Why didn't I get the Rny Bypass first?

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I ask myself this over and over again. I don't know who knows about my very long and extensive background with complications after complications beginning in February of 2008 with my first WLS the Lap Band and then I had a revision to Sleeve in Sept. of 2010. I'm not here to knock any surgery. Some surgeries work well with some people, and sometimes it doesn't. I'm one of those it didn't.

I was told by my first bariatric surgeon that I was a good candidate for the Bypass, but I still went with the Lap Band. It seemed less invasive, and it seems like it would be my best choice. Turned out for me it wasn't. So here I am 6 years later laying up recovering from my Rny Gastric Bypass surgery. I am doing exponentially well. I do have an infection in my drainage incision, however but the antibiotics are helping with that. I am stronger than any enemy faced against me! I will always survive!

The Gastric Bypass in only 2 weeks has worked wonders for me that YEARS of struggling with the Band and Sleeve could not. The Sleeve gave me things like weight goals, looking good in clothes and other superficial things BUT the one dream of mine was to beat my health problems. Mainly my HBP. My Uncle died at the age of 44 due to complications of it, and I was officially diagnosed with it at age 31. I was given a vision and extreme measure to help me but I was too scared to take it. The Bypass would be my saving grace. I'm only glad that I have it now.

My GERD is 100% gone as of surgery day. My blood pressure has dropped so low in only 2 weeks that my regular Dr. wants me completely off but put me on 25% until we see each other again in a month. I don't feel beat up or tired which is amazing for only being 2 weeks out. I feel good, upbeat and HEALTHY... which means I am FINALLY a TRUE SUCCESS STORY.

God bless everyone, and never be afraid to take any extreme measure to save your life.

ETA: I'd like to say I just surpassed my 100th day sugar free as well.

Edited July 22, 2014 by LilmissDiva Irene

[DaronB 103]

I'm currently battling the decision myself of: Bypass? Sleeve? Bypass? Sleeve? I've been, and currently continue, leaning bypass, but am getting a small pull toward Sleeve.

I, too, think that the sleeve is good for people that want to look better and lose weight, but it seems that the full bypass does it all: helps you lose the weight AND improve health.

I'll continue to battle back and forth between the decision, but in the end, I'll likely end up going with bypass.

[Jessica.O 47]

Daron- I found it helpful to attend a support group meeting and hear from others who went through with either the sleeve or the bypass. Do you have one nearby you?

[Angelkeeper4 69]

I started this journey fully invested that the sleeve was for me.

But I have researched.....and read...and asked questions....and in the end I feel with confidence I'll be getting gastric bypass. My surgeon consult is Friday and I feel he will concur. We'll see.

[jomamacita7 51]

Congratulations on finally regaining control of your health! I wish you a smooth recovery and continued good health!

[DaronB 103]

Daron- I found it helpful to attend a support group meeting and hear from others who went through with either the sleeve or the bypass. Do you have one nearby you?

My surgeons office offers support groups, but I honestly and mistakenly haven't taken advantage of it. I do read up on stuff online and on this forum and today at my gastroenterologist visit he told me he thought the sleeve would be a better choice for me. I'll talk to my surgeon at my next visit and get his opinion.

[Quest4TheNewMe 225]

I went into my consult today fully convinced that bypass was what I wanted, and now I'm not sure. The nurse practitioner said that they do a lot more Sleeves than bypass and was really encouraging me to do the sleeve. I still think I will likely go with bypass, but it isn't quite as clear cut as I was thinking before today.

[Beckyyb93 225]

I'm praying for the same results!! I too had the sleeve and am having major major complications with acid so bad my esophagus is eroding and we are discussing cancer at 21..yikes! I'm revising to the bypass on the 1st of August and am so excited to get healthy and start eating solid food! I haven't had any solid food and have had pain with every swallow since surgery in 2012..I'm due for some good luck and am praying for a healthy recovery!

[DaronB 103]

Good luck, Becky! Sorry bout your complications, but hope the bypass helps!

Im really leaning bypass, myself.

[Beckyyb93 225]

Good luck, Becky! Sorry bout your complications, but hope the bypass helps!

Im really leaning bypass, myself.

