GERD after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

[DDN 58]

Hello everyone--

I am trying to make a decision between having the Gastric Sleeve or the Gastric Bypass (RYN). My Doc is steering me in the direction of the bypass because of my issues with GERD/Acid Reflux. However, he is leaving it up to me and has recommended that I complete thorough research in an effort to make an informed decision.

Any of you sleevers experience a greater sensation of GERD after surgery? If so, how is it being controlled? My wife and I prefer the sleeve over the bypass.

[Babbs 14,681]

I had GERD before surgery, knew it may get worse and chose to go forward with the sleeve. Not gonna lie, it was a total pain in the butt early out. I was regurgitating everything I ate and drank the first 6 weeks out, so was kept on liquids for 6 weeks.

Now at 16 months out, it's minimal. I still take a PPI everyday, and will pop a chewable tums every now and then for occasional (once or twice a month) heartburn, but it's manageable. Very happy with the sleeve!

[DDN 58]

I had GERD before surgery, knew it may get worse and chose to go forward with the sleeve. Not gonna lie, it was a total pain in the butt early out. I was regurgitating everything I ate and drank the first 6 weeks out, so was kept on liquids for 6 weeks.

Now at 16 months out, it's minimal. I still take a PPI everyday, and will pop a chewable tums every now and then for occasional (once or twice a month) heartburn, but it's manageable. Very happy with the sleeve!

Baabs,

Thanks for responding. The more research I do, I'm thinking it's going to be best if I have the RNY. I watched the GERD go haywire across the monitor while on the table drinking some thick liquid and having the UGI performed (and this was after not eating or drinking anything for 24 hours). The technician actually mentioned that my case was pretty bad and if he were me, he would take the Doc's advice, especially if I were looking to be relieved of the meds for GERD as well as other meds to help treat other issues. I'm just really concerned about not being able to take any NSAIDs after surgery--hopefully the anticipated weight-loss will help to alleviate the need for them when desiring to limit pain associated with arthritis developed after two knee surgeries or when desiring to rush the cure of a cold or the flu.

[Ryan TN 348]

I had acid reflux before surgery, took prilosec daily. My surgeon never discussed doing anything other than the sleeve. I've had zero problems, now 7 weeks postop. My surgeon mentioned before surgery that i probably had a hiatal hernia with my history of acid reflux and he would repair that while he was in there, which i did have one and he repaired it. I still take prilosec, but no problems at all with reflux.

[DDN 58]

I had acid reflux before surgery, took prilosec daily. My surgeon never discussed doing anything other than the sleeve. I've had zero problems, now 7 weeks postop. My surgeon mentioned before surgery that i probably had a hiatal hernia with my history of acid reflux and he would repair that while he was in there, which i did have one and he repaired it. I still take prilosec, but no problems at all with reflux.

Thanks @Ryan TN! I will definitely revisit my options with my surgeon. I've been on Nexium for 10+ years and it's very possible that I have a hernia as well.

[stacyg1 136]

Yes. I'm 17 months post surgery and having problems with GERD I didn't have any problems before surgery. I'm taking protonix 40mg in the morning before Breakfast, omeprazole 40 mg before dinner and Zantac 150 mg before bed. I have pressure from the acid 5-6 times a week and regurgitation 2-3 times a week. Even with my acid issues I wouldn't change a thing about my surgery

[DDN 58]

@@stacyg1 Thanks so much for your honesty. My Doc has a few patients who are willing to speak with me about their GERD issues after having the sleeve...he is that serious about trying to help me make the right decision. I will discuss with him further, but I'm thinking the RNY is the best option for me. Thanks again.

[NTL44 43]

I had GERD before the surgery, I had the surgery about two years ago and hardly have issues with it since.

[DDN 58]

Thank you @@NTL44! I received a call from the surgeon and his coordinator last night, they are catching up after being off for the holidays, and I made my decision after the UGI results confirmed a hiatal hernia. I decided on the RNY and I'm scheduled for February 8th. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. Thanks again for the response...it confirms that I am making the right decision.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

Prior to surgery I didn't have any issues with GERD. About 8 months post op I began to develop heartburn and acid reflux. I take 20 mg of Prilosec a day with the occasional Zantac. My reflux is horrible if I eat and try to lay down and sleep. I will have acid come up and I will wake up choking. I just don't eat about two hours before sleep and I am ok. However, definitely developed these problems post sleeve.

[DDN 58]

Prior to surgery I didn't have any issues with GERD. About 8 months post op I began to develop heartburn and acid reflux. I take 20 mg of Prilosec a day with the occasional Zantac. My reflux is horrible if I eat and try to lay down and sleep. I will have acid come up and I will wake up choking. I just don't eat about two hours before sleep and I am ok. However, definitely developed these problems post sleeve.

Yep...I was warned that that would happen to me. My Doc was going to leave it totally up to me, but informed how uncomfortable I would be and the possibility of issues with the sleeve. Thus my decision for going with the RNY. I pray you get some relief soon.

[Fine_As_Wine 1]

No problems here post surgery...I had acid reflux really bad prior to, but my surgeon repaired my hiatal hernia and I have had zero problems.

[DDN 58]

No problems here post surgery...I had acid reflux really bad prior to, but my surgeon repaired my hiatal hernia and I have had zero problems.

Thats awesome. Were you sleeved?

[Fine_As_Wine 1]

Yes

[cindyw41 761]

No problems here post surgery...I had acid reflux really bad prior to, but my surgeon repaired my hiatal hernia and I have had zero problems.

This is refreshing to read. I have a HH. They are repairing my hernia at the same time as my sleeve. Praying for relief. My surgeon did warn me that it could get worse and revision to a bypass may be in my future.

Edited December 28, 2015 by cindyw41