New to the whole weight loss surgery field! HELP!

[boots_and_bridles 6]

I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Im 29 and weigh 255 pounds. I have finally scheduled my informational session for bariatric surgery in January. From there I will get a consult with a surgeon. I am having to follow steps in order to get my insurance to pay for the surgery. I'm stuck between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass. What is everyone's opinion on the two? What are some things that can help me through this process?

[Waler 330]

The best advice anyone can give you is educate yourself on both procedures and then talk to you doctor to see which one is best for you. They both have there positives and negatives you and your doctor can figure out what's best.

[Treadmillwalker 486]

The surgeon will guide you. I went through 6 months of classes with a bariatric team and learned the options. I knew after that what I wanted and myself discipline required to be successful. The doctor and I discussed and he agreed. Others in my classes were guided to other options after talking with the medical team.

Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

[Butterflywarrior 241]

I agree with the above. I spent a lot of time reading library books and bought books for cheap online for my reading app. A good one is weight loss surgery for dummies

Also, not ur fault but this subject has been asked many times so you might want to use search tool bc there's a lot of great feedback

I have my own thoughts on the topic bc I faced the decision but it's a personal decision ultimately and I don't feel like typing my opinion on Mt phone lol however you might we run into it in search bc I have in the past

Good fortune

[2ndSpring 350]

I didn't have to decide until 2 weeks before surgery date. I'm sure it will be similar for you, and if not, you can change your mind at any time. It really does depend on your personal circumstances.

I'll share with you what I decided and why. I am 5'7", 50 years old and was at 274 pre-surgery. I'm hoping to get to 150. I did a ton of online research (make sure you are reading source documents, not just people's opinions - like mine right now haha ) When I weighed the pros and cons of each surgery, I decided that the sleeve was the best option for me. It was the best balance of risk vs benefit for my situation. I liked the fact that the valves that connect the esophagus and small intestine are left intact. If I had weighed more I probably would have gone bypass though.

Bottom line, don't feel pressure to decide now. It will all come together down the road.

Best of luck.

[Butterflywarrior 241]

I weigh a lot but had to choose sleeve bc the surgeon felt my multiple health issues are to complex for roux en y. Complication with bypass are hard especially if you are on maintenance meds for Chronic health issues... I take psych meds too and they are hsd to balance with bypass

Sleeve is a little bit harder to loose lots of weight on bypass is easier since you loose weight Two ways... small pouch plus malabsorption

... bypass roux en y has .ore data and research bc it's older but sleeve is showing really promising results. It is becoming more and more popular...

I agree with reading tge research, medical studies and books. I did read some autobiographies for my own edification but not what I based my decision on. If your clinic has a support group, definitely attend!!

[2ndSpring 350]

I weigh a lot but had to choose sleeve bc the surgeon felt my multiple health issues are to complex for roux en y. Complication with bypass are hard especially if you are on maintenance meds for Chronic health issues... I take psych meds too and they are hsd to balance with bypass

Sleeve is a little bit harder to loose lots of weight on bypass is easier since you loose weight Two ways... small pouch plus malabsorption

... bypass roux en y has .ore data and research bc it's older but sleeve is showing really promising results. It is becoming more and more popular...

I agree with reading tge research, medical studies and books. I did read some autobiographies for my own edification but not what I based my decision on. If your clinic has a support group, definitely attend!!

great point by @@Butterflywarrior - definitely go to a local support group if you have one available. they are a great source of info sharing.

[teedsg 253]

@@boots_and_bridles, I think @@Butterflywarrior said it best, you have to do your research, go to a support group, and know what you want for your body and talk to your surgeon. This is a life changing event and it's very important to take time and research as much as you can. :-)

Good luck to you and I'm glad you have a ball park date to when you'll have the surgery. BTW, your surgeon can show you pictures from the surgery or you can watch it on YouTube. :-) It's gross, but cool. :-)