Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Im having a really hard time with this... I have had my mind set on going with the gastric sleeve for months. Now the past month right before surgery Im thinking more going bypass as Im seeing bigger weight loss.... I need to loose 200-230 lbs. I know they are both tools and will give me what I put into it but I dont want to get a life changing surgery if I am only going to loose some of what I need to. On top of that im really scared of the bypass for some reason....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, Veritas34 said:

Im having a really hard time with this... I have had my mind set on going with the gastric sleeve for months. Now the past month right before surgery Im thinking more going bypass as Im seeing bigger weight loss.... I need to loose 200-230 lbs. I know they are both tools and will give me what I put into it but I dont want to get a life changing surgery if I am only going to loose some of what I need to. On top of that im really scared of the bypass for some reason....

Why are you afraid of Bypass?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi!

I had my heart set on the sleeve as well. However, my gerd started getting worse and worse, and I thought...I can't logically get the sleeve and have my Gerd worse. I was afraid that getting my intestines all re-routed....and I was super afraid of the malabsorption.

I'm really happy with my Bypass. I have had no complications, and I am still losing...and I am a bit over a year. I did some research on the malabsorption aspect of the bypass, and it sounds like it's not really a malabsorption in the truest medical sense. There are tons of great scholarly articles on the internet that can help with some of the myths of WLS. Have you met with a surgeon yet? They would also be able to help with some of your questions and fears on the medical side of it. Is there something is particular that makes you feel uneasy with Bypass?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, Veritas34 said:

Im having a really hard time with this... I have had my mind set on going with the gastric sleeve for months. Now the past month right before surgery Im thinking more going bypass as Im seeing bigger weight loss.... I need to loose 200-230 lbs. I know they are both tools and will give me what I put into it but I dont want to get a life changing surgery if I am only going to loose some of what I need to. On top of that im really scared of the bypass for some reason....

Doing this is a really big step. Have you had your first appointment with your surgeon? They are the one who know what is likely to suit your body. It would be a discussion to have with them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the quick responses...

1. I dont know why im nervous about the bypass I think im just nervous in general and psyching myself out...

2. I dont have GERD of any acid reflux

3. My doctor was okay with either choice... He stated that for a bigger weight loss they used to always recommend bypass but sleeves are getting similar results....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Veritas34 said:

Im having a really hard time with this... I have had my mind set on going with the gastric sleeve for months. Now the past month right before surgery Im thinking more going bypass as Im seeing bigger weight loss.... I need to loose 200-230 lbs. I know they are both tools and will give me what I put into it but I dont want to get a life changing surgery if I am only going to loose some of what I need to. On top of that im really scared of the bypass for some reason....

Have you talked to your Dr about your fears? I know there is a tool the Drs can use that will show which the pros and cons of each procedure and even compare them for you.

My Dr did that and turns out the sleeve is best for me. I told the Dr I was willing to do either procedure but that bypass scared me as it ultimately was the root cause of my father's death. (I don't want to scare anyone ..he won the unlucky lottery and got a internal hernia which is very very rare and even rarer to die from) When looking at the comparison tool the sleeve and bypass were identical in results for me with only a few lbs difference.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Veritas34 said:

Thanks for the quick responses...

1. I dont know why im nervous about the bypass I think im just nervous in general and psyching myself out...

2. I dont have GERD of any acid reflux

3. My doctor was okay with either choice... He stated that for a bigger weight loss they used to always recommend bypass but sleeves are getting similar results....

When I started my wls journey years ago, I went with the Lap Band, for a few reasons, but I feared Bypass because I thought it was too invasive and too permanent. Fast forward 7 years and I developed GERD and had my Band removed. Now I'm revising to Bypass due to GERD complications. After recently doing research on the Bypass for revision, I watched a YouTube video, and realized that my fear of Bypass was due to Lap Band marketing. So what I will say is, if you start out with Sleeve and have to be revised due to complications or other reasons, you might be "forced" into Bypass the same way I was. Now, no one knows what path their weight loss surgery journey takes us, but it's a theoretical "what if."

I never thought I would end up with Bypass. But now I have no other options as far as weight loss and fixing GERD goes. And I've realized I probably could've made a better choice than Lap Band 9 years ago.

When you actually research Bypass thoroughly, you'll find that although your disgestive tract is rerouted, it's reversible just like the Lap Band. Sleeve is revisable but not reversible.

This video is quite informative and at around the 15 minute mark it discusses the marketing tactic that Lap Band used against Bypass.

Best wishes on your journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Tatt said:

Have you talked to your Dr about your fears? I know there is a tool the Drs can use that will show which the pros and cons of each procedure and even compare them for you.

