My doctor doesn't want me to have the sleeve :(

[AutumnPunkin 313]

So I had my consultation with my bariatric surgeon yesterday, and he wants me to get gastric bypass. His reasoning is that the sleeve doesn't help gerd which I have and in fact makes it worse. I am terrified if bypass, yet I have prepared for 2 years for the sleeve. I feel so disappointed. I understand his reasoning, but i am still terrified.

[ChaoticBliss 113]

There are so many success stories with gastric bypass. My sister in law had hers 14 years ago and is happy and healthy today. It requires a shift in thinking, especially after years of gearing up for the sleeve. But if you trust your doctor, you should certainly consider it. If not, get a second opinion. Either way you are in control. It just may take a little while to wrap your head around it.

[scootergirl 118]

Is there any chance of asking a different surgeon for a second opinion? It is clear from this site that there are as many different opinions and philosophies about sleeve surgery as there are physicians doing it.

[donamay 13]

I have a close friend who is having the bypass for the same reason. I believe you will find another surgeon will have same opinion. Have you had an endoscopy yet?

[Recycled 2,182]

For every doctor that touts the virtues of a procedure, I can find three that will refute it. And that goes for research data as well. Get a couple of opinions and make your best decision on what YOU think is best for you and you're most comfortable going thru. (Going thru as in; Both the surgery and the post surgical adjustments)

[buplee 556]

The choice is ultimately yours to make. I have a fairly bad case of gerd which is being managed with nexium. The bypass comes with some issues and challenges as well.

[LisaDM 194]

My surgeon mentioned that bypass is the better option for those with GERD, but didn't push. I am not thrilled about the thought of re-routing my digestive track so I like the idea of the sleeve much more. My surgeon did say that if my reflux gets uncontrollable/intolerable, the only solution is to revise to bypass. I will go in knowing that revision to bypass is a possibility for me, but hope for the best.

[suejersey 263]

I don't have GERD but I will say that I never had problems with heart burn or acid more than 3 or 4 times in my 46 years and I have had it probably 5 or 6 times since my sleeve October 2012. Certainly managing for me, but without any history. So, just for what it's worth.

[JessicaAnn 564]

I've battled with ulcers and GERD for well over 10 years. I've been on cocktails of meds, tons of endoscopes, specialists, hospitals, etc. I decided to go its the sleeve because I knew it was better to not re route my system, and I have a family member whose had grey success with the sleeve. My surgeon warned me that the GERD could continue, if not get worse. I was ok with it, I mean I've endured it for so long so I was used to it. Let me tell you, from the second I woke up in recovery, I have not had one single episode of heartburn, pain, or reflux!! It's been amazing!! Besides my weight loss, ip the sleeve has given me relief from all of the pain and stomach issues I've had since childhood!

Not saying this is always the case, but this is my story good luck!

[jessicaanders29 17]

My surgeon also suggested bypass for me because of GERD and I am taking the gamble with the sleeve. I've heard it can get worse, it can get better and it can stay the same. My issues are completely weight related, I virtually have none when at a healthier weight. I've managed it thus far and if it does come to worst case scenario I guess I'd think of revising to the bypass. My surgeon is doing the procedure I've decided on, you should still be able to use the surgeon you want regardless of what he/she recommends. Good luck to us all!!

[AshleyMidwife 189]

Get a second opinion!! Both of these procedures are major surgery and PERMANENT. Get as much information as you can and then make an informed decision. In the end, this is your body, you are in charge of what happens to it. So be educated and make the best decision for you. Good luck!

[sherri scheffler 10]

So I had my consultation with my bariatric surgeon yesterday' date=' and he wants me to get gastric bypass. His reasoning is that the sleeve doesn't help gerd which I have and in fact makes it worse. I am terrified if bypass, yet I have prepared for 2 years for the sleeve. I feel so disappointed. I understand his reasoning, but i am still terrified.[/quote']

I switched to the bypass for same reason & no problems & 6weeks post op currently.

[kdnhk 3]

I had Gerd and a hiatal hernia. Decided to go with sleeve anyway. Have not had 1 day or problem with acid reflux since surgery.

Go with what you think best.

[SerendipityHappens 1,594]

Since being sleeved (actually since I began my preparation for the sleeve and changed my diet)I only had to take one month of acid reducer and then about two months later I did one 14 day course of omeprezole. I am happily living reflux-free now! I credit dietary changes, loser fitting clothing and weight loss.... Pre-sleeve I had very bad reflux with episodes that would wake me in the night at least four times a week. The biggest changer for me was getting rid of wheat products which were the primary culprit causing my reflux.

Also, if you have gerd/reflux many doctors will use a larger bougie which seems to help. I had a small bougie though since I lost weight and changed my diet PRIOR to being sleeved, my reflux was not an issue at the time of being sleeved.

[AutumnPunkin 313]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I will be going ahead with the bypass. I am slowly coming around to the idea. My GERD is quite severe, and no acid medication has alleviated my pain. I just received my date for Halloween and am so excited! I still have more research to do, but things are going great. Thank you all again, you made some great valid points!