Achalasia

[grace234 1]

Well, my doctor now wants me to have a revision to RNY. I suffer from borderline achalasia. Luckily the lower part of my esophagus opens and closes correctly so I can have the surgery. If I had a full blown achalasia situation he couldn't do any surgery. I cannot have the vertical sleeve because of this though. I basically suffer from horrible acid reflux because my esophagus spasms really bad. I tried everything with the band and went in for fills every 3 weeks because he had trouble filling (under fluoroscopy) because my esophagus would not hold still. He has stated the band has failed. I am five years out. It's a long story as to why this was not caught earlier but suffice it to say in the last year I have been very regimented with the band and it will not work for me. I am truthfully scared about the RNY but I just cannot get the weight off. I have the realize band and my doctor won't even use the realize band anymore.

Anyone else deal with this issue? It is depressing. I had the band put in when it was all the rage and I should have thought about the fact that it didn't have enough statistics. I feel stupid but I also feel misled. This was never a side effect my original surgeon said could happen. And I don't know if the band caused the problem or if it was always there. But if it was always there, why didn't he catch it during the barium swallow? I am just bummed out. I absolutely detest this band. A friend of mine had a band placed two days after I had surgery and she lost a ton of weight and is doing great. I so wanted it to work. Now I just want it out. I hope that even if I cannot have RNY they can remove the band. I am worried it will erode or slip next.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Grace, I'm sorry you are having such issues. Who knows why something works for one person and not for another, or why some people have medical problems and others do not.

I can't speak for your surgeon's or doctors as to why they did not catch this issue before your band surgery, but the good news is that you have caught it now and you have a band that can now be removed and you may be eligible to have a revision surgery. You would not be able to do that with either of the other weight loss surgery options.

Try not to be afraid, let hope dissolve your fears for you as you move forward to have this situation corrected and into a new journey with RNY.

Check out the forums there and ask many questions, and seek support for your upcoming surgery. I think you will find that you are not alone.

Best of luck to you! Check in when your all done and let us know how your doing.

[Bandista 7,466]

Best wishes to you! It sounds like you are in good hands and that you're committed to your healthy future whatever it takes. You can do this!

[SecretBander 79]

Is RnY gastric bypass?