had a lot of problems

Sent from my octopus using BariatricPal mobile app

[JessiPhoenix 9]

5 hours ago, liveaboard15 said:

Hi. So what are the results of the endoscopy that they changed it to bypass? Acid reflux/heartburn issues?

Eoe and gastritis, both having batches of eosinophils but my esophagus being worse. I was diagnosed with ibs and Gerd about 5 years ago and have been on medications since.

[JessiPhoenix 9]

4 hours ago, njlimmer said:

Honestly, other than the Vitamin regimen being slightly different, it's pretty much the same. I went in asking about the sleeve but my doctor suggested the bypass. As I asked questions - now that it's done laparoscopically, there's not a ton of difference in the recovery. I think the Vitamins are probably the biggest difference and your doctor should be able to give you that info. I love my bypass. My surgery was 3/3/2021 so I'm almost a year out and down 139lbs. In fact, tomorrow a year ago is when I started my pre-op diet. It is mentally challenging though when you're all prepped for one thing but then it gets changed to something else. You've got time to do some more research:)

Thanks! I wanted the sleeve because it wasn't as complicated as the bypass. I guess I'm just nervous that something is going to go wrong. When it comes down to "that 1% of people have this or that happen", I usually have it happen. I hear all the time from my doctors "it's rare but we'll check to make sure". Then I'm diagnosed with that "rare" thing.

[JessiPhoenix 9]

57 minutes ago, Lisa LoVuolo said:

I love my bypass but I had a lot of problems

Sent from my octopus using BariatricPal mobile app

What were your problems, if you don't mind me asking?

[catwoman7 10,922]

5 hours ago, JessiPhoenix said:

Thanks! I wanted the sleeve because it wasn't as complicated as the bypass. I guess I'm just nervous that something is going to go wrong. When it comes down to "that 1% of people have this or that happen", I usually have it happen. I hear all the time from my doctors "it's rare but we'll check to make sure". Then I'm diagnosed with that "rare" thing.

things can go wrong with the sleeve, too. Or with tonsillectomies. Or with wisdom tooth extraction. It's just one of those risks of any surgery... Overall, bypass does come with somewhat more risk since it IS more complicated, but the difference isn't that significant. And it's super low for both surgeries.

[njlimmer 338]

17 hours ago, JessiPhoenix said:

Thanks! I wanted the sleeve because it wasn't as complicated as the bypass. I guess I'm just nervous that something is going to go wrong. When it comes down to "that 1% of people have this or that happen", I usually have it happen. I hear all the time from my doctors "it's rare but we'll check to make sure". Then I'm diagnosed with that "rare" thing.

I understand. I said the same thing to my doc, and he said that on our end, it was the same. It's more technically complicated on his end and it takes about 45min longer, but other than that there's no real change. I really do understand about the fear. I was the same, and not trying to freak you out, but I had a complication the next day that my doctor says there's not even a percentage for. I had a freak reaction to the Levonox shot and started bleeding. I ended up back in surgery, but by then I had stopped bleeding but they didn't know that till they went in. No lie - it was scary, but I was in amazing hands. The nurses and staff were unreal. AND... knowing what I know now... and knowing what would happen the next day, I'd still do it. I'm down 139lbs, but more importantly, I'm diabetes-free. I have been able to do more with my kids in the last year than I have in the past several. I've been fortunate (or unfortunate depending on my mood) that I don't have problems with any foods. Even though I had that bobble the second day, my recovery was so easy that I asked the clinic staff if he'd actually done anything. They laughed. The nutritionist said 90% of people have no problems - that's how it should be. You hear most about the problems because of people posting and looking for advice/help but most people have little to no issues.

Ultimately, you have to do what works for you, but if bypass is what they've told you is your only choice because of physical issues, then you have to decide if it's worth it or not. Honestly, something could just as easily have gone wrong with the sleeve. I get it though. I was scared poopless. I think the great majority of us were. Good luck!!!