Unsure of what to do...

[Jaimianna79 18]

So I'm scheduled for my sleeve on Monday. However, during my scope for gastro clearance, they discovered that I have a very early stage of Barrett's at the junction between my stomach and esophagus. So...he gave me a choice of whether I want to have a full bypass, which will preserve my stomach in case I need it in the future and will resolve any issues with acid. He said he can still do the sleeve, but there are no long term studies yet on what the impact is with Barrett's. I don't know what to do. Sigh.

Is there anyone here who hasn't had major acid reflux issues after the sleeve? Or anyone who had issues improve with time?

[JamieLogical 8,708]

Most people who have acid issues only see them get worse post-sleeve, not better. I had weight-related acid reflux and heartburn before my surgery that caused me to just take Zantac or Gaviscon as needed. In the past, it had always gone away once my weight got below a certain point. Post-op, I am well below that "certain weight" and my acid is still a constant issue, causing me to have to take 20mg omeprazole twice per day to keep it in check. I have accepted that I will likely need to be on a PPI forever at this point.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I have been on Omeporozole for years, and have a small hiatal hernia that the surgeon said was too small to fool with. I had a sleeve fifteen months ago. The reflux issue is resolved as long I keep taking my Omeprozole. The only time I have a problem with reflux is if take a hydrocodone for orthopedic issues, or I overfeed Miss Tummy - then she makes me miserable for a least four hours.

[knjay1205 3]

My mom has had Barretts her whole life. She went years with it being untreated. It's a harsh disease. Good luck with what lever decision you make

[Jaimianna79 18]

I honestly may have said ok to the full bypass, but that means resubmitting for a whole new procedure to insurance. I've also only had issues with acid reflux (that I've noticed) at higher weights...and I've always had bad habits with eating and then going to sleep. I'm terribly frightened of the idea of a bypass though. The sleeve seems so much safer.

[Jaimianna79 18]

My mom has had Barretts her whole life. She went years with it being untreated. It's a harsh disease. Good luck with what lever decision you make

What complications has she had from her Barrett's? Mine is very mild. I'm just afraid of making it worse. Obviously, being overweight helped to develop it to begin with. I'm just terrified that the acid reflux is going to be horrible after the sleeve, making it worse.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I think they are both fairly safe. I am sleeved and quite happy with it, but I've seen some really horrid tales of folks dealing with out of control acid post op. I only had a minor issue with it and have been off omeprazole since month 5. My doctor is a bit conservative. I was started on 20 mgs omeprazole day 1 in the hospital. Around 6 weeks when I switch to normal food as tolerated I noticed I was having a little issue with acid. The doctor increased my dosage to 40mgs at my 3 mth follow up. Like I said that only lasted a short while and I have been off it since month 5.

[knjay1205 3]

My mom has had Barretts her whole life. She went years with it being untreated. It's a harsh disease. Good luck with what lever decision you make

What complications has she had from her Barrett's? Mine is very mild. I'm just afraid of making it worse. Obviously, being overweight helped to develop it to begin with. I'm just terrified that the acid reflux is going to be horrible after the sleeve, making it worse.

My mom's went mostly untreated for years. And when it was treated it was not adequate. She would vomit up her food every night. pills and food would get stuck in her throat quite often. After years (she's 74) she was diagnosed with throat cancer :/

[Jaimianna79 18]

Sigh...I called the bariatric center to ask them about requesting a change of procedure. I'm hoping it doesn't delay things...I was so ready for Monday. And I'm terrified of the bypass, although I know that the RNY will likely solve the acid issues completely.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I was one of those folks that was supposed to have the sleeve but had reflux/Gerd. At the recommendation of my surgeon and gastroenterologist, I went with the bypass. I have not had a single bout of reflux or heartburn and I do not have to take meds since the first week.

I am so very happy that they made that recommendation!

I have seen so many folks on both this site and support groups who end up having to have a revision to bypass because their reflux really gets out of control. It might be worth a bit of an extra wait.

So sorry that they just figured it out now.

[Jaimianna79 18]

Thank you so much for your input, everyone! So...after consulting with the surgeons, I've decided to go with the sleeve initially. Perhaps the weight loss alone will improve the acid reflux. My Barrett's will be closely monitored with regular scopes. IF - worst case scenario, i do experience worsening acid, I can be converted to the RNY. I'm comfortable with the sleeve for now...and having it revised in the future might even be an added bonus if I end up one of those people who have severe hunger return after a year or two. So - I pack my bags tonight and have my surgery in the morning!!! :-D

[Brigiter 40]

Let us know how your surgery went!!! I have reflux to due to my Lapband and I'm going for the sleeve

[Jaimianna79 18]

It went very well! So far a very pleasant experience. Thirsty as heck though. I can't drink until after they check for leaks tomorrow. I just have those sponges to wet my mouth. Other than that, no pain other than the gas in the upper chest and shoulder, but on a dilaudid pump. Everyone at this hospital has been so supportive! The patient advocate was just sleeved January 5, he's 87lbs thinner. He brought me in pictures of himself. He's thin...I would never have guessed he had one! He brought me a birthday card and happy birthday balloon for my new beginning <3

[Jaimianna79 18]

Good luck with your band to sleeve! I'm sure everything will go smoothly and you'll have much better results. I hope both of our refluxes improve! Let me know how yours goes!!

[JamieLogical 8,708]

@@Jaimianna79 Glad to hear everything went well! Focus on getting better and being patient. It'll be rough in the beginning, but it WILL get better, so remember that if/when you are struggling.