Sleeve or Bypass? Decisions, Decisions

[Dubai Scouser 2]

Dear All,

I am a newbie to this website. I have previously had lap band surgery in 2008 which resulted in extreme pain and discomfort from acid reflex. Eventually my band slipped due to the constant vomiting and was removed in March 2011. Since then I have not suffered at all with acid reflux however all my weight and more has returned.

I am now considering further bariatric surgery and I went to see a specialist in Dubai on Monday. I was swaying towards Gastric Bypass as I am 33 years old with no medical issues at all and I wanted the 'Gold Service'. I don't take any medication but weigh in at 147.9kgs (very lucky my weight does not affect my health).

My doctor wants me to have the Gastric Sleeve as it is less invasive, less complications down the way and I don't have any illnesses that need to be resolved. I, on the other hand am very worried about the acid reflux (that I experienced with the lap band) returning and eventually having RNY surgery.

I want this to (hopefully) be my last bariatric surgery. What would you recommend???

[MichelleTN 169]

If you had Acid reflux with the band you are more likely than not to have it with the sleeve. This is what every surgeon should tell you.

[Dubai Scouser 2]

Thank you Michelle. This was exactly my thought. I think I need to speak to my surgeon again. He has said that it is my choice to have either a sleeve or RNY.

[samuelsmom 670]

@@Dubai Scouser Every surgery has risks. Since you do not have acid reflux now, it may be that the band position was responsible for it. I would not rule out the sleeve just for that reason.

Please continue to do your research so you can make the best decision for you.

Good Luck.

[Dubai Scouser 2]

Thank you. I am off to a support group on Monday so will ask round then too.

[athenacb 1]

Do you have a hiatal hernia? That could be the issue for your reflux. In which case the band would only make it worse. My surgeon told me he would inspect for a hernia during my sleeve & repair it while he was in there. Maybe something to look into?

[MichiganChic 3,262]

It is a tough decision, and I struggled with it, too. I had reflux before the sleeve, but it was well controlled with Prilosec. My surgeon told me I could have either. Ultimately I decided I wanted the option to take NSAIDS, and I didn't want to deal with malabsorption, and potential dumping. I wanted to live as close to a normal life as possible. I think I achieved my personal goals with the sleeve. I've lost 140 pounds and kept it off over a year, I eat normal size portions, I watch what I eat like most of the thin people I know, I do not have reflux, and I take NSAIDS daily for arthritic pain. On the other hand, I might have lost that last 10 pounds with the malabsortion. I'm still thrilled with my choice.

[Dubai Scouser 2]

Thanks everyone for all you advise. I too have about 140lbs to lose so it's great to hear from someone in. Similar position.

Once I had the band removed the reflux stopped immediately and I've not suffered at all since.

I am due to have an endoscope in May to check for a hernia and for my surgeon to check my insides after having previous lap band surgery.

I am swaying more and more each day to have the sleeve as I believe that the only complication am likely to have is the reflux reoccurring. However with the bypass I have a huge list of complications that may arise in the short and long term plus the malabsorption.

I'm sure I will be filling you all in on my decision soon enough.

[mdnitschke 14]

Sometimes your co-morbidity factors will determine which procedure. I started exploring bariatric surgery with the idea of getting the sleeve, but when the doctor looked at my health history, in particular, noting how long I have been taking medication to control blood pressure said the bypass would be more durable with my health and overweight history.

The bypass is also the most effective with controlling pre-diabetes. I had started taking Metformin and the doctor told me that after the surgery I would no longer need to take it. My labs with blood sugar have been straight in the middle of normal range. I decided the extra cost of the bypass was a good investment and 100 pounds later I think I made a wise decision.

[13yrbandfail 0]

I would always recommend going w the least invasive option. That's what I plan to do now that my band is out.

[Nora82 11]

I just had a sleeve with a hiatal hernia repair on Thursday. I have had terrible reflux for years since I was pregnant with my son. I know it's still early in the recovery process for me but for the first time in 4 years I have gone 3 nights without being woken up be reflux. So far the reflux is GONE.

[Dubai Scouser 2]

Just to let you guys know that after extensive research, with your help, speaking to others at my support group and a second consultation with my surgeon I have decided to go with the sleeve.

Woohoo! Roll on the 22nd June ????????