Acid Reflux

[Grit&Grace68 0]

Is bypass the only option if you have acid reflux?

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[catwoman7 11,223]

no - you can get either surgery. But sleeve can sometimes make it worse (it doesn't happen to everyone - and some people have even said theirs got better, but it's something like a 30% chance that it could get worse).

Bypass, on the other hand, often improves if not outright cures reflux.

I had reflux before my surgery, and I didn't want to take the risk. But some people are OK with that risk - and again, there's a 70% chance it WON'T make it worse. So it comes down to how comfortable you are with the risk.

[Grit&Grace68 0]

no - you can get either surgery. But sleeve can sometimes make it worse (it doesn't happen to everyone - and some people have even said theirs got better, but it's something like a 30% chance that it could get worse).
Bypass, on the other hand, often improves if not outright cures reflux.
I had reflux before my surgery, and I didn't want to take the risk. But some people are OK with that risk - and again, there's a 70% chance it WON'T make it worse. So it comes down to how comfortable you are with the risk.

But if it gets worse I would need a revision to bypass correct? I don't want to have 2 surgeries.

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[Arabesque 7,468]

1 hour ago, Grit&Grace68 said:

But if it gets worse I would need a revision to bypass correct? I don't want to have 2 surgeries.

Yes. A revision to bypass is what usually occurs if your reflux worsens. In most situations your surgeon will advise against a sleeve if you have existing reflux/gerd.

I had reflux but I’d managed it for many years with dietary choices. I usually only needed to take meds maybe <5 times a year. This was why my surgeon decided a sleeve would be ok. I still have reflux but it manifests differently & I do have to take a PPI every day.

PS - I think those whose reflux improves after a sleeve is because of dietary changes & the weight loss. It’s not common though.

[Grit&Grace68 0]

Yes. A revision to bypass is what usually occurs if your reflux worsens. In most situations your surgeon will advise against a sleeve if you have existing reflux/gerd.
I had reflux but I’d managed it for many years with dietary choices. I usually only needed to take meds maybe <5 times a year. This was why my surgeon decided a sleeve would be ok. I still have reflux but it manifests differently & I do have to take a PPI every day.
PS - I think those whose reflux improves after a sleeve is because of dietary changes & the weight loss. It’s not common though.

I manage mine with Omeprazole daily with no issues, so it's controlled with medication. Is that helpful with going through with the sleeve? Thank you for your reply.

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[Spinoza 1,467]

I was in a similar situation as you before my sleeve OP. However - I KNEW that previously when I had lost a lot of weight my reflux had all but disappeared. I really didn't want a bypass so I decided to take the risk of 2 procedures and have the sleeve.

It worked out as I had hoped - I lost a lot of weight and that cured my reflux. However, I totally accepted that it might have gone the other way. My surgeon didn't offer me any certainty or promise me anything - it was me who decided in the end. I hope this helps a bit and best of luck to you.

[Arabesque 7,468]

15 hours ago, Grit&Grace68 said:

I manage mine with Omeprazole daily with no issues, so it's controlled with medication. Is that helpful with going through with the sleeve? Thank you for your reply.

You can’t predict what will happen so it would best to discuss this with your surgeon. My thoughts would be if your reflux is significant enough that you already have to manage it with daily meds that sleeve would not be best for you. It’s not common for the surgery to reduce your reflux unless you are one of the lucky ones like @Spinoza. It’s more likely it will get worse not better. Ask your surgeon to review your case & history & make a recommendation for your situation.

Edited February 27, 2023 by Arabesque