Achalasia Dx, am I a candidate for revision to sleeve?

[Baba Wawa 543]

Yesterday, I was Dx with achalasia (failure of the LES to open in response to swallowing). My surgeon is reluctant to recommend revision to sleeve as a result. Has anyone here revised with this condition and had a good outcome?

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I don't know that condition, but I would look for a second opinion from a respected/experienced bariatric surgeon.

The first 6-8 months post op I occasionally had that feeling like I couldn't swallow. I had never heard about it as a side effect, but my surgeon screened for it so it must be. Good news it is gone now but I would worry about this over the long haul if you already have problems.

[Baba Wawa 543]

Update: my achalasia was caused by my lapband, which was removed 6/7/13 in a 3 hour surgery. I had a tremendous amount of scar tissue. My hiatal hernia repair could not be taken down. I'm not a candidate for revision. I'm doing well and am maintaining my 100 lb weight loss. I no longer have food getting stuck in the esophagus and ALL my symptoms have resolved!

[Klittle427 0]

What did you decide to do? Did you get the sleeve? how are you doing now?

[MarinaGirl 609]

Have you considered gastric bypass? Does your surgeon think that would be a better option than a sleeve, which has a high incidence of acid reflux? I would think doctors would want to minimize GERD in achalasia patients.

[Klittle427 0]

That is exactly what the surgeon said yesterday but i don't think i want the bypass - Vitamin deficiency Hair loss etc. i just had the sleeve in december... do you have any experience with achalasia? i'm starving!! lol

[MarinaGirl 609]

24 minutes ago, Klittle427 said:

That is exactly what the surgeon said yesterday but i don't think i want the bypass - Vitamin deficiency hair loss etc. i just had the sleeve in december... do you have any experience with achalasia? i'm starving!! lol

FYI - Hair loss and Vitamin deficiencies can also happen in sleeve patients.