Why Bypass?

[choosehope 233]

My doc has recommended bypass, and I'm 90% sure that's what I'm going to do. Yet when I get on Bariatric Pals, it seems the majority of the people talk about the sleeve. They say it has fewer complications, doesn't cause nutritional probs or Hair loss, is a more up to date procedure and that the weight loss is comparable. Yet, my doc says bypass is gold standard, better stats and better long term weight loss and maintenance. So those of you who have had bypass, what's your real life experience? What's the good, bad, miserable about bypass? Is there anything you wish you had known or wish you could change? Don't worry about "scaring" me. Knowledge is power for me. If I know exactly what to expect, even if it's hard, I tend to do better. Thanks in advance.

[mrslaney04 5]

My hubby had the bypass in December and he is doing great. He is down 140 plus pounds already. His best friend had it two years ago and has also had a great experience. I will be having the bypass myself in a week.

I chose the bypass because my doctors are able to repair it in case of an emergency. I was told that if I got sleeved and had a leak, they would have to send me hours away for a repair. To me, it was easier to stick with a bypass for that reason. Although I am praying that it will NEVER be an issue for either of us.

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago and dropped 110 pounds and kept it off. I had several episodes of severe acid reflux (GERD) prior to surgery and RNY is the best approach for this condition.

[The Candidate 3,215]

I'm choosing bypass primarily for the GERD issue. And also because I believe the malabsorption in addition to the restriction will bring about the best results for me.

I started the process deadset on the sleeve, but gave it a lot of thought, research, and soul searching before changing my decision.

My bypass surgery is on the 29th and I have absolutely no second thoughts.

Edited July 6, 2015 by The Candidate

[robinsmj 39]

I had bypass May 29th. I have had no issues. I picked bypass because I had metabolic issues. Sleeve most likely would not have been as successful for me because of that. Also, it is the gold standard. From reading around the forums it seems to me that sleeve people heal slower and their diet progression is slower this is my opinion from what I have read. Also I see a lot of sleeve people that eventually convert to bypass because of things like GERD. Pick what you feel is right for you

[checkmeowt 27]

Same as the others.

I have some GERD and metabolic issues so the RNY is best for me.

Plus, I'm not put off by dumping, I think it will help me stay accountable.

[meSparkle83 153]

I think you should post this in the sleevers forum to get their side of it.

I am a bypasser n I do not regret any part of it however, I hate taking my Vitamins.. That's the only downfall for me. Vitamins for the rest of my life????

Good luck on which ever you choose.

[choosehope 233]

Good idea about posting in sleeve forum. Will do. Thanks!

[TXMissy 211]

I went in with the intentions of getting the sleeve. My surgeon wanted rny from the beginning wanted to do rny. I like you was not sure which to choose. He told me that changing my eating habits, my lifestyle (exceeding) and my mindset would definitely help me to lose weight. He encouraged the rny because I had begun having terrible reflux. After doing research and talking to several people who had both I decided that rny was best for me. I have my days, but I wouldn't change anything. I wish I had done it sooner.

[HappytobMe 4]

I was thinking sleeve all the way at first (a simpler operation, less time under anesthesia etc), but my endoscopy came back that I had erosions from gastric reflux. My doctor said that the sleeve can make reflux worse (I believe the stats were as high as 30% having gerd issues after the sleeve) and recommended rny, which actually can improve it. I hadn't even really considered rny at first, but am currently waiting for insurance approval and will go ahead with the rny in August. I also actually like the fact that rny has the very unpleasant "dumping syndrome" if you consume too many sweets - I am a chocoholic and I am glad to basically have this become a non-choice for me - get that right off the table for me! Good luck to you!

My doc has recommended bypass, and I'm 90% sure that's what I'm going to do. Yet when I get on Bariatric Pals, it seems the majority of the people talk about the sleeve. They say it has fewer complications, doesn't cause nutritional probs or hair loss, is a more up to date procedure and that the weight loss is comparable. Yet, my doc says bypass is gold standard, better stats and better long term weight loss and maintenance. So those of you who have had bypass, what's your real life experience? What's the good, bad, miserable about bypass? Is there anything you wish you had known or wish you could change? Don't worry about "scaring" me. Knowledge is power for me. If I know exactly what to expect, even if it's hard, I tend to do better. Thanks in advance.

[Daisee68 2,493]

Same here. Went in wanting sleeve but was having terrible acid reflux that day and surgeon said that could get worse with sleeve and highly recommended bypass (plus I am type 2 diabetic). I walked out so disappointed and saying no way I was doing bypass but after a month or so, I finally came around to it. I am 5 weeks post-op and last 2 weeks of it have been no picnic but seemed to have turned a corner today and hoping to never look back! Take your time and read everything but know that the surgeon has (or should have) the best answer for you - if they are the right surgeon. For what uts worth, my endocrinologist also started with a recommendation for me for sleeve but after I showed some dedication and lost a little pre-op, he said he preferred Bypass for me but just wasn't sure I had been interested in hearing that or dedicating my time to it.