Sleeve or Bypass?

[The Candidate 3,215]

While there are some instances involving either a patient's health, or individual insurance coverage, that might preclude someone from having a particular surgery, I think most of us were allowed a choice of which we procedure we wanted.

I was given the option of either sleeve or bypass, so in my case, and many others, it absolutely comes down to a personal decision. This why it's so very important to do your own research.

Edited October 18, 2015 by The Post Op

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,900]

Both surgeries are very effective. VSG hasn't been around as long as the Roux-En-Y (bypass) procedure, but the statistics show that the long term results are very similar. Out of fairness the bypass has a faster initial weight loss, a slightly better long term weight loss (2 yrs +) and slightly better long term comorbidities improvement, but it also has slightly higher risks involved during and post surgery.

You need to read as much as you can about the procedures and work closely with your surgeon to see which procedure is the best choice for you based upon your medical history.

Go to websites of gastric weight loss surgery centers of excellence and teaching hospitals, JAMA, ASMBS, attending a a surgical weight loss information meeting at your local hospital and a couple of support group meetings to help you with your decision.

Congratulations on whichever choice you make.

[Sophie74656 1,572]

the sleeve used to be the first step in a two part system, where after the sleeve they would do the bypass. But it was shown that people lost enough weight with just the sleeve that it's now available as a standalone surgery that is nearly as effective as bypass

the choice is up to you and your surgeon. Both require smart choices afterwards for healthy and long term weight loss

good luck in whatever you choose

[mayasmomma 3]

Thank you to everyone for your input. I have researched it its just a big decision that I want to be sure about. You've all given me a lot to think about.

[bunnies26 34]

It is a hard decision! I am facing the same problem!

[2goldengirl 2,076]

You've gotten a lot of good advice here, the only thing I have to add is to be open and really, really listen to what your surgeon has to say about the pros and cons of each for your particular body and situation. Each of us will, we hope, have only one of these surgeries in our lifetime. Your surgeon has a LOT more experience to draw on.

The fact is, both procedures lead to dramatic initial weight loss. How much weight you lose ultimately depends on you and the choices you make post op over the long term. That weight loss and the effect of either procedure on your body can resolve issues with many obesity-related issues, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol, GERD, and joint pain.

Whichever procedure you and your surgeon determine is right for you, your long-term success is really up to you and the choices you make, one choice at a time.

[Sarah002 0]

I had the sleeve in 2014, didn't loose as much as I would of liked...an gained the weight back. So right now I'm 7 days post opp the gastric bypass. I think it's easier to "cheat" if you have the sleeve.. But talk to your surgeon.