Laparoscopic RNY and Adhesions

Slownomad
on 6/24/16 6:53 pm

I'm about 1 month out from my surgery date (7/27) and just had an upper GI endoscopy done yesterday where they did find that I have GERD and it's pretty bad.  I had to have the endoscopy because my surgeon is concerned that, because of a hernia operation I had last November (large abdominal wall hernia), that I could possibly have too many adhesions to be able to do the RNY that I prefer and he might have to fall back to VSG.  Now it's seeming to me that with the GERD diagnosis that VSG might be out, too.  I really am hoping to get the RNY.  I'm told that my surgeon has only had to do something else once because of adhesions in all the surgeries that he's done.  That gives me some hope, but has anyone else ever been told anything similar and was still able to get the RNY done?

NYMom222
on 6/24/16 8:37 pm
RNY on 07/23/14

I had quite a few abdominal surgeries before this, several laproscopic, one open. I had RNY. After surgery the Surgeon said I had a lot of scar tissue but it didn't prevent them from doing it, or cause them to open me up.

My Surgeon does a pre-surgical endoscopy as standard procedure, everyone gets one.

Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014

Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16

#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets

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sheriberi29
on 6/25/16 3:32 am - Cleveland, TN

Never heard of having to do the vsg due to adhesions. I work in surgery and if he is doing a rny OR sleeve laparoscopically, he would need to take down the adhesions to get a clear view. Adhesions look like white cob webs inside of your peritoneum. To view it properly they must be taken down . Now, he would have to possibly take down more to do the rny in order to clear up the area to create your anastomoses ( connection of your limb ) however, I would not understand the reason he would need to do a vsg over a rny, especially when you already suffer from gerd. It may take a little longer but this is the quality of your life forever and I would ask him his reasons for this. Let him explain. I'm not trying to sound like a know it all or surgeon bc I'm not, I only assist them in surgery and they have a lot more knowledge than I, but I'd at least want to know his reasons and make sure he wasn't just trying to save time. Sometimes they have a preferred surgery and feel more confident doing it. 

Banded 6/9/09 HW 242 LW 142 Revision 198 m 1 loss 16 lbs 182. M 2 loss 4 lbs 178. M3 loss 6 lbs 174.m4 loss 4 lbs 168. M5 gain 2 lbs 170. M6 loss 7 lbs 163 M7 loss 5 lbs 159 M8 loss 1 lb 158 M9 loss 0 M10 155 loss 3 M11 154 loss 1 M12 loss 2 152 M13 loss 3 149 M16, 17 0 loss M 18 loss 4 lbs 145 (18 months 53 lbs)

Phatchick
on 6/25/16 4:43 am - Brookfield, IL
VSG on 04/16/12

VSG and GERD/Reflux are not a good match. I am 4 yrs post op from VSG. The  GERD and reflux are awful. So much so, that my surgeon is suggesting I do RNY since I still have another 65 lbs to lose ( I lost 100 with VSG. My Upper GI shows adhesions also but I believe that is only internal scarring from the surgery. I love my sleeve but the GERD/reflux is very uncomfortable and can be dangerous long term. Good luck. Hugs!

  

 

    

    
chassibi
on 6/25/16 4:53 pm

I had adhesions from an old lap band and still had RNY. My surgeon did mention he had to clean them up. 

Consult Weight:276/Surgery Day Weight: 241.6 /Goal Weight: 150

Slownomad
on 6/25/16 5:06 pm

Thanks, all!  Your replies make me feel a bit more confident.  Finding out I had GERD already (and have for some time, apparently) was kind of a surprise.  I've never really had symptoms.  My Surgeon does suggest RNY for me, but, as he has to, he told me up front that it is possible that, due to my previous hernia, I may have too many adhesions to do RNY.  VSG was the fall back, as I understood it.  My sister had VSG 3 years ago.  Her surgery took 5 hours and, in addition to the VSG, he repaired 5 hernias.  I only had the one, but it was a doozy.  Anyway, I have my pre-op on July 7th.  I'll know then what my surgeon's thoughts are on the matter. 

NYMom222
on 6/26/16 5:29 am
RNY on 07/23/14

I know we never want to do this... but but consider going for a second opinion and possibly switching doctors.... The RNY might be more difficult, but not possible? I have never heard of that....

I have been a person whose surgeries ended up being longer/more complicated for various reasons over the years-including scar tissue and I was always glad I opted for a specialist....you want some one who is confident they can help you.

Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014

Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16

#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets

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Laura in Texas
on 6/26/16 5:43 am

I agree with Cynthia. I would get a second opinion if you really want RNY. VSG is a quicker surgery and "easier" for surgeons to perform. I hope yours is not doing a "bait-and-switch".

Laura in Texas

53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)

RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis

brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco

"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."

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