My Dr did that and turns out the sleeve is best for me. I told the Dr I was willing to do either procedure but that bypass scared me as it ultimately was the root cause of my father's death. (I don't want to scare anyone ..he won the unlucky lottery and got a internal hernia which is very very rare and even rarer to die from) When looking at the comparison tool the sleeve and bypass were identical in results for me with only a few lbs difference.

im sorry to hear about your father.... I have been focused on the sleeve for months. I just need a significant weight-loss.. That is the only reason I have been thinking of changing to bypass.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, Tatt said:

Have you talked to your Dr about your fears? I know there is a tool the Drs can use that will show which the pros and cons of each procedure and even compare them for you.

My Dr did that and turns out the sleeve is best for me. I told the Dr I was willing to do either procedure but that bypass scared me as it ultimately was the root cause of my father's death. (I don't want to scare anyone ..he won the unlucky lottery and got a internal hernia which is very very rare and even rarer to die from) When looking at the comparison tool the sleeve and bypass were identical in results for me with only a few lbs difference.

I'm sorry to read about your father. ☹️

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It’s really just a personal decision if there is not a glaring medical reason to choose one over the other. I am on medications and worried about absorption issues of bypass affecting them so I went with sleeve but I knew that I was possibly going to lose a few less pounds than I would with bypass. I think from my research the difference in weight loss between the two surgeries was only like 5-10% of excess weight which for me ended up being just a few pounds but I was lower BMI to start. If you eat a lot of sweets however the bypass could be even better for loss because you may dump on sugar which will help you stay away from them. But not everyone dumps from sugar so that’s not guaranteed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, BypassingMyPhatAss♡ said:

This video is quite informative and at around the 15 minute mark it discusses the marketing tactic that Lap Band used against Bypass.

Love me some Dr. Pilcher. He has some other great videos on YouTube, too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I need to lose about 190 pounds. My doctor told me that I was ok to do either surgery, so I chose the sleeve. I really didn't like the idea of my innards being rearranged and the possible malabsorption. But honestly, it's a personal choice. Both are very effective surgeries, and both will give great results (if used properly), so you can't go wrong either way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, Veritas34 said:

1. I dont know why im nervous about the bypass I think im just nervous in general and psyching myself out...

2. I dont have GERD of any acid reflux

3. My doctor was okay with either choice... He stated that for a bigger weight loss they used to always recommend bypass but sleeves are getting similar results....

I believe the average weight loss for bypass is 65% & sleeve is 60% of the weight you were to lose at the 3year mark. Which is a pretty negligible difference. Bypassers tend to lose more quickly at the beginning but that is no guarantee of how fast you will lose at first as we all lose at our own rate & everyone’s rate of loss slows as you get closer to your goal. You can have a bypass & still be a slow loser & vice versa.

My surgeon went through each surgery, pros & cons, but recommended the sleeve based upon my weight loss & gain history, my basic diet & eating habits, & general health which is where I was leaning anyway.

You’ll lose weight regardless of the surgery you chose if you work the program. I exceeded my goal with a sleeve but there are factors beyond your control, like genetics, which play a big part in where you’ll end up. Like you will lose more & faster simply because of your gender.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

It’s really just a personal decision if there is not a glaring medical reason to choose one over the other. I am on medications and worried about absorption issues of bypass affecting them so I went with sleeve but I knew that I was possibly going to lose a few less pounds than I would with bypass. I think from my research the difference in weight loss between the two surgeries was only like 5-10% of excess weight which for me ended up being just a few pounds but I was lower BMI to start. If you eat a lot of sweets however the bypass could be even better for loss because you may dump on sugar which will help you stay away from them. But not everyone dumps from sugar so that’s not guaranteed.

This was my reasoning for choosing the sleeve as well, even though I have significant GERD and am aware the sleeve can make this worse. I take several medications that are extended release formulations and my doctor said that the pouch formed with the RNY really couldn't metabolize XR formulations correctly, and these aren't medicines I'm likely to stop taking with weight loss. So it was simple in that regard.

Sometimes making a pros and cons list helps @Veritas34! It sounds simple but that also helped me see that the slightly higher weight loss percentage wasn't enough of a reason for me to go ahead with the RNY. But everyone's reasons will be different. Listing may help you come up with some questions for your surgeon! Best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im having a really hard time with this... I have had my mind set on going with the gastric sleeve for months. Now the past month right before surgery Im thinking more going bypass as Im seeing bigger weight loss.... I need to loose 200-230 lbs. I know they are both tools and will give me what I put into it but I dont want to get a life changing surgery if I am only going to loose some of what I need to. On top of that im really scared of the bypass for some reason....

I think it also depends on what your issue is. I had the bypass because eating too much at a time wasn't really my issue. I did have to up the dose of some of my medications because they weren't having the same effect. I would also think why you wanted the sleeve instead of the bypass in the first place. Then why you are starting to reconsider and go with the bypass now. Also I'm a big believer in going with your gut and there is a reason why you are starting to reconsider now I'd go with it.

Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×