Reasons surgeon says sleeve or bypass

[della street 213]

Hi all, pretty newbie here -- have submitted paperwork, but haven't met s/surgeon yet -- I've read and researched tons, but can't seem to find definitive answers to the questions about sleeve vs. bypass. Obviously, depends on your circumstances, but what are some of the reasons a surgeon would say you need to do one vs the other? things like GERD, size, BMI, etc etc. I've seen some research that says a "high" BMI (and what would that be?) should do/can only do one or the other; I see a lot of posts that say "surgeon said it was my decision" -- thoughts? And thanks!

[Chelly 364]

I originally was going to have the sleeve but because of type II diabetes and GERDS I went with bypass.

My gastric doctor was the person who really helped make my decision based on the curing of the GERDS to have the bypass.

With the type II diabetes I stopped taking meds for it the day of surgery and there was no turning back to them.

My other problems like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other things went away quickly.

I no longer use CPAP for the last six months at least.

I am glad I went with the bypass because it worked fine for me.

To make your decision go by what health issues you have and study how the sleeve will help them and how the bypass will help them.

I know it's a big decision and maybe your surgeon office has informational videos to watch to see the difference. My surgeon's office did and they helped.

Go to search engines for both surgeries and read up about them as much as you can.

Good luck with your decision for both in their own way will bring you to a healthier you.

[Time4ChangeNY 20]

My surgery is November 10th. I chose gastric bypass because I have type 2 diabetes and after researching it and talking to my doctor, I found out that there is a much better success rate at reversing type 2 diabetes with the gastric bypass vs. the sleeve. The majority of the people in my support group are post-op sleevers and have done very well with with it. I suggest consulting with your surgeon and doing some research online about the sleeve vs. bypass. There is plenty of information out there. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[auntiemel 275]

I am post-op sleeve. I chose this since my insides wouldn't be rearranged and I am already anemic with low Vitamin d and B12. There is less risk of malnutrition with the sleeve.

Both surgeries say no NSAIDS, but with the sleeve it is usually for the first 6 months and when I get a Migraine, I need NSAIDs to help curb them.

[NewJeffrey 84]

I am scheduled to have a gastric bypass on November 4th. I had my last surgical consult today. I decided, along with my surgeon's advice, to have the gastric bypass. I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Thus, due to my health issues the bypass surgery is the best option for me.

Good luck with your decision and journey!

[Djmohr 6,965]

I had gastric bypass almost 4 weeks ago and like you struggled with this decision. It became very clear after meeting with both my surgeon and a gastroenterologist. Gerd and my type 2 diabetes was the deciding factor. I am glad I made this decision, I left the hospital without meds for diabetes, today I was removed from all germ meds and cholesterol meds. I have lost 36 lbs since 9/19 when I started the liquid diet pre-op. I also suffer terribly from Migraines, normally I have 3/4 per week. I have not had 1 since I started the liquid diet. First time in 20 years! Wahoo!!!!

[della street 213]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply--MUCH appreciated! Still not sure which one I'll do, but it's so helpful to read other people's reasons for one way or the other -- sometimes it's very clearcut (no pun intended, lol...), other times, not so much...thanks again to all!

Edited October 24, 2014 by della street

[cpower100 36]

I have GERD and sleeve was not an option for me because of it. From what I have read and after discussion with surgeon I understand that the sleeve can worsen any reflux issues that are already present and can cause reflux issues when there were none. The other difference i have read a lot about is type 2 diabetes and a clearer path for coming off meds with the bypass, though I have a friend who just had sleeve and was off insulin the day after surgery. Both surgeries have different risks/benefits and hopefully your surgeon can guide you in the right direction.