Question:
What is the main long term difference between Verticle Sleeve vs traditional bypass?

I am ready for surgery, finished all required tests and classes. Because of my many previous surgeries, I have lots of adhesions. My gastric bypass may turn into a vertical sleeve surgery and I am wondering what the main difference, nutritionally as well as success, between the two surgeries. Pros and cons.    — Sharon C. (posted on July 8, 2010)

July 8, 2010
Hi, I have a very good surgery comparison chart. Follow these directions to the website. (it is easier to view) I have it in my profile but it is blurry. Go to: GO TO WWW.LAPSF.COM, ON THE LEFT SIDE BLUE BOX CLICK "WEIGHT LOSS AND REVISIONAL SURGERIES" THEN CLICK "INTRO-WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS", SCROLL DOWN TO WHERE YOU SEE THE PICTURE OF A STOMACH-CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE "SURGERY COMPARISON CHART". PRINT THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS. With the VG there is no intestinal bypass performed. This chart will tell you anything and everything you will need to know for the pros and cons of each surgery. If you have any questions, please email me at my profile. I can try to send the chart to you if you have problems getting to the website, but the instructions are exact, to get to the chart, step by step. Hope this helps you.
   — Kristy

July 8, 2010
Sharon: Although I agree and viewed Kristy's answer, here is yet another link (just cut and paste the following into your web browser) for view of a WLS comparison chart: http://www.wlswiki.com/index.php?title=Weight_Loss_Surgery_Comparison_Chart I am 6-mos. postop traditional RNY and had what they call a textbook recoveryy, so of course my vote would be for strong consideration to what I personally know best. But as you said, you want pros and cons and I believe these charts will provide just that guidance for you. Other than that of course I don't need to tell you this IS a very personal choice. Of course in comparing surgery types and success vs. unsuccess no matter WHO you ask -- everyone has an opinion. Best of luck to you on your choice and remember, no decision is the wrong one as long as you are doing what is best for YOU. This is merely a tool that requires committment and a change in lifestyle in order to aide you on your journey.
   — momeego

July 8, 2010
Honestly they are both wonderful choices. I had the RNY and my hubby had the sleeve done last year. The sleeve is more like a banana shape and the RNY is small pouch. The sleeve is a great choice as there usually is not dumping, (which can be good or bad depending on if your sweets person). You also don't have the malabsorbtion issues like with RNY as there is no re-routing of the intestines. The weight loss is similar but not quite the same as the RNY. From what my surgeon says there isn't much data yet long term for the sleeve. You will do great with either procedure. Congratuations
   — ToniLee

July 9, 2010
rny verses band or sleeve? 50%go back and get the rny later. personel observation ; people who get sleeve want to lose wieght but donot want to stop porking out. its amatter of what you want to do. every body in my group complains about not looseing enough weigt, but on there plates they have as much food as i eat in 3-5 days.i am down 168 lbs since nov 09. they say that there is something wrong with me , but i am not the one complaineing about no weight lose. good louck hank.
   — hanksguns

July 9, 2010
WOW I think Francis is a bit harsh! I personally chose the sleeve b/c i was a self pay patient and it was the most affordable for me. I did NOT want the band as I had not heard very many good stories. I did not choose this surgery so I could still pig out!! It has been a little over a year and I have lost 165lbs. I don't eat very much at all actually. I still eat about a 1/2 to 2/3 cup portions.So that was kinda an unfair conclusion. Anyhow, to answer the question I think you have to choose what is best for you. But it is still a life changing thing and is only a tool. You must change your ways for it to work and keep working for you. Best of luck with your choice. Both websites have very useful information!
   — callen3640

July 9, 2010
This is a quick cheat sheet on all surgeries. Best of luck: http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 18, 2010
That chart was very helpful; I hope you wind up with just the right surgery for you! My PCP recommended the sleeve, but the surgeon wanted to nix that idea right away and go with the RNY. He said the sleeves were too new to tell the long-term success rates, and of all the procedures that give his patients leakage problems, that's the most likely procedure. He has had much success with the RNY "because you can't cheat", and has done thousands of them. I still have about 4 months to decide. I only want to do this once, so it better be the right one!
   — Punkin Bugg