Trying to decide...

[GADeltaDawn 14]

Hi y'all! I started out wanting the sleeve but the more I learned about it, the more I'm considering the bypass instead. Did anyone else change their minds and if so, what were the driving factors behind you're decision? The main thing that I like about the sleeve is the hunger hormone being gone but I have horrible reflux and heartburn already and don't want it to get worse. On the bypass side, the dumping would probably be a good thing for me because of my sweet tooth. I need that accountability. I think I like the longer history of the bypass too, seems to be the gold standard. I really don't want to risk a revision later. Your thoughts?

Edited January 25, 2015 by GADeltaDawn

[AWholeNewMama 34]

I'm pre-op, but I can tell you that I went to my surgical consult last week totally committed to the sleeve, but my surgeon changed my mind, because of all the reasons you listed. Primarily, I have GERD and have had ulcers, and he told me that the sleeve could make that worse, and it can be difficult to manage. From where I stand, I'm doing this surgery to improve my quality of life, and if I'm miserable because of GERD pain, that sort of defeats the purpose. Like you, I also think I need the dumping syndrome component/consequence of the bypass to keep me on track.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[GADeltaDawn 14]

That has been my thoughts too, quality of life is the driving force behind me doing this and I'm trying to keep that focus. I'm not so worried about the speed of weight loss, I just want to get on track to be healthier. It so hard to do that when I'm always hungry though. I make pretty good food choices like ground turkey, no fried food, and lots of veggies but that durn sweet craving gets me every time! One thing that I think will work in my favor with the dumping is that I hate feeling sick and will steer clear of any food that makes me feel bad. Good luck to you in your journey!

Edited January 25, 2015 by GADeltaDawn

[tissiegirl 36]

I was the same too. Went to the seminar back in July with the intention to do the sleeve. A friend had one two years ago and told me a sleeve would be better don't do a bypass. But for all the reasons you mentioned I switch to a bypass. Also there is a better chance of higher % of weightloss with the bypass. There could be a chance if I got the sleeve I would end up getting a bypass anyways if my weighloss wasn't significant enough. I don't want to have to do two weightloss surgeries. Even though there people who lost lots of weight with the sleeve but you don't know what your body is going to do. I need to lose at least 150 lbs. If you have diabetes II the bypass has a good chance of reversing it. MY Dr gave me all the facts of both surgeries and hearing what he he said and my husband's input I changed my mind to bypass.

[Tscription 53]

I too wanted VSG in the beginning but with my reflux my surgeon wouldn't go forward. I had RNY on 11/22/13 and am 10 pounds under the goal I set for myself and could not be happier. I feel absolutely normal, just much healthier. This is definitely something I think I should be able to maintain. I am constantly on guard to not fall back into bad habits. My surgery has given me a new lease on life. Best of luck to you whatever procedure you decide to pursue.

[GADeltaDawn 14]

I don't have diabetes but my dad does so I know that raises my risk to it. I'd be interested to know if the bypass will also lower your potential genetic risk to diabetes a well as a lot of the other diseases that can be reversed. My parents and brother all have some major health issues that I've been lucky to dodge so far including heart disease. I'm seriously thinking the bypass is going to be the best route for me.

Edited January 25, 2015 by GADeltaDawn

[catdaddy 232]

Hi, I'm now 5 months out from my bypass and the dumping thing, sometimes not so great. I sometimes feel if I smell sugar I dump. I get it more times than I should so I'm have a hard time getting a handle on it. It can make you weak, dehydrated, and not let you out of the house for fear of an accident. One good thing for me is I know when it's coming. My stomach,well pouch, rumbles like crazy for as long as it takes until I have a BM. A benefit, Constipation is rarely a problem. If I do have it I can eat a sweet pickle or two and here it comes. Sorry for theTMI but I thought you should hear this from someone experiencing what you're talking about.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I too was planning on the sleeve until I met with the bariatrician the first time. I suffered from uncontrollable reflux to the point I was coughing all day every day for over a year and a half. In addition I had type 2 diabetes.

After doing more research and talking to my gastroenterologist I felt so much better about doing the RNY.

I had it done in Sept., immediately my diabetes went into remission and I never get heartburn or reflux and I am off all medications related to reflux sine I hit the 30 days post op.

I could not be happier with my decision. I am one of the folks who so far have not gotten sick however I now do not like sweets of any kind. I was a sugarholic before surgery. I hate anything that tastes sweet from sugar or even artificial sweeteners.

Good luck on your decision.