[Just_Kari]

Had my first WLS overview class tonight and it left me asking myself if the sleeve would be a better option for me. The dietitian holding the class said that it is becoming the more popular choice for WLS in Kaiser N.Cal.

So I wanted to hear from some other sleeve patients. I've searched the forum for other sleeve threads but thought I'd check in on everyone for a more current pulse on your thoughts.

[lpully]

Hi! I was sleeved. I am very happy with my choice. I chose the sleeve because, after a conversation with my doctor, we both thought it would be best for me. The main reason is that I have had terrible trouble in the past with my iron levels. The bypass would have made that worse for me. Also, I didn't want to lose weight so rapidly that I wouldn't have time to tone my muscles and lessen the saggy skin. And, my final reason for the sleeve was that I didn't feel comfortable re-routing my organs (bypass) and I didn't want a foreign object left in my body (bands).

But, like I said, I am still happy with my decision 3.5 months out. There is another forum that I visit once in a while called Vertical Sleeve Talk when I am looking specifically for Sleeve info. However, I really love the people on this forum much, much more!

VerticalSleeveTalk - the #1 Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forum!

[not quite Barbie]

I think the sleeve is the best choice for people whose BMIs are at the lower end. My Hubby is getting sleeved next month. I'm still glad I had the RNY becuase of the dumping syndorme that keeps me in line. I'm sure I would not have been so successful if I didn't have that to keep me in line.

[Just_Kari]

My BMI is high, 44, which is why I first considered RNY. I also have friends that have had RNY, so there's the comfort in having something that's familiar to them in terms of knowledge and support. But the iron situation is one I must consider as my iron levels are a constant battle, and the dumping for me is a concern. I am a school bus driver and worry about experiencing dumping if I must drive shortly after a meal.

I also like the less re-plumbing associated with the sleeve.

Oh boy, I was such an insomniac last night with my brain running on high gear trying to figure out which direction I want to go...

[not quite Barbie]

A BMI of 44 is what I would consider the "lower end". Yes, it's high compared to normal BMI, but in qualifying for gastric surgery you have to be at least 40. Many people are dealing with BMIs in the 50 and even 60 range. For them, the sleeve probably isn't enough - they need to consider the RNY or the DS.

[melanie6]

My hubby had the sleeve 5.5 mo ago. He chose it because of the weight loss, he was hoping for a slower weight loss so he could tone his muscles as he was losing. That didnt happen, he lost 110 lbs in 5 mo - kaiser so cal said he was the fastest losing sleeve patient they ever had and told him to eat more, lol (imagine that). He is REALLY happy with his choice. My hubby also recovered super fast - he was up walking as soon as the anesthesia wore off. He stopped taking pain meds the day after surgery and hasnt taken them since. I have another friend who had the sleeve as well and is really happy with her choice too. So far she has lost 120 lb and get this..she never lost any hair, either did my hubby.

I personally chose the RNY for two reasons. First, I was a sweet junkie - i loved cakes, cookies, ice cream etc, and I wanted the extra insurance that if I eat these things I may make myself really sick. I see it like safety net...to keep me from regaining or making stupid food choices. BTW, you can still dump with the sleeve, its just less common. The 2nd reason, I had acid reflux prior to surgery. One of the side effects of the sleeve is that acid reflux can get worse after the sleeve...i didnt want to take that chance. With the RNY, acid reflux disappears which was huge factor in my decision to have RNY.

When I started the classes, I wanted the sleeve. By the end of the classes I chose the bypass. Just listen to your gut instinct and do what feels right for you...its your choice.

[nursesrock]

I've always been a classic overeater, binger, sweet-a-holic, etc etc. We're not all that different in terms of the whys and hows we got where we were. I chose the sleeve for myself for these reasons (my opinions)- the sleeve is restrictive and has similar results as the RNY in terms of weight loss. There is less opportunity for complications during the surgery itself- it's easier and much less complicated for the surgeon. Sleeve patients have less post op complications like ulcers, strictures, etc.I didn't care for some of the side effects of RNY like dumping, just didn't want to deal with them. I've had virtually (so far) any detrimental changes in labwork such as anemia, vit d deficiency, etc. Now.......I've had most of the other stuff experienced by RNYers like mood swings, some acne, massive hair loss, GERD, constipation- I think this is more about rapid weight loss than anything else. This all being said, there is little info about long term effects of this type of surgery past only a few years- in other words, will we gain weight back more often? A lot of people eventually have the RNY later if they need more weight loss.

I wouldn't ever upset my RNY friends on this forum. That surgery has made a HUGE difference in their lives and they wouldn't change a thing and I respect that. I do feel you'll start seeing more sleeves done as time goes on, because of the ease and fewer complications. It's sort of the up-and-coming procedure. Good luck in your decision, you'll do great either way!!

[DocSanae]

You don't necessarily have to decide on your own. As you go through the program, you will have a chance to talk to your surgeon, and discuss what type of surgery is best for you.
As far as sleeve goes, it can be revised to RNY or DS, if the weight loss is unsatisfactory. Also, as nursesrock says, long term results for VSG is not yet out, while there are several studies for over 10 year follow ups with RNY. It does seem that the risk of stretching is higher with VSG, but most surgeons now surround the sleeve with a net to prevent this.