Bypass or sleeve? I was sold on sleeve but am having 2nd thoughts, help!

[kymmiej11 55]

Ok I've been on this forum for a few months now, I was so excited about my sleeve! But I was reading through a thread on here where someone posted a "scale" of the percentage of weight loss,(height, weight and side effect of being overweight) I only hVe 20% chance of losing more than 80lbs.. So of course now I'm thinking bigger for more weight loss!?!? Anybody else feeling conflicted between the two?

[finediva 979]

I did not use this forum to decide which WL procedure to have. I attended a WL seminar and had a consult with the surgeon. That being said, have you done either of these two things? My only suggestion for you would be for you to have a bariatric consultation where your medical history and weight loss goals can be addressed. The WL seminar will give you the details of each surgery. The seminar I attended had a question and answer portion, and the surgeons patiently answered tons of questions from the attendees. Best.

[kymmiej11 55]

I've had both a consultation with my surgeon and nutritionist, and the seminar.. Still conflicted.. I have an apt with my surgeon on Wednesday so I guess I'll make my decision then thank you for your input

[lastingdreams 57]

I used http://obesitycoverage.com/your-new-weight-calculator/ to see what my weight would be based on each surgery. FOR ME there was only a 27 pound difference between bypass and sleeve. I decided FOR ME that 27 pounds wasn't worth the added complications and dumping syndrome. That's FOR ME of course :-)

Good luck on your decision

[Mbstas 57]

The good news is how much weight you eventually lose is really up to you. At 6 months post-op I have lost more than any average weight loss stated in calculators. It does take work but I am able to eat well, enjoy food, and I love the freedom of the new me! Life is good for me as I am sure it will be for you! Best of luck as you begin your journey.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I struggled with this, too. I decided on the sleeve because I wanted to be able to take NSAIDS and steriods if I ever needed them. I also didn't really want to deal with the malabsorption. I've lost about 90-95% pf my excess weight, which is better than any of the averages. However, I really want to lose 100%. Sometimes I wonder if I'd had the RNY if I would have lost it all. I guess I'll never know. Obviously, some people with RNY never reach 100% excess weight loss, either. A few pounds isn't really worth worrying about though, at least to me. I'm happy with my decision. You just need to decide what's most important to you.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Good grief. Those online "calculators" / "predictors" (in big fat air quotes) of how much weight "you will lose" (again, big air quotes) are based on the past weight loss / maintenance success of large samples of WLS patients, including those who refused to give up sweet tea, who were uncompliant from day one, those who work out six days a week, those who never left the couch -- and everyone in between.

Those apps are, in effect, nothing more than actuarial tables of how successful a lot of WLS patients have been at losing / maintaining weight.

Those apps do not predict how much weight YOU will lose. Your consistent personal behavior and discipline re eating, drinking, exercising is what determines how much weight YOU will lose and how well you maintain your weight loss.

That is all.

[JamieLogical 8,684]

While those calculators are convenient for getting a rough idea of weight loss and rate, they are no indicator of how YOU as an individual will do. Some people who have RNY don't lose much weight at all. Some people who have VSG lose over 100% of their excess weight. Either option is a tool that is still completely dependent upon the patient to utilize. In general RNY is a better option for people with a higher BMI. It can also be better for people with diabetes. But it is a much more extensive surgery, requiring the rerouting of your intestines and leading to malabsorption for the rest of your life. It it worth that just because, on average, someone with your starting stats might lose a few more pounds or lose a little more quickly? Those are questions only you can answer for yourself.

I was right at a BMI of 40 when I started looking into WLS, so for me, I felt RNY was "too extreme". But everyone has their own journey and has their own issues to factor in. Had I been at a BMI of 50 or more, I might have considered RNY much more seriously.

[kymmiej11 55]

While those calculators are convenient for getting a rough idea of weight loss and rate, they are no indicator of how YOU as an individual will do. Some people who have RNY don't lose much weight at all. Some people who have VSG lose over 100% of their excess weight. Either option is a tool that is still completely dependent upon the patient to utilize. In general RNY is a better option for people with a higher BMI. It can also be better for people with diabetes. But it is a much more extensive surgery, requiring the rerouting of your intestines and leading to malabsorption for the rest of your life. It it worth that just because, on average, someone with your starting stats might lose a few more pounds or lose a little more quickly? Those are questions only you can answer for yourself.

I was right at a BMI of 40 when I started looking into WLS, so for me, I felt RNY was "too extreme". But everyone has their own journey and has their own issues to factor in. Had I been at a BMI of 50 or more, I might have considered RNY much more seriously.

[kymmiej11 55]

Thank you all for your input, I think I'll stay with the sleeve like I had originally planned, I have a BMI of 43 and I think it's all how you work it after WLS.☺️

[simply_Me 61]

You sound like me I'm confused also. Will be meeting with a support group this Friday to make my final decision. Been doing research on both the gastric sleeve and bypass...Wishing u the best on your journey! ????

[kymmiej11 55]

@@simply_Me thank you, I wish you all the best! Lmk what you go with☺️

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I did the calculator for fun. It said bypass I would be 181; sleeve 199 and band 217.

I was band to sleeve revision. I never got under 200 with band brefore regaining and my starting weight was lower back in 2001. I am currently maintaining about 145 with sleeve

[JerzyTomato74 91]

I never considered WLS before I heard about VSG. GB was never an option for me because I didn't want my intestines to be messed with and seemed too invasive. Having two friends who went through VSG last year and talking to people at the bariatric support groups I attended also reinforced my decision.

Edited October 14, 2014 by JerzyTomato74

[kymmiej11 55]

Yes thank you all, I met with my surgeon yesterday and we decided to go with the VSG, my surgery date is either dec.2nd or the the 9th.. Soo excited!!!