Moonstar66

Had my consult with a sleeve surgeon and was told that I'm unlikely a candidate for the sleeve. I was so disappointed, I started crying right there in front of the doctor. He said there is a 5% chance someone who has NEVER had reflux will develop it after the sleeve. There is a 10% chance people with reflux that have no symptoms will develop reflux symptoms. Of course I HAVE symptoms, which increases the chance of getting reflux that cannot be controlled with drugs - I have been on an on/off regimen of Omeprazole and Pepcid for several years. He said getting the gastric bypass would completely cure the reflux and I could lose weight, so in essence - "kill 2 birds with one stone". I told him I couldn't wrap my head around bypass at this time. He agreed to re-visit the possibility of getting the sleeve after getting pathology from an endoscopy... Anyone been in my situation and went ahead with Sleeve surgery? PS - The doctor also said he had 2 patients just like me who insisted on getting the sleeve and he revised them to bypass 2 years later (they were already skinny for bypass surgery!) to cure the reflux because it had gotten so bad and could not be controlled with meds. Please reply, thanks!

I REALLY appreciate everyone's replies. I'm now hopeful that there are other sleevers who also had a moderate case of reflux that went ahead with surgery. I'm happy to hear that you all were able to control it with meds. I will go ahead and see the gastro and get the endoscopy to see what's happening. I went to this surgeon because there seems to be a shortage of surgeons versed in the sleeve on Long Island, NY. I could go to NYC and have Dr. Fielding, Dr. Ren or Dr. Curian do it at NYU also...

Loser Mama, I just posted about this! I see you are having surgery on 12/21 so I guess your doc is OK with your getting the sleeve. I will keep an eye out for replies to your post! Moonstar66

I'm calling doctors in the area to see which ones perform the sleeve. I came upon a local doctor's number and spoke with his nurse. She explained to me that this particular surgeon does know how to do the sleeve but really only performs Bands and Bypasses. He feels there is a higher risk of leaks with the sleeve. She went on to say that he would do a sleeve if I really wanted it. (No thanks) How true is this statement, if at all? Do leaks occur more frequently with the sleeve than the bypass? I then asked her if he over-sews the staple line and her response was, "Like I said, he prefers to do Bands and Bypasses". Things that make you go Hmmmm.... Needless to say, not gonna use him...

Hi Everyone, I'm new and still researching for a doctor who performs the sleeve. I found one and set up a consult, however, the hospital he is affiliated with is not a Bariatric Center of Excellence. How important is this? I need to be educated ion this term. I know a big wig at the hospital and she assures me that the doctor is phenomenal. Just curious how you guys feel about it.... Thanks!

Hi Fusilli66, I'm in NY too, looking for a surgeon! Tell me about your surgeon - Syosset. I'm on the east end of L.I. Not crazy about using Southampton Hospital. Thanks!

Thanks for the responses. Still don't know why when I asked the intake person if the hospital was a Bariatric Center of Excellence, she immediately asked me the name of my insurance company. When I told her, her response was "Oh, you're fine, they'll approve you". ???

Sorry!! New to working this site - Sorry I posted twice - Mistake!

I have this too. There is a name for this condition Hydrentis Suppurativa - That is not the correct spelling but I have battled this for years. Contrary to popular belief, people believe you get this because you are overweight. Not true, my Dad had it and was thin all his life. I just got this strain of "whatever" from him. Being overweight does exacerbate the condition though (friction, sweating etc...) I am a road map of scars from incisions! Anyway, failed the medical clearance for the Lap band back in 2008, had one that had "opened" under my breast. Doc said - "No Way" to surgery, fear of sepsis, too close to laproscopic incision site, fear of infection etc... In retrospect, everything happens for a reason, ya know? Glad not to have the band.

Hi Everyone! I've been checking the forum for about a week now and feel confident with choosing the sleeve as my WLS of choice. I'm not new to the WLS world as I was scheduled twice (and did that horrible liquid diet TWICE for two weeks) for the installation of the Lap Band with Dr. George Fielding at NYU in 2007 and 2008 only to fail the medical clearance just days before the operation because I continued to smoke cigs and my GP and Pulmonologist didn't feel like my lungs were in great enough shape for elective surgery. So, I abandoned my quest for a while - feeling defeated and maybe that it just wasn't meant to be. Meanwhile a few of my friends received the Band and were successful but really wasn't crazy about what they went through on a daily, plus the maintenance. I'm located on the way east end of Long Island, so getting to ANY doctor is a feat. So, I quit smoking in January, and I'm researching again. I gained 25 more pounds since January as a result of quitting smoking... I am beyond uncomfortable now, I've NEVER felt this immobile in my life! I think maybe all this happened for a reason. I know I could go back to Dr. Fielding - who I LOVE, but to take 2 trains etc... to get there... Any other surgeons on Long Island that do the sleeve and that are recommended? Would love some feedback - Thanks everyone! You all look and sound fantastic - hope to join you soon!