Ulcer Before Band

[nicolemm 24]

Hi all! I just got off the phone with my dr regarding the results of my upper GI and may have a small ulcer in the part of my stomach called the antum. I've experienced zero ulcer symptoms so this is new to me! Anyway, they scheduled an endoscopy for sept 10th.

Did anyone else have this problem? And if so did it effect surgery at all? I'm hoping the endoscopy shows nothing as the upper GI was not even conclusive. But just in case....

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Well, it's good that your doc is making sure you and your innards are in tip-top shape before proceeding with surgery. He'll probably biopsy the ulcer to be safe, and should test you for the helicobacter.pylori bacteria that's responsible for most stomach ulcers. Helicobacter pylori is treated with antibiotics. If you don't have the h.pylori bacteria, your doc may have you start taking an acid reducing medication.

Try not to worry too much about the ulcer. As you said, the upper GI was not conclusive, and your doc really needs to see the ulcer close up to judge what's going on in there.

[nicolemm 24]

I did the h. Pylori tests but the results havent come back yet (I just did it yesterday) but my PCP said after speaking to my physician they decided it's best to just go ahead with the endoscopy and biopsy regardless of the results to be sure nothing is going on! I knew that the process would not be easy for the band but I'm growing not so fond of going to the dr and I would hate for something like an ulcer to push back surgery!

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

I did the h. Pylori tests but the results havent come back yet (I just did it yesterday) but my PCP said after speaking to my physician they decided it's best to just go ahead with the endoscopy and biopsy regardless of the results to be sure nothing is going on! I knew that the process would not be easy for the band but I'm growing not so fond of going to the dr and I would hate for something like an ulcer to push back surgery!

The endoscopy is a good idea if only because it'll help your surgeon see if you have any anatomical quirks that he'll need to accommodate when placing your band.

I know you want to just get all this over with and get your surgery scheduled, but it really is better to take care of ulcers and the like before you get into the operating room.

[mommykristie 59]

I did have small ulcers and was treated for the h pylori bacteria. It was over a year before my surgery. Even after the treatment, my ulcers were healed, etc.; however, I still had terrible reflux and was medicated for it. Since LB, I haven't had any of these issues anymore. No medication since the day after surgery!! Another positive from having LB.