Was diagnosed a couple of years ago with Barretts esophagus caused by severe reflux.  Has anyone with this had WLS?  Was considering the sleeve but seems there can be some reflux probs with that.  Any info would be very welcome!
Thanks,
Kathy

You probably don't want a Sleeve, then. The RNY is to go-to WLS for acid reflux problems, but of course it has some problems of its own.

8 years ago when I was researching, no one was talking about the Sleeve as a stand-alone WLS. The Sleeve is the stomach portion of the DS, but no one was talking about acid reflux problems post-DS---probably because most surgeons made the stomach a bit larger than they're doing them these days. No one talked about strictures in the DS, either, until the trend toward smaller stomachs started.

My DS completely cured my acid reflux, but I have the older, larger-sized stomach. Have you considered the DS for yourself? The intestinal bypass balances out the larger stomach capacity, and might be a better option for you.

You Rang!  Have had barrettes for over 20 years, I get a edo every year to check it out, although it hasn't changed in 15 years since I had a Nisan fundiplaction, Which totally cured the reflux instantly, 
 About wls, the sleeve is a cause of reflux,  several doctors in NYC, were very reluctant to do my DS because of it.  post fundi,  Once you have a wls be it rny or sleeve you cannot have the fundi.  the fundi is where they make the pouch, or it is removed in the sleeve.  
  Dr Gagner rx the special sleeve under the fundi, which, no other doctor would do in NY.  Partly because I suspect they want to do everything laproscopic.
 Dr Antone in Omaha had no problem doing me. and i am totally reflux , barrettes free. and my DS is working perfectly. 
  the  max benefit of the sleeve wore off after 18 months, and the DS is seeing me through,  i suggest going all the was, visit DSFACTs.com

Thanks for the info!  Looks like I have a lot of research and thinking to do.

Kat I have noticed that a lot of bandsters get it after banding. Many develope reflux and esophageal problems post-band, so I would think that if for that reason only, you would want to avoid the band.

Good luck!

Yup I had it - and I don't any more!  I had acid reflux so bad before WLS that I would wake up several times during the night - choking and gasping for air.  I couldn't drink a glass of water on an empty stomach without problems!

Now, thank goodness, that issue is just a memory (knock wood!).

Sandie

Sandie,
Thank you so much for the info!  I was really beginning to think I wouldn't be able to have WLS at all.  Looks like the RNY is going to be the best route for me...the sleeve just seems to have too many problems with reflux.

May I ask, how long ago was your surgery and how have you been doing?

Thanks again....you've made me feel so much better!
Kathy

Hi Kathy

I will be 4 years out next month - wow!  I am awesome.  I have had some bumps in the road along the way.  But in the long run - nothing too major.

I am so happy to be done with acid reflex!  I was taking 60 mgs of Prevacid a day - and heaven help me if I missed a dose - there was hell to pay.  I woke up from surgery and immediately needed NO Prevacid! 

BUT as a person who's not really new to this - my biggest recommendation is to make the commitment to take your supplements - with the RNY, supplements are for life!  If you have any questions - please feel free to PM me anytime!

Good luck with your decision - Sandie

My brother has B.E.  Because of it, his ENT said he could not have any WLS including RNY.  He also saw a WLS that confirmed that for him.  I am not saying that is always the case.  Just my brother's experience.  I wish you the best!

YOUR ENT is wrong, I see the specialist at Columbia ,who specialize in barrettes, and esophagus repair and they approved me for the ds,  indicating it to be the best choice for wls, and of no consequence to barrettes, i get scoped and biopsied each year as  routine, my barrettes was stopped 18 years ago.

Thanks to all for the helpful info.
K,

 i had reflux for 5 years prior to my sleeve, they found barrett's during my preop testing...  i am on 40 mg omeprazole twice a day, keeps it under control, doc said i will need to take it for the rest of my life...  last egd i had they didn't see any barrett's, i go back in next year for another follow up scope...

maybe if i get a few more clear scopes i might be able to wean off of it....  it is nice to be able to sleep through the night without waking up choking on acid....


jeris

there is a stain biopsy that will tell them the real status of your barrettes ,  the damage is there, just healed over. like a scar.