Is the sleeve really right for me?

[redone 0]

Ok, I have been approved for surgery with the sleeve. But here is the thing, my PCP said I should not have the sleeve but the gastric bypass. The surgeon said I could not get the sleeve because I was too big (526) and I am anemic ( I am anemic due to heavy long periods that are brought on from my obesity). I am just worried about the surgery not being the right tool for me since I have so much to lose. I do not want to have to have a revision. Then when I asked my coordinator she said "Medicaid does not do any revisions for weight loss surgery so you will have to make this work". I understand that but my nutritionist said my problem is not over eating its an absorption issue ( which I do not know exactly what it means) and highly recommends the Gastric bypass. I am just confused and I am thinking I need a second opinion. What are you guys thoughts?

[Kami63 215]

If your surgeon won't do the sleeve then your choices are to find another surgeon or get the gastric bypass. What are the advantages that you like about the sleeve? Are there some advantages to the bypass that may help you better in the long run? I chose the sleeve because I didn't feel that I wanted to reroute everything. I felt like I could use it as a tool to help me. With the bypass there are apparently built in things to help you avoid sweets and fats. I think they call it dumping. You can have it with the sleeve but it is not as common. Ultimately you and your surgeon will have to weigh out the advantages to each surgery and determine what will be the bet path for you to take. Good luck on our journey

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Are you diabetic? If so, that's a major reason to have bypass. Look for a second opinion! You deserve that much...

[redone 0]

Are you diabetic? If so, that's a major reason to have bypass. Look for a second opinion! You deserve that much...

I was told I am insulin resistant. I think that is what I will do

[pantala 125]

Look into the Duodenal Switch.....the sleeve is the first part of that procedure; it is an improvement on the gastric bypass. Anyway, if you find a surgeon who will do the DS, they will likely consider a sleeve first and if needed, proceed to the switch. I may not be explaining it well, but here is a link: www.dsfacts.com

Good luck!!

[Richard Foor 655]

I would definitely get a second opinion from another surgeon. That being said if the surgeons say that your particular condition requires changes in absorption, then the bypass is probably what you need because the rerouting of the intestines changes the absorption, whereas with the sleeve there is no change to absorption since the pyloric sphincter is left intact and the stomach still works in the usual fashion. Good Luck.

[Daydra 345]

Don't go by what your primary care provider says. By all means, take it into consideration, but your PCP is not a surgeon, and particularly not a surgeon that specializes in weight loss surgery. To tell you that you have too much to lose for the sleeve is complete bs, as previously mentioned, it started out as the first stage of the duodenal switch. They did the sleeve on super obese patients that they didn't feel were healthy enough to have the full procedure at once and frequently did not have to go back to finish the second part of the surgery due to such good weight loss with the sleeve alone. Don't make a decision until you consult with a weight loss surgeon. I would highly recommend that you seek out a surgeon that does the duodenal switch in addition to the other surgeries. That way, you'll get a better breadth of information over all the surgeries. Weight loss surgery is largely about personal choice and what procedure each patient is most comfortable with. I personally have a hard time putting too much stock into a nutritionists recommendation of a particular surgery. You're best off waiting to weigh pros and cons that are particular to your situation until after you have selected a surgeon.

Best of luck to you as you decide and work toward a new and healthier you!

[redone 0]

Thank you Guys. I am going to start looking at other surgeons for a second opinion.