New Here, Introduction

[Harleymb 2]

Hi Everyone! I just joined today and am thankful to have found a good forum for research, support, etc.

I just scheduled my surgery yesterday and have so many thoughts running through my mind! I initially started this process with the idea that I'd be having gastric bypass, and that is what my insurance approved. However, after my visit with my surgeon yesterday, he is recommending the sleeve for me. I am an RN, and familiar with the medical aspect of gastric bypass, and was mentally prepared for that. Both my sister and father have had that procedure. Now I'm trying to wrap my head around the new info I've been given and prepare for the sleeve. I really trust my surgeon and understand his reasons for recommending the sleeve for me.

My worry is that I have too much weight to lose for it. He said that in his opinion, weight loss is comparable and almost exactly the same as with gastric bypass. Is that what you all have found in your research and experience? His office is resubmitting my info to insurance for a change in approval codes, which they don't expect to take very long, so right now my schedule for surgery is Aug 13th! I'm excited, but also nervous about switching at the last minute from GB to sleeve.

[Gene1970 179]

Every surgeon that I have talked to has recommended the sleeve and my primary care Dr said from his experience he has observed better long term success with the band than the bypass. He said that people with the sleeve seem to keep the weight off where as bypass patients seem to eventually gain some back. Welcome to the group!!!!!

[justmeandmysleeve 91]

Hi Harleymb-

I am a newbie as well. My surgery is scheduled for July 19th! I have never wanted bypass because I have seen the effects of malabsorbtion with a friend of mine.

In my life sleeve makes the most sense because my husband and I are trying to have a family and I will have a better chance of having a healthy pregnancy without the malabsorbtion.

My doctor recommends bypass only when patients have a major addiction to sweets. I don't know if you are a sweet or savory lover?

Good luck whatever you choose!!!

[Patrick Curl 424]

Yeah welcome to the group. Also the sleeve us safer in terms of absorption of Vitamins, minerals, and I'm sure it can really mess up dosing of prescriptions..

It could get complicated as you age and require more meds..

Plus the bypass is known to stretch and the sleeve does not. And you won't have to permanently give up favorite foods to dumping syndrome, just eat them in moderation and smaller portion sizes.

There are a lot of things that imo make the sleeve the superior option.

Good luck in your journey!