If you have ANY and I mean ANY GERD or heartburn get the bypass. It made my acid so so much worse and now my esophagus is permanently damaged because I got the VSG. If I could go back and do it again I would never have gotten surgery, my life post-op has been h*ll and I don't think it will ever be the same but I'm hopeful that the bypass will give me some relief. Good luck in your decision..

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I know many very successful sleevers. It is a really great tool if you work the program properly. I did make and surpass my original goal but never was able to completely get my blood pressure in control. I also went in with GERD and at the time is was not as widely known the sleeve would make it worse.

If you're considering the sleeve keep doing that, especially if your surgeon feels it's your best option! You two make the decision together. Ask your surgeon why s/he feels that way. Ask them to go into detail the differences. I believe the sleeve on a virgin stomach and no issues with reflux is a great decision. =)

But if your Surgeon suggests the Bypass don't be afraid to do it. It is a saving grace and as long as you stay the course your dreams of health will happen.

[Beckyyb93 225]

I know many very successful sleevers. It is a really great tool if you work the program properly. I did make and surpass my original goal but never was able to completely get my blood pressure in control. I also went in with GERD and at the time is was not as widely known the sleeve would make it worse.

If you're considering the sleeve keep doing that, especially if your surgeon feels it's your best option! You two make the decision together. Ask your surgeon why s/he feels that way. Ask them to go into detail the differences. I believe the sleeve on a virgin stomach and no issues with reflux is a great decision. =)

But if your Surgeon suggests the Bypass don't be afraid to do it. It is a saving grace and as long as you stay the course your dreams of health will happen.

Yeah, sorry that last post was rather negative. The sleeve is a great option for some people, my best friend had the sleeve done and lost over 100 pounds and she is happy and healthy! That's what made me want the sleeve in the first place..I just happened to have a really bad reaction to it because of the GERD. Hopefully more surgeons will steer their patients with severe acid reflux towards the bypass because in the long run they will be much healthier. I try to be honest with people to make sure that they know surgery is still surgery and it might help you or there might be severe complications, there are success stories and people who desperately wish they could undo their WLS..you have to make an educated decision for yourself and your health.

I'm hoping I'll have as good of results as you do!!

[green*eyed*girl 170]

Yes, as Lilmiss Diva Irene said it has to be a decision made by you and your surgeon. It's not like you can just go ahead and pick and choose the surgery you want, it is not a candy from a shop. Well, I thought that at first as I am such a control freak and I tried to control even the surgery my body needs, but my doctor refused to give me a sleeve coz of my GERD. I was devestated but now I know he was/is right and I will always have to listen to him. I am very happy with the bypass.

Lilmiss Diva Irene, Life happened and God knows you always just wanted the best for yourself, too bad your journey had to be filled with complications. I am glad that you are free of health issues now, and I wish you success in the future.

Beckyy I have you in my prayers, another week or so for you to go, be strong, not long now. Please keep us updated!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Thank you!

Yes, as Lilmiss Diva Irene said it has to be a decision made by you and your surgeon. It's not like you can just go ahead and pick and choose the surgery you want, it is not a candy from a shop. Well, I thought that at first as I am such a control freak and I tried to control even the surgery my body needs, but my doctor refused to give me a sleeve coz of my GERD. I was devestated but now I know he was/is right and I will always have to listen to him. I am very happy with the bypass.

Lilmiss Diva Irene, Life happened and God knows you always just wanted the best for yourself, too bad your journey had to be filled with complications. I am glad that you are free of health issues now, and I wish you success in the future.

Beckyy I have you in my prayers, another week or so for you to go, be strong, not long now. Please keep us updated!

[DaronB 103]

One of my preop appointments was with a gastroenterologist this past week. I have a history of heartburn and about a three years ago, had a massive episode of moderate to severe abdominal pain and uncontrollable vomiting. I was kept overnight in the local hospital for observation and had a hida scan done that next morning and later in the week an EGD. The hida showed gallbladder abnormalities, but they didn't remove it, and the EGD and showed gastritis, which I think came from that episode I had. Long story short, the gastroenterologist didn't immediately clear me for surgery, rather, I have to have another EGD and a colonoscopy in August. So, hopefully all goes well there. With me having such a history and with me having problems with reflux (I constantly take sips of pepto), I'm thinking I'm just gonna go ahead and do bypass. I ain't trying to make this junk worse, I want it better!