Roux vs Sleeve

I am currently at the point in my province's bariatric program where I have gone through everything and am now on the wait list for a surgery date. I could choose between the Roux or the Sleeve and the entire time I was pretty adamant I was going for the Roux....until I had the appointment with the surgeon. He said I could go either route but he is now recommending more sleeves (depending on the individual of course). He said that he sees many more complications (both long term and short term) with the Roux than with the sleeve so unless there is a clear case to go towards one or the other, he basically recommends the sleeve. I was actually a bit relieved because I know about all of the possible complications but was willing to do it because I wanted it to be the best tool. Now I am leaning towards the sleeve under his recommendation but I am worried that the sleeve won't be as good of a tool as the Roux. Can I have some advice or opinions from those of you that have had either surgery? Are you happy with the surgery you chose or do you wish you would have chosen a different type? Thanks so much everyone!!

It seems like the big factors to take into account are whether you have a history of diabetes or reflux/GERD. If you have either, RNY is likely the best choice for you.

Thank you Gwen! I don't have diabetes or reflux/GERD. I used to get the odd case of heartburn when I eat too much chocolate or a lot of the wrong foods but it was rare. Now that I've been following a proper diet I have to say I haven't had any heartburn. Thanks so much for your response!!

You're welcome. I would suggest that you mention your history of heartburn to your surgeon, just to be on the safe side, if you haven't already. :)

I did talk to him about that and he said it shouldn't be an issue. He said that worst case scenario he can give me medication (which apparently they send us home with for the first 6 weeks anyway).

Anecdotally, the most common revision now seems to be the sleeve to RNY because of gerd. Medically, this is a BIG deal and your surgeon should not be blowing it off.

Any history of heartburn would cancel the VSG as an option for me.

Thanks so much Citizen Kim! You all have given me lots to think about because I really don't want to be dealing with gerd that can't be controlled by medication after the fact. THanks for your input - it's greatly appreciated!

Unfortunately, even having RNY - I experience severe GERD. I am on Rx medication,. that is the only one so far that works for me. But... it is very expensive. And every time i need a new script - my doc has to argue with insurance to cover it. monthly cost is ... $350- $500+Probably less in Canada, but still.. very pricey.

On top of that, recent studies indicate serious side effects for PPI. I am trying to slowly reduce the dose, and use other things to help with mine GERD.

When I had my surgery, my doc only did Lapbands and RNY. I probably would chose Sleeve if it were available. Sometimes I wonder if I would have some of the issues I have now if I had the VSG.

But I also know that I had some of the issues before WLS, an my age and time and RNY just made it worse. (food's allergies and intolerances)

Gwen gave excellent advice and it's great that you've followed through with informing your doctor about your occasional heart burn.

I too had heartburn occasionally pre VSG. Post VSG, the heartburn got progressively worse and became full on GERD. I loved my Sleeve and did quite well with it but the GERD became so bad, I needed to revise to RNY. No medication, change of diet or bed raising helped the GERD pre revision. The RNY has eliminated the GERD and I'm living my life to the fullest. I wish I had the RNY originally but I had unfounded fears about it and went the Sleeve.

Most people do wonderfully with the Sleeve and never have GERD issues. I'm sure you will do wonderfully too, but I wanted you to hear from someone who had to revise to RNY due to GERD.

ljbarbara - thank you so much for sharing your story. That was my concern, ending up having to have a revision when I could have just had the RNY in the first place. There really are risks either way I go, RNY comes with risks of ulcer, hernia, osteoporosis that some people have and some people never do. VSG has the risk of GERD after the fact again which some have and some never do. I just wish someone would make the decision for me! :) All of this information helps immensely though - thanks again, I really, really appreciate your input!