Hey All, I'm New!

[lizzybeth 17]

Long time reader...first time poster.....

I started researching WSL last year and was initially going to get the band, but after a ton of research, I felt the sleeve was the best option for me. I am in the last phases of my journey. I'm in the sixth month so I've had my sleep study, psych eval, blood work, EKG, upper GI, etc. (which my insurance requires). I was hoping to be all set to go soon but seem to hit another road block and I thought I would being a question to you all (there seems to be a wealth of knowledge here!)

A bit if back story...at my first appointment, I told them that I did get heartburn - they ordered an upper GI. Before I had the GI, I changed my eating habbits and noticed that my heartburn almost completely went away, but kept the appointment. Lately, I only need a tums once to twice a month.

I was told that they will not do the sleeve on me becaue of the heartburn. I was a little disheartned to hear that, because I find it hard to believe that everyone that gets the sleeve has never had a day of heartburn in their life. I am doing (at their request) another GI test to see if there are any changes.

What do you all think of this? Are they really not going to sleeve me or should I find another surgeon?

[beautifulnewme2012 164]

I have acid reflux and take prevacid almost every day. My surgeon talked me out of lap band and recommended the sleeve due to the reflux as well as other reasons. He said the sleeve was easier on the reflux and the lap band would aggravate it significantly. I would get a second opinion...

[claudiahayden 6]

Long time reader...first time poster.....

I started researching WSL last year and was initially going to get the band' date=' but after a ton of research, I felt the sleeve was the best option for me. I am in the last phases of my journey. I'm in the sixth month so I've had my sleep study, psych eval, blood work, EKG, upper GI, etc. (which my insurance requires). I was hoping to be all set to go soon but seem to hit another road block and I thought I would being a question to you all (there seems to be a wealth of knowledge here!)

A bit if back story...at my first appointment, I told them that I did get heartburn - they ordered an upper GI. Before I had the GI, I changed my eating habbits and noticed that my heartburn almost completely went away, but kept the appointment. Lately, I only need a tums once to twice a month.

I was told that they will not do the sleeve on me becaue of the heartburn. I was a little disheartned to hear that, because I find it hard to believe that everyone that gets the sleeve has never had a day of heartburn in their life. I am doing (at their request) another GI test to see if there are any changes.

What do you all think of this? Are they really not going to sleeve me or should I find another surgeon? [/quote']

I have been on GERD meds for about 15 years due to heartburn. My surgeon is hoping the sleeve will help my GERD go away as much as possible. I too would say, get a second opinion.

[gramaof4 58]

I had heartburn daily before my sleeve...Since my sleeve I felt I might have a hint and took a prilosec immediately and waLa it never reared it's ugly head!

[lizzybeth 17]

Thank you all for the info. I think I will have the test (I believe it's the upper GI series? I am going to swallow a liquid and they will watch it by x-ray??) If they still refuse to sleeve me I will go somewhere else. They mentioned that "if we cant do the sleeve, we will recommend the bypass." I feel that the bypass is too extreeme for me so that option is out. I have the test on the 18th and follow up with the nurse at the end of the month. I'll keep you posted!

[urbandecayno5 40]

Im having my surgery on the 23rd..I dont think it matters..I have gerd and a hiatal hernia(which will be repaired)..I take 300mg of zantac a day. At the support group I go to everyone has different surgeries and 90% of them take nexium

[beautifulnewme2012 164]

Lizzy I had the same test. You are right about the procedure. The stuff you drink is chalky and kinda gross but not invasive...let us know!

[lizzybeth 17]

Well, I had the barium swallow test. They said everything was normal - no signs of GERD / heartburn. Next step is to meet with the surgeon. I have gone through the entire 6 month program with eager anticapation of getting sleeved. Why am I all of a sudden questioning my decision? Am I sure I want to do this? Will I ever be able to enjoy food again? Will I ever dine out again? Do I really want to permanently loose part of my stomach? I hope that these feelings are normal. Any advice?

[gramaof4 58]

Well, I had the barium swallow test. They said everything was normal - no signs of GERD / heartburn. Next step is to meet with the surgeon. I have gone through the entire 6 month program with eager anticapation of getting sleeved. Why am I all of a sudden questioning my decision? Am I sure I want to do this? Will I ever be able to enjoy food again? Will I ever dine out again? Do I really want to permanently loose part of my stomach? I hope that these feelings are normal. Any advice?

Oh Lizzy...It's not like that at all. I still go out with my family to restaurants and the great thing about the food is you are eating way less amounts and slower so you get to enjoy the food MORE than before....before I would gobble up the food and wish I still had another bite. Now you eat slowly and have a doggy bag to take home for your lunch or dinner, it's awesome!

I love the loss of my stomach....I love my Sleeve....I love having the grehling harmoine GONE for good!....and most of all I like the 53 lbs I have lost in the past 7 weeks the best, I'm no longer tired all the time, I enjoy exercising, my feet and back don't ache all the time, and my pants are falling down...(not liking that so much, but do like getting into a smaller pair)....

I would have this surgery 1000 X's over again....and many years earlier if I could!!!

[ebonymarc 3]

I am going through the pre operation requirements now with the Veterans Administration. Has anyone done ths surgery with the VA?