Bad News

sophrosyne · February 28, 2007

Just had my first appt w/the surgeon. He thinks the lap-band will exacerbate my GERD, and wants to do the Bypass. He's referring me to a GI specialist for a work-up, to see what shape my esophagus/stomach are in, but he's pretty against the Lap-Band and for the Bypass. So I guess I'll have to see what the GI guy says.

ReneBean · February 28, 2007

Sorry, Soph.

Get a second opinion - but it may be best for you to get a different option with GERD.

Talk to at least one other doc - and check out all the varieties available besides the band.

Hugs!

sherilynn · February 28, 2007

I'm sorry to be so ignorant :embarassed: ...but can someone please explain to me what GERD is? I was under the assumption it was a sort of reflux, but I think I may be wrong.

Anyone?

sophrosyne · February 28, 2007

Gastro-Ephageal Reflux Disorder.

In other words, really bad heartburn.

If left untreated, it can lead to Barrett's, which means the lining of your esophagus has mutated and into stomach cell lining to deal with the acid.

It can also lead to esophageal or stomach cancer.

Another side effect is GERD-induced asthma. The acid from your stomach actually travels into your lungs and scars the brachial tubes.

You can wake up coughing, throwing up, or feeling like you're drowning. Not pleasant.

It completely went away for a year after I had my baby, but now it's back. Although I have no idea why.

Surby · February 28, 2007

My HORRIBLE GERD miraculously disappeared after lap band........ probably has a lot to do with the fact that the doc repaired a hiatal hernia and then there's the weight loss itself. It has been WONDERFUL!

ralheit · February 28, 2007

Definately get another opinion. I had really bad reflux disease for years. Since the band, I'm off my medication and haven't had any recurrence.

Tulip · February 28, 2007

I had GERD myself, and woke up most nights coughing. I could feel the acid in my throat. After an endoscopy my gastroenterologist recommended me for lap band because she believes the weight loss will cause the GERD to improve.

She was right. I have not had an episode of GERD in over 3 weeks. My lap band was on January 8, 2007 and I can tell a big difference already.

You really should try to get a second opinion from a different surgeon.

Terry

enterprise01 · February 28, 2007

I had GERD myself, and woke up most nights coughing. I could feel the acid in my throat. After an endoscopy my gastroenterologist recommended me for lap band because she believes the weight loss will cause the GERD to improve.
She was right. I have not had an episode of GERD in over 3 weeks. My lap band was on January 8, 2007 and I can tell a big difference already.

You really should try to get a second opinion from a different surgeon.

Terry

Yes, get a second opinion. Like Terry, I had really awful reflux and it was almost constant. I took Prilosec OTC and 4 extra strength Zantac every day to keep it under control. Since being banded, I'm off medication and have not had a single episode of even mild heartburn.

gigi8 · March 1, 2007

Just had my first appt w/the surgeon. He thinks the lap-band will exacerbate my GERD, and wants to do the Bypass. He's referring me to a GI specialist for a work-up, to see what shape my esophagus/stomach are in, but he's pretty against the Lap-Band and for the Bypass. So I guess I'll have to see what the GI guy says.

Definetly get another opinion. I know of 2 people personally who had GERD real bad and it disappeared after getting banded. You need to do some research and do what is best for you. Take care and best of luck! Gigi:)

annieM · March 1, 2007

Don't do a bypass with GERD!!!!!!!

My DH had GERD before his bypass and even now that he has lost all his weight his GERD is much WORSE!!! The bypass makes the stomach smaller in addition to re-plumbing the small intestine. He wakes up coughing almost every night (not great for my sleep either) and already has Barretts. I have GERD too and it is much better since the band. (don't even get me started on how horrible the bypass is, and all the LIFELONG complications including not being able to absorb fat soluble Vitamins and the horrible smells...arg)

sherilynn · March 1, 2007

Gastro-Ephageal Reflux Disorder.
In other words, really bad heartburn.

If left untreated, it can lead to Barrett's, which means the lining of your esophagus has mutated and into stomach cell lining to deal with the acid.

It can also lead to esophageal or stomach cancer.

Another side effect is GERD-induced asthma. The acid from your stomach actually travels into your lungs and scars the brachial tubes.

You can wake up coughing, throwing up, or feeling like you're drowning. Not pleasant.

It completely went away for a year after I had my baby, but now it's back. Although I have no idea why.

Wow, thank you for the explanation. I had no idea how horrible of a 'problem/disease' this is for folks! I wish you all well!

FurEllie · March 1, 2007

I have read that the lapband can actually improve GERD. I think Dr. Ortiz's book says that.

BTW, Tulip - is that your pug? I'm a proud (crazy?) owner of 4 of the little buggers

sophrosyne · March 1, 2007

I'm going to see the GI Specialist and see if I can do the band. The surgeon is worried that there's too much esophageal scarring and the band will worsen things. Although, he'll do the band if I insist on it.

If the GI guy says I can't do the band, I guess it's back to Atkins for me. It seems pointless to get a band surgery that will need to be reversed, and I'm really unhappy about the idea of a bypass.

Although, I've talked to other patients, and they say that, while he's an excellent bariatric surgeon, he is a bit bypass-happy. So maybe insisting on the band is the way to go.

Sigh.