Long term problems or vitamin issues question

RebaC · June 18, 2011

I am getting sleeved on Wednesday the 22nd. Still flip flopping back and forth. Am I doing the right thing? Scared.

I don't want to trade one problem for another. Any of you that are veterans- do you have any problems with ulcers/acids or Vitamins? I just want to be really prepared for what I am doing. I currently have acid reflux, will this make it worse? I seem to remember asking my surgeon but I don't really remember a straight answer except that I will always have to take a PPI and of course vitamins, B12, Biotin, calcium citrate. Please be honest. Thank you. I am not trying to be negative, this is the rest of my life and I want to know from you, the ones that have had the surgery, not what my bariatric advocate is telling me. I know everyone is different....

Tiffykins · June 18, 2011

The risk for marginal ulcers is extremely slim with VSG. As for acid reflux, I'm 2 years out and still take Nexium, not because I had or have reflux, but because I don't want to have it. As for your question on worsening reflux, it can happen. Do you know if you have a hiatal hernia? They are extremely common in obese patients. Some people that have them repaired during sleeve surgery, are able to wean off the PPI after 6 months. Some that have reflux pre-op are still able to wean off. I simply choose to stay on a PPI.

As for Vitamins, I've never had issues with any deficiencies at all. I take a multi with Iron, sublingual B12, and citrate. That's it, and all I take is the daily recommended intake instead of double to triple DR values like RNY patients need to take. Now with all that being said, labs should be ran pre-op to determine if there is anything lacking, and then at a minimum at 6 months out, and especially at 1 year out then levels and intake can be adjusted. I've never had any issues personally. I never took Biotin either. That was just another thing for me to remember, and it doesn't stop the hair loss, and there's no proof it helps with regrowth for all patients. So, I never bothered with it.

Good luck with your sleeve. I know it's agonizing waiting for your date, and not really knowing what's going to transpire. Just take it one day at time.

mnbsleeve · June 18, 2011

Hi Reba,

I've only just had my surgery under two weeks ago so I don't know how much help I could be. But I can share that I did not have heartburn before my surgery yet, I had a hiatal hernia that my surgeon repaired during the surgery. I am on Prylosec (sp?) once per day for the next six months. I will most likely wean off after the six months are up. My surgeon told me that only about 5% of people continue with heartburn post surgery - of those who had it before surgery. He's performed well over 3,500 of these and in his practice he's not had anyone have heartburn after the surgery who did not already have it before hand. Most get better post surgery. He attributes this to the hernia repairs, which he does routinely if one is there. Regarding vitamines, I could not stomach the chewables (pun intended :-) ) after the surgery so, I am on liquid. I take a brand called Blue Bonnet. Each dose had 5 carbs but I am not concerned. They work really well, go down with no prob. Taste is a little yukky but so what? :-) I don't have difficiencies and my surgeon does not expect I will have any - barring some kind of complication etc. Currently I feel great. In fact, right around two days ago I began feeling such energy that I described it as euphoria! LOL I think my happiness and joy and hope for the future has contributed to that. I feel great though.

Best of luck to you in the process. I know it can be scary!!! One more tip, the psychologist that did my eval turned out to be an incredible person who has been a wonderful source of support. He really helped me address lots of fears and concerns... better than the surgeon!!! Hope this helps a bit. Once again, good luck on your journey!

I am getting sleeved on Wednesday the 22nd. Still flip flopping back and forth. Am I doing the right thing? Scared.

I don't want to trade one problem for another. Any of you that are veterans- do you have any problems with ulcers/acids or Vitamins? I just want to be really prepared for what I am doing. I currently have acid reflux, will this make it worse? I seem to remember asking my surgeon but I don't really remember a straight answer except that I will always have to take a PPI and of course Vitamins, B12, Biotin, calcium citrate. Please be honest. Thank you. I am not trying to be negative, this is the rest of my life and I want to know from you, the ones that have had the surgery, not what my bariatric advocate is telling me. I know everyone is different....