I am meeting with the team at Victoria Hospital at the end of the month to hopefully schedule a date for surgery.  The trouble is, I still can't decide which one is best for me.  (Bypass or Sleeve) I am 50, have Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and I'm having knee replacement surgery in November. I have a 7 year old and I work from home. 

What did you base your decision on and do you regret it, are you happy with it, what can you tell me to help me make my decision?  I am so torn and just don't know what way to go.

The surgeon suggested what type of surgery I should have. She said there were 2 types and the one which would work best for me would be the RNY which is what I had done. Previously I had my gallbladder out so there was already a scar on my stomach. It has worked well for me but today I am only 4 months post op. No regrets.

I believe you cannot take anti-inflammatory meds if you have a bypass,  Since you already have diagnosed osteoarthritis, the sleeve may be a better choice for that reason.  Please be sure the surgeon is aware of that when helping you make a decision.

I had the sleeve and am extremely happy with it. The anatomy and function of the stomach stays the same, it's just much, much smaller. I have not found anything that I am unable to eat (now 19 months out from surgery).  I have no trouble taking Advil, etc.

Thank you ladies - I appreciate your feedback!

i think the choice is up to you and the doctors.before your appt sit down with a pieces of paper and write down all the pros and cons for each type.then look at the list and see which surgery suits your needs best.i had the rny done and i am glad i chose that one.i also had a young child at home and did not have any problems with it.i personally chose rny because i liked the restrictions that were needed but having said that which ever you choose it is only a tool to help you lose weight.it is up to you to make either work and continue to work for you.

welcome to the group and hope to see you at the meet and greets

sondra aka newfie

The choice is up to you and your doctor. Together you can decide which one is best for you. I have Fibromyalgia and I used to take advil, aleve and go for toradol shots when in an unmanageable flare. Due to issues with my stomach I did not qualify for the sleeve and had to go with the RNY. While I am very happy with the results I miss not being able to have the nsaids and ibprofen. Good luck on your decision.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.   Happy Holidays.

I went with the sleeve. I didn't think I needed the malabsorbtion ( Plus it is believed to last only about 2 yrs and then the calorie malabsorbtionalthough the nutrient malabsorbtion stays .  The stats for weight loss are similar. You have a higher risk of a leak with the sleeve but once you pass that risk , you are less likely to have issues. With the RNY some of the issues don't appear for years ( strictures, ulcers , nutrient deficiencies etc)  You have a fully functioning stomach with the sleeve with a pyloric valve. No dumping. You can take Nsaids , you don't have a remnant stomach that can cause issues. You have a reduction in gherlin which helps with hunger.

Just a few things... Everyone is different and some don't have the choice based on things like h-pylori or hernias etc...

Appreciate your input - thanks so much!