Heartburn scares me!

[KabinKitty 11]

I have only had heartburn about 5 or 6 times in my life, and it wasn't that bad. I've read some terrible stories of those who got horrible heartburn after surgery. Does having this surgery mean I will suffer with this the rest of my life? I was beginning to think that this surgery was the best choice for me, but now I'm wondering....

[Tiffykins 673]

No, it doesn't mean that you will have acid reflux or have to take acid reducers for the rest of your life. For me, if I do have to take an acid reducer occasionally, for me that is better than the complications associated with the band or RNY.

There are several patients that have had their acid reflux resolved with the sleeve. A lot of patients can and do go off their acid reducer in 3-6 months without issue. I'm just stubborn, and am not willing to have acid issues if I go off of it. I may cut my dose when I see my surgeon for my 1year post-op follow up next month.

[KabinKitty 11]

Thanks Tiffykins. I know no WLS is perfect. I've seen coworkers that have had RNY and DS surgeries and observed all the malabsorbtion issues. One ended up in ICU the other day, when the doc said he could have a stoke at any minute. I think is might have something to do with his lousy eating habits....:biggrin2:

My sister got the band last year, but I've seen all the posts about band revisions and so why would I even try it...? I know the perfect way to lose weight is to eat right and exercise, but it's just not gonna happen for me that way.

I'm so tired of being a recluse and missing out on life :svengo:. I'm not going to my high school reunion this summer because of my weight. I just started on a 3rd blood pressure medication last week, have had severe sleep apnea for about 6 years now. I hate my bi-pap machine, but it keeps me alive and breathing.

Hubby is behind me 100% :thumbup:. I just want to make the best informed decision for my body. It's not like buying a car...if I don't end up happy with my choice, I can't ask for my stomach back.

I go to the WLS center's seminar next Saturday, May 15th. I hope to get alot of questions answered. I have a feeling most of the people there are going to be asking about the RNY. Maybe I'll inspire some of them to consider VSG...:001_smile:

[pnw218 14]

Hi Jeannie,

I have never had "heartburn" either - other than maybe once or twice during three pregnancies. I have taken omeprazole for several years tho for stomach soreness, mainly from pre-ulcer redness, spicy foods and citrus.

I have continued to take one omep per day. No big desire to stop now and see what happens. Maybe down the road sometime. I have not had any heartburn post-op. The only discomfort I get is if I eat too much or too fast. You don't wanna to that : ( lol

What type of breathing mask do you use? I started with the nose pillows and also have the smaller nose only mask. It took several weeks to get used to the nose pillows but they work well now. I am able to sleep all night. If I am stressed or restless when I go to bed, I will use the nose mask. Maybe you can try a different type of mask??

I am so glad I didn't do the band and I never considered the bypass. Didn't have enough to lose for that drastic of a move. The sleeve is wonderful!

good luck!!

[KabinKitty 11]

It's not accurate to say I "hate" my bi-pap machine. I do hate that I have to use it. I always slept so well...tucking my nose into the covers I would drift off to sleep. I miss that!!! :001_smile:

It's harder to be cuddly with hubby when I know I must stay awake after the lovin' to put that machine on.

I have only used the "nasal-air", which is like an oxygen canula only thicker tubing. I could NEVER use a hard plastic mask or a C-pap machine. I felt too constricted and the continuous air made me not able to breathe out. The Bi-pap has two pressures. The lesser pressure lets me breathe out....it's nice to breathe out once in a while! :biggrin2:

It's great to hear that not everyone is consumed with heartburn after surgery!! The little bit I've had was terrible and I have a high pain tolerance. I've had some very big surgeries. I've been opened up from the belly button down 3 times. I had all 3 of my boys naturally without any epidurals. So I'm not a stranger to pain :thumbup: !

[pnw218 14]

I am using a auto cpap so it adjusts the air flow based on my need. I agree that if the air flow is set high, it is hard to breathe out! And it felt like you were almost drowning by the rush in of air! lol

My husband has had to wake me up a few times to put on the mask : )

To me, this surgery was nothing like birth! Also went natural with all three 9 pounders. You have more experience tho being open three times. The closest I got was my Tummy Tuck and that was awful. Everything else has been lap or vaginal.

You should do great with a high pain tolerance. I quit taking pain meds on day three : )