Reconsidering bypass

[kellibambam 1]

My bypass surgery is scheduled for June 11, but as it gets closer I am getting even more nervous. My preference is for the sleeve, but my surgeon recommended RNY because of my acid reflux. Does acid reflux worsen for everyone who gets the sleeve? Is it manageable with Prilosec once a day? I think I would be less anxious if I opted for the sleeve, but I’d rather not have to convert to the bypass later.

[James Marusek 5,244]

There have been several individuals on this board that had to have a revision from sleeve to gastric bypass because of severe acid reflux (GERD). It is generally recommended that if you have that condition you go with gastric bypass because sleeve will only make the condition worse.

[allwet 868]

1 hour ago, kellibambam said:

My bypass surgery is scheduled for June 11, but as it gets closer I am getting even more nervous. My preference is for the sleeve, but my surgeon recommended RNY because of my acid reflux. Does acid reflux worsen for everyone who gets the sleeve? Is it manageable with Prilosec once a day? I think I would be less anxious if I opted for the sleeve, but I’d rather not have to convert to the bypass later.

My first reaction is to always go with the surgeon. But and of course there is a But.

This weight loss process you are about to start is very much a mental game post op and you need to be completely behind the process you are about to undertake. Please try to research the acid reflux issue and come to terms with your choices. The time post op will be easier if you are not constantly thinking about what you could have or should have done.

good luck

[Darin'Sharon 19]

I have had acid reflux for years. My surgeon didnt tell me until after the procedure that the sleeve can make it worse. Immediately post-op, the first night, I had reflux so bad I could not lie down and had to be medicated several times. I was so scared that something was wrong. The surgeon came in the next day and said that the sleeve can make it worse, but a lot of times the weight loss alone makes it better. I went back to my regular dose of nexium and haven't had anymore issues. In fact, some days I forget to take it and that never happened before surgery. I am now 18 days post op and feeling pretty darn good. If he had told me before that it might get worse, I might have chickened out. So, on the one hand I felt like that was information I needed, and on the other I'm glad it worked out this way. Good luck to you!

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[Beautiful Diamonds 59]

Having gastric bypass surgery was the best decision I made for myself and my acid reflux. I'm nine months post-op also I have lost over a 100 pounds plus the gerd is no longer..

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[Rae5148 28]

I’m curious why you don’t want the bypass? I was set on sleeve and saw about the reflux issue. I asked my surgeon and he told me that the bypass was out and I had to be sleeved. I spent a year waking up throwing up acid and I’m horrific pain. When I finally sought out a new surgeon and got converted to bypass it was the best day of my life. I woke up and acid was gone, I’m off all gerd meds and can sleep laying down again.

I saw no difference in recovery or prep for sleeve and bypass. I would listen to your surgeon, the last thing you want to do is have to start all over a year later

[Biddy zz 🏳️🌈 1,004]

Hi @kellibambam

I too wondered why the bypass makes you more anxious. I was worried about the dumping - I do get it but it just keeps me pretty well away from sweets! It is known to be better if you get reflux - I love my bypass and struggle to see a downside!

[kellibambam 1]

I've been on board with the bypass for months, and I think I'm just questioning it since it's coming up so quickly. My hesitation mostly has to do with the increased risk of malnutrition and losing my hair. Plus, I'm a bit concerned about pooping after? LOL those might be silly concerns, but it's what I've been thinking about lately.

[FancyChristine15 810]

I have been taking 1 Prevacid a day for years. I got the sleeve done 8 weeks ago, and, so far, I haven't had any issues with my acid reflux. I've been taking the same antacids as before.

[Biddy zz 🏳️🌈 1,004]

5 hours ago, kellibambam said:

I've been on board with the bypass for months, and I think I'm just questioning it since it's coming up so quickly. My hesitation mostly has to do with the increased risk of malnutrition and losing my hair. Plus, I'm a bit concerned about pooping after? LOL those might be silly concerns, but it's what I've been thinking about lately.

No worries are silly - hang around here a while and you’ll find some doozies, but it is SO good to tap into other people’s lived experiences.

Malnutrition - follow your plan. Seldom happens unless something goes wrong - and then there are options. Vitamins for life - but if that is the price of also having collarbones for life, I’m in!! And - I have t lost any hair, but I know some do - a casualty of large weight loss. But it comes back and - do it right and the tummy doesn’t!

You might be able to tell - I LOVE my bypass. Wish I had done it at 25, not waited til I was 55.

Good luck, stay calm. Nerves is normal when you are about to change your life...

[BostonWLKC 807]

If you have reflux at all you really should listen to Dr and do bypass. So many people end up having a second surgery after sleeve to get bypass due to increased reflux.

As for bypass—- love mine. Zero issues and the only thing I can see as big difference is taking Vitamins
Easy recovery for me- no issues other than gas first few days and then some foamies for like a week when I ate or drank too fast

[Ldyvenus 317]

I've never had reflux issues in my life. If I miss one day of my reflux meds post sleeve, it's terrible pain. I am considering getting a revision. I've got a scope scheduled next month. If I could do it all over again, I would have gone straight to bypass.

[Frustr8 7,886]

I have horrid GERD,my Dexilant tamed,it down but it's always wziting,in the wings so it's the RnY for me, no quibbling.😋

[S@ssen@ch 745]

Had GERD off and on most of my adult life. As surgery approached, it was clear that the GERD was situational. Like if I ate a lot of bread or ate a very large meal.
A friend of mine was sleeved with Barrets esophagus from lap band. Had no GERD after sleeve, so I took a chance. I got a little heartburn when I transitioned to puree food. Started Nexium. Heartburn gone and my recovery seemed to accelerate. Feeling good today. Feeling normal!

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[mylighthouse 782]

Had mild to sometimes moderate acid reflux before sleeve, which was on 11/14/16. Started having bad probs around Jan of this year, so over a year post sleeve. Five day hospital stay in Feb, endoscopy, scarring and erosions found....was very dehydrated when I went in, was having trouble w/ appetite, swallowing, food getting "stuck" and horrible pain.

I have been on Protonix since sleeve...it doesn't help at all anymore.

Here I am now, after another endoscopy and barium swallow test, which confirmed a nice sized hiatal hernia and GERD. Been on thin pureed Soups for months.

Going for scheduling of gastric bypass revision next week. Why has it taken so long to get something done? Well, for me, already have major nerve pain/scar tissue issues and think my surgeon didn't want to do another abdominal surgery (5 in 3 yrs is enough).

Everyone is different, but please, if you have acid reflux issues now, SERIOUSLY consider going for the bypass! I was dead against it, now I wish I had done it and not the sleeve.