GERD vs Sleeve

[itsmekarenlee 129]

I have read so many posts about people getting the sleeve and many having to do a revision to bypass because of GERD. From what I understand and what my surgeon said (I had originally though about getting the sleeve but he quickly recommended a bypass because of my GERD so that's what I'll be getting without a doubt!) if you have GERD before surgery it may not take it away after getting the Sleeve, and it could even be worse after. I just talked to a friend of mine who is wanting a Sleeve and also has GERD but didn't know that.

I know there are probably some who had GERD before their Sleeve and now don't but I wonder what the percentage is of those who got the Sleeve with GERD and still had it after, if not worse, and also had to get a revision because of it. And especially why Doctors aren't advising their patients of this.

Did your Dr advise you of this too?

I just wanted other people to be aware of this in case their Dr didn't tell them

Edited May 30, 2014 by itsmekarenlee

[marfar7 1,533]

Well, my pre op sleeve GERD was caused by my slipped lapband, so not sure my dr even thought ongoing reflux would ever be a problem with my sleeve.

And while post op, it's much, much better - it's still there. Not sure if it's caused by the sleeve or just damage from my band. Not sure if the RNY would helped me if it's actually caused by damage. I wouldn't even think of having a 3rd surgery. My reflux is manageable. I take 40mg of Rx Prilosec 2x a day, OTC Zantac, and chew Tums as needed (usually 2x a week or so in the middle of the nite). There's no way I would go thru another surgery if popping a few pills makes it bearable...

Good luck!

[Cupcake 801]

Yes my doctor advise me and because I only wanted to gave one serious surgery I went with the bypass, gerd is awful to have and I didn't want to risk it las well as have my insurance not approve a second surgery since it is so expensive. This is why all the required test are vital in making the best choice to be healthy. Good luck. I don't regret my decision at all especially with health care changing every year I wasn't taking any chances.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I started with the lap band in 2008 which is how the GERD started. I revised to the Sleeve in 2010 thinking it would help, not knowing back then it would get worse. It has progressively gotten so bad over the years my reflux is out of control. I take tons of medications and now including cough pills, syrups, drops, I regurgitate in my sleep... etc.

My insurance has just recently approved me for another revision to the Rny Gastric Bypass (thank GOD). I do try to put the word out not to take that chance, who wants to be revised so many times? It's either revision for me or future Barrett's or esophageal cancer. Guess which one I chose?