Doctor pushing Gastric Bypass over the Gastric Sleeve

[Bonnie D.]

Hello, I am so happy to report that I am on my journey!! I passed my UGII tests, had 2 dietician apt. with one more to go, had a counselor apt. and January 3rd I have an apt. with the surgeon. He mentioned to me already that the bypass might be the better choice for me.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had the experience of their surgeon suggesting that the bypass may be a better choice than the gastric sleeve? I had the lap band for 8 yrs, then had it removed 4 yrs ago. I did have acid reflux most of the time. Since I've had it taken out I no longer have these issues. Maybe the Sleeve is more of a risk for acid reflux (?)
With my research I am convinced that I want the Gastric Sleeve and refuse to do the Gastric Bypass. My doctor most likely will let me make the final decision. I would love to hear if anyone has feedback on this, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thank You so much! )

[Katrina]

Reflux is a bitch. I didn't have it prior to sleeve, but I've had it the five years since... bad, and getting worse. I'm on prescription protonix and still throw up all the time. I plan to start looking into converting to bypass as that's the only cure.

[JannyAZ]

I haven't had acid reflux (knock on wood), but it is very much a potential side effect of gastric sleeve. My two cents would be to listen to your surgeon and if you do go with the sleeve, be prepared to possibly down the road need a revision to a bypass. Good luck.

[Bonnie D.]

Janny, thank you for your response. January 3rd I have an apt. with my surgeon and he will explain in more detail. I'm not comfortable with the idea of having my organs restructured. I will try to keep an open mind.

[sraebaer]

I have heard from this site that the bypass is better if you have reflux. Your doctor knows what he/she is talking about. Best of luck to you.

[junegirl71]

My doctor recommended the bypass for me too, but I’m still planning on having the sleeve. I also have acid reflux and that is the main reason he recommended the bypass. He said it’s possible to have worse reflux after the sleeve, but not guaranteed. I’m willing to take the chance since the sleeve is a less invasive surgery. He said the decision was mine to make, but he wanted to give me his recommendation. Do what you feel is best for you. Good luck on your weight loss journey!

[sraebaer]

My doctor recommended the bypass for me too, but I’m still planning on having the sleeve. I also have acid reflux and that is the main reason he recommended the bypass. He said it’s possible to have worse reflux after the sleeve, but not guaranteed. I’m willing to take the chance since the sleeve is a less invasive surgery. He said the decision was mine to make, but he wanted to give me his recommendation. Do what you feel is best for you. Good luck on your weight loss journey!

You know more than your doctor? Sorry to be harsh, but I have heard some horror stories here. Tamara2 a good example. Instead of not taking your doctor's recommendation, I would get a second opinion from another bariatric surgeon. Just my opinion though, do what you want and good luck.

[JulieJ]

My surgeon recommended the sleeve, but now, six years later, I have so much trouble with acid reflux and I have also gained back a lot of my weight. My internal medicine doc told me last week that she felt I should have had bypass to begin with, and should look into a revision. I wish I had bypass to begin with, especially since my insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, and It would have been less to do it right the first time.
Anyway, I agree with those who recommend that you listen to your doc and get the surgery he recommends. The acid reflux is terrible and the medicines to control it have their own issues.
Good luck to you!

[Mr Greek]

I had the sleeve and I still get some acid reflux. My wife had the by pass and she has seen better results with it . She has less reflux as well as has lost a higher percentage of her excess weight.