Cancelled My Surgery

[MikeFromNY 14]

Hi all, for the last month I've been in full speed getting all the medical clearances needed for my surgery. However, the whole time I couldn't get past the fact that I have been diagnosed with Barrett's early on, even before I met with my bariatric surgeon for the first time. Barrett's is an inflammation of the esophagus which can lead to a cancerous state in a very small percentage of those affected, usually caused by GERD or chronic acid reflux but not always. The first time I met with my bariatric surgeon I told him straight off that I had Barrett's disease because i knew it could be an issue with getting banded and reaction was very cavalier. His only reaction was that he had seen it before. He didnt say he would review my records or speak to my doctor and get a better idea of the extent of the condition. This sent up a big red flag. When I went to the required support group meeting the following night I posed the question to the surgeon's PA if people with Barrett's should be banded. He gave me a definitive NO. Another even bigger red flag. I started doing my own research on Barrett's and the band and found out that the manufacturer Allergan lists Barrett's and any inflammatory condition as a contraindications for the band, same thing with the FDA! A google search supported that finding with posts found on forums and even in the book associated with this website.

So, I can't take the chance. I've lost all confidence in my surgeon for not addressing the issue properly and feel that he doesn't have my best interests at heart. He has a good reputation but seems to be more surgery-volume minded. I'm getting a bad vibe. I can't take the chance of worsening my condition and winding up with dysplasia ( cancerous state) from the added stress on my esophagus. Thirty- four percent of banded patients experience reflux and for people with Barrett's that number may be too high. I am very disappointed that it has come for this especially after the tremendous effort and copays I have put forward so far. On the bright side, every part of me has been poked and prodded and examined and I'm in pretty good shape otherwise. I have lost 10 pounds on the pre-op diet and will continue to do my best to drop some pounds. I've found a really good program online that my son told me about called MyFitnessPal to help count calories and activity. I just wish this surgeon would have been more forth coming with me from the first consultation. Your comments please.

[Terry Poperszky 2,784]

Wise decision. Too many surgeons are in it for the money, the band simply isn't a right fit for everybody. Great news on your loss, keep up the good work.

[kll724 3,055]

I agree with your decision. A wise man, and you know your own body and health. Best wishes to you!

[dawalsh 919]

Thank God you knew enough to do your due diligence by doing your homework. Often, there are people with health issues who are so desperate to lose weight that they won't even reveal such a serious medical issue such as yours. Good for you and shame on that surgeon.

My surgeon was forthright with my health concerns and thank God he made sure I was healthy enough to have this surgery. Kudos to that PA for being so honest with you. I hope all goes well with you and your Barrett's condition.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

I remember your post asking anyone if they had Barrett's and I silently questioned if that was really safe w/ the band. There are people without GERD who unfortunately develop it. If you already have some form of it, how the heck is the band going to make matters better?

Unfortunately I know that you can suffer the same from the sleeve, just not sure about bypass.

I think it is ALWAYS wise to question your doctors. As a nurse, I have learned that docs have different levels of experience and philosophies. Some do a job and some actually care. Always get a 2nd consult whenever a doc says something that just doesnt sound or sit right.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I think you made a VERY wise decision.

Best wishes on your future

[Sojourner 2,446]

I agree with others regarding your initiative to conduct your own research into the topic. I also saw your earlier post, and truly did not have the information to respond.

I had significant reflux issues going into having my band placed, though well controlled. I have had some issues post banding, though these have been addressed by my physicians with a good outcome to date.

Peace of mind is a priceless commodity, and your decisions should reflect what you feel comfortable with.

Best wishes and good health to you...

[Mindy Mouse 0]

I think that you made a really smart choice. Even on the best days I have some reflux with my band and I have had it for we'll over 5 years.

[SolracSpree 133]

Make sure to make a review on your experience with our surgeon as a warning to those in the future. Wishing you the best

[MikeFromNY 14]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Id like to add one thing, incredibly enough when the patient liaison called me back about canceling my surgery her main concern was whether I spoke to the Allergan company or not. I learned that any surgeon implanting their device must be approved by the company and I don't think this would have gone over too well with them. I told them its posted conspicuously all over their website and that was the end of the conversation. I feel like I almost drove off a cliff.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Oddly enough one day at the hospital I saw a pamphlet for a surgical ring that is placed in a similar place to the band, and the ring is designed for people with sever GERD and acid reflux.

Here is some of the material I pulled offline.

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for GERD

In this procedure, rather than using the body's own tissue to create a stronger gastroesophageal sphincter, a ring of miniature metal beads is inserted around the sphincter to add extra pressure. A surgeon needs to make only a small laparoscopic incision. He or she then wraps a series of magnetic beads, in the shape of a Bracelet, around the bottom of the esophagus. The device, known as the LINX Reflux Management System, is sized to fit each patient. Once it is in place, magnetic attraction keeps the beads together and helps it to keep the gastroesophageal sphincter closed. The valve can still open while swallowing food or belching. Because the procedure is so minimally invasive, it is considered outpatient surgery, and most people can return to a normal diet the following day.

I wonder if your Dr. is thinking the band might work the same way for you?

Still I think you made a very wise decision to cancel and get more information.

Best wishes to you!

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm300790.htm

[GuyMontag 1,264]

Way to do the research. I wish you the best my friend.