When we first began exploring weight loss surgery, the gastric sleeve wasn’t our immediate choice. The idea of having around 80% of your stomach permanently removed felt daunting – it sounded final, even drastic. But as we researched, asked questions, and reflected on what we truly needed, we realised the gastric sleeve offered the best balance between effectiveness, safety, and long-term sustainability for us.
This decision didn’t come lightly. We spent months comparing procedures, reading medical studies, joining patient forums, and speaking with healthcare professionals. Below, we’ve outlined the options we considered and the thought process that led us to choose the gastric sleeve – not as a universal recommendation, but as the right path for our circumstances.
The Options We Considered
We explored eight common types of bariatric procedures:
- Intragastric Balloon
A temporary balloon placed in the stomach for about six months to reduce capacity. It felt too short-term for what we needed – a stepping stone, not a full solution. - Gastric Band (Lap-Band)
Once hugely popular, the gastric band involves an adjustable ring around the top of the stomach. However, after learning about frequent complications, band slippage, and removals, we ruled it out quickly. - Gastric Bypass
A major procedure that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. We respected how effective it can be, but the long-term nutrient absorption risks concerned us. - Mini Gastric Bypass
A simpler, faster version of the full bypass. The idea appealed to us, but again, malabsorption and the potential for lifelong nutritional deficiencies made us hesitate. - Duodenal Switch
This is one of the most extreme options – combining both restriction and malabsorption. We viewed it as a last-resort procedure, suitable only for severe medical cases. - Gastric Sleeve
Roughly 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a slim, sleeve-like shape. It’s restrictive but still allows natural digestion, and it reduces the hunger hormone ghrelin, which we found especially important. - Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
A non-surgical alternative that stitches the stomach from the inside. It sounded appealing until we learned it wasn’t as effective long-term, especially since it doesn’t impact hunger hormone levels in the same way. - Gastric Plication
This folds the stomach inward to reduce volume, but without removing any tissue. We dismissed it for similar reasons – it seemed reversible but less proven in results.
Narrowing It Down
After comparing all these, we reached a point where two procedures stood out: the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. Both offered proven long-term success, but each came with its own trade-offs.
At the clinic we chose, every patient is initially booked for both the sleeve and the bypass. Final confirmation happens after a detailed set of pre-operative tests, including an endoscopy. Our results showed no signs of acid reflux – and that was the deciding factor. Our surgeon recommended the sleeve, explaining that if reflux had been present, a bypass would have been safer.
That combination of medical advice and personal research gave us confidence. The sleeve felt like the right middle ground – effective yet not overly invasive, structured yet sustainable.
Why the Gastric Sleeve Made Sense for Us
For us, the gastric sleeve struck the balance between real change and manageable risk. It removes the part of the stomach responsible for producing most of the hunger hormone, meaning we’d have a natural reduction in appetite. It also allowed a simpler, more predictable recovery process than bypass surgeries, which involve intestinal rerouting.
There was another reason, too: future flexibility. If for any reason the sleeve didn’t work as expected, we could later convert it to a bypass. Knowing there was a safety net made the decision far less overwhelming.
Looking Back
Choosing weight loss surgery is deeply personal. What’s right for one person may not be right for another. We don’t see the gastric sleeve as an “easy way out” – it’s a tool that requires lifelong commitment. For us, it was the right tool at the right time.
A year and a half later, we still believe we made the right choice. It’s given us our health back, our energy, and a sense of control that had been missing for years.
Disclaimer: This post reflects our personal experience and research, not medical advice. Always discuss your options with your GP or bariatric specialist before making any decisions.