TexanGal
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Everything posted by TexanGal
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Hello, I was preparing for the gastric sleeve when my pre-op EGD scope showed I have Barrett's esophagus, with dysplasia (pre-cancerous). My WLS surgeon said I need to treat the Barrett's first and then strongly suggested I have the Gastric Bypass instead of the sleeve because of several reasons -- GERD is usually eliminated with bypass and worse with sleeve (acid is the cause of the Barrett's), and the stomach is left if needed for esophageal cancer surgery (worst case scenario, obviously). My first priority is getting the Barrett's treated. Then, in four to six weeks, having the WLS surgery, which is recommended to also treat Barrett's (from an obesity perspective). So, I'd like to hear if there are other WLS patients like me with Barrett's and what happened. I'm anxious for info! I'm a bit in shock since I got the news today. But I consider it a blessing because if I hadn't gotten the scope, I could have had a much worse diagnosis later. My May 30 surgery is now postponed, obviously.
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Hi y’all, I had RNY on Aug. 1. It’s been what I expected so far. Love the weight loss the most. Ha. However, I still have very smelly gas, even hours after I eat. I’m taking a probiotic my surgeon recommended, which has helped some, but mainly the burbs I would get. How do others deal with this embarrassing issue, especially now that I’m back at work? Luckily, I have a private office but still!
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I have Barrett's too and am getting the RNY/GB to fix it. My gastroenterologist, PCP and surgeon all said it was the best way to cure Barrett's. My surgery date is Wednesday, Aug. 1 so I'm busy in the "getting ready to go" mode. More excited than nervous b/c I'm more scared of esophageal cancer. Wish me luck!
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Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia
TexanGal replied to manleygirl's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I have Barrett's Esophagus with dysplasia so I had an ablation of the pre-cancer cells in an EGD scope. My gastroenterologist and PCP and surgeon all said the best way to prevent it from recurring was with a partial gastrectomy (basically a RNY/GB). I also have a BMI in the lower 30s so only qualified for insurance b/c it was a way to prevent Barrett's and the risk of cancer. My surgery is on Wednesday (Aug. 1) and my surgeon is a bariatric surgeon. I also have a hiatal hernia, but it's smaller. They will repair that with my GB. Good luck! -
Hello all, I just had my pre-op appointment at the hospital so I've cleared the final hurdle! My RNY/GB is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 1:30 p.m. in the Houston area. I'm excited and nervous but much more excited than nervous. Can't wait to be on the loser's bench!
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Aug. 1 is my date, too! Hi, Surgery Buddy. I'll be having it done in Houston area.
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I just got my surgery scheduled, and it's for August 1 in the Houston area. I'm so excited... FINALLY! I originally had a May 30th date but it got postponed because I was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and had to get another EGD scope for ablation of pre-cancer cells. The GB will cure my acid reflux and now I've had three doctors agree (surgeon, gastroenterologist, PCP). My surgery was initially denied due to low BMI (34) but now it's a go because of the barrett's. I'm nervous but mostly excited to start a new life without yo-yo dieting and GERD! Can't wait to see who my surgery buddies are for AUG. 1.
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Barrett's Esophagus and Gastric Bypass
TexanGal replied to TexanGal's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Good luck to you! But know that you are taking charge of your health to get rid of acid reflux!!! -
Barrett's Esophagus and Gastric Bypass
TexanGal replied to TexanGal's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Thank you so much for your post! I loved reading about your experience. I had the ablation of my pre-cancer cells two weeks ago and my pre-op with my WLS surgeon on Friday. Now I’m just waiting for bypass to be scheduled. So I’ll be getting the RNY gastric bypass in a few weeks, fingers crossed! I’ve done a lot of research and spoken to several doctors, including my PCP and Gastroenterologost, and they all said the bypass was the best bet to cure GERD. And insurance approved it, even though I’m at 34 BMI. That alone says a lot, since they denied me for the sleeve even with comorbidities because I was too low a BMI. -
Hi everyone, I'm getting my gastric sleeve on May 30 at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. I'd love to have some surgery buddies... any out there? (I'm so excited but nervous as well! More excited than nervous though!) Ready to change my life!!!!
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Surgery Date: May 30, Any Others?
