Experiencing Bad Acid Reflux after Vertical Sleeve Surgery

Fritz · October 15, 2011

I had Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) on May 16th of this year. I lost just over 60 lbs within the first four months and my weight has since stabilized,with my BMI now around 25. Overall the weight loss surgery results have beengood with one major complication... I'm having bad Acid Reflux. Just underwentan EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) performed by the same surgeon that did my LSG and was informed that my verticalsleeve stomach has a kink in it, at the point where the stomach bends, creatinga partial blockage and that this is causing my acid reflux. He went on toindicate that this condition can occur because the stomach is now a narrow tubethat does not have its usual lateral attachments and as a result can twist, asin my case. He's recommending conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) torelieve the reflux. Despite having acid reflux I've been happy with my sleevebut am a bit distraught over the prospect of now undergoing a Gastric Bypass.Has anyone else experienced similar problems with acid reflux after havingtheir Vertical Sleeve?

KellyL · October 15, 2011

Some people have acid reflux post-op with a sleeve, but it's usually immediately post op and is worse until the swelling goes down at about the 4-6 wk mark. A lot of people are on PPI's to help with the problem and some people stay on the meds for longer term. It depends on the Surgeon and their recommendations.

I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems with your sleve. The kink in your sleeve may be the same as a stricture? I would defintely research my options before revising to a RNY. Maybe you could get a second opinion? Good luck and I wish you well on your weight loss journey.

Fritz · October 15, 2011

Yes, I suppose stricture is a more accurate descriptor since the twisting of my vertical sleeve is causing a partial blockage. I've already been taking pantoprazole (Protonix), a Proton Pump Inhibitor and it isn't helping. Thank you for your kind words.

Caitlyn_Cat · October 15, 2011

I would suggest a second opinion before revising to ensure there are no other options open to you. One of the reasons we choose VSG is to avoid the multiple post-op complications and long-term malabsorption that comes with RNY.