TexanGal replied to TexanGal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Unfortunately, my surgery was postponed. When I saw my surgeon for the pre op, she had biopsy results that showed I have Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia, which means pre-cancerous cells. So, I have to get the dysplasia treated (through another scope that zaps them) before I can have surgery. It will now probably be in 4-6 weeks. I was bummed but REALLY glad I got the diagnosis because it could lead to esophageal cancer. It also means I need the RNY gastric bypass instead of gastric sleeve because I have such bad (and now dangerous) acid reflux. It's good they do the scope before surgery!!! I'll let you know of my future surgery date. Thanks so much for caring, everyone! It means a lot. -
Surgery Date: May 30, Any Others?
TexanGal replied to TexanGal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Actually I found out today that I have to wait 4-6 more weeks because I have Barrett’s esophagus. Once that is cleared up, I’ll get bypass , which is best for Barrett’s. But I definitely will be thinking of all of my original May 30 surgery buddies and anxious to hear how it goes. Good vibes coming your way!! Please post update afterwards!!! -
Hello,
I was preparing for the gastric sleeve when my pre-op EGD scope showed I have Barrett's esophagus, with dysplasia (pre-cancerous). My WLS surgeon said I need to treat the Barrett's first and then strongly suggested I have the Gastric Bypass instead of the sleeve because of several reasons -- GERD is usually eliminated with bypass and worse with sleeve (acid is the cause of the Barrett's), and the stomach is left if needed for esophageal cancer surgery (worst case scenario, obviously).
My first priority is getting the Barrett's treated. Then, in four to six weeks, having the WLS surgery, which is recommended to also treat Barrett's (from an obesity perspective).
So, I'd like to hear if there are other WLS patients like me with Barrett's and what happened. I'm anxious for info!
I'm a bit in shock since I got the news today during my pre-op appointment with surgeon. But I consider it a blessing because if I hadn't gotten the scope, I could have had a much worse diagnosis later.
My May 30 surgery is now postponed, obviously.
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Hello, I also found out I have barrett's esophagus during my pre op tests. It rocked my world to think I may have esophagus cancer but I was lucky and no pre cancer was found and my gastric bypass surgery proceeded. I am glad you are getting treated for the barretts before your surgery. I still have that worry because it may turn cancerous. My surgeon has told me that my esophagus should heal within the next year once my reflux is gone. I initially also wanted the gastric sleeve surgery but once they found the barrett's disease that was off the table and my insurance company would not approve sleeve surgery in any case after the barretts diagnosis. Good luck and hope all goes well for you.
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I have a May 30 surgery date as well (but in Houston area), so I feel your nerves. But just think about how lucky you are to have this fantastic tool to finally help you lose weight FOREVER. As a yo-yo dieter for decades, I can't wait to get on the losing train and learn the right way to keep it off. I'll be sending you good thoughts on our shared date, but remember -- you are at one of the best hospitals in the world!
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Any June 2018 Sleevers in Here?!
TexanGal replied to BurpeeZombie's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'd be up for meeting for a 5k next year as well. I'd love to meet some fellow Texas sleevers. I'm in the Houston area. Getting sleeve done on May 30. -
Surgery Date: May 30, Any Others?
TexanGal replied to TexanGal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Good luck! Let us know how it goes. -
Hi there, Newbie here. Waiting for surgeon's office to schedule my surgery and pre-op appointment. I'm reading "Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success" by Dr. Duc. Vuong (highly rated book on Amazon) and he suggests asking your surgeon about their specific technique. His guidelines: 1. Stay left of the left crus of the diaphragm to avoid esophageal leaks and injury. 2. Make a small fundal pouch for patient comfort and to avoid stretching. 3. Do not get too close to the incisura to avoid stricture. 4. Create the sleeve 6 centimeters from the pylorus to avoid dumping. Did any of you ask your surgeons for such detail? His book makes an excellent case for each of the above guidelines, but I don't want to seem like a nutjob and appear like I'm second-guessing my surgeon's experience. (Despite the very medically-focused questions above, his book is really helpful and easy to read.)
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Hello, I will soon be scheduled for the gastric sleeve (done all the prep work). However, my insurance won't cover me because my BMI is "only" 34 (5 feet 8, 225 pounds). So, I'm going to self-pay (total about $13,000). But I"m scared that something will go wrong in the surgery and since it's not insured, I could be facing mountains of hospital bills. Has anyone done self-pay and had something go wrong so they were charged a lot more? I really appreciate any advice since I've found this forum to be a godsend on my WLS journey!
