Gastric sleeve and nissen fundoplication

 I was wondering about having a sleeve and having a previous surgery of nissen fundoplication.  I had the fundo in 2005.  My first pick was lap band but I have heard you can't have a lap band if you have had a fundoplication.  So I then got interested in the sleeve.  I was wondering if doctors will do that if you have already had the fundo.  What wls will they do with the fundo?  I am thinking about going to Mexico since my insurance wont pay for the procedure.  Any help would be great.  Thanks

The surgery is commonly used when the person has delayed emptying of the gastric contents causing severe acid reflux. I don't know if any wls is a good idea for people with this problem. Actually an RNY might be a better idea. I suggest you call a big wls center, or your surgeon who preformed the fundo, and ask them. I doubt anyone here has the necessary medical information you need in this case. Good luck

I have never heard of Nissan Fundoplication used for delayed gastric emptying - that is actually called Gastroparesis.  I had the surgery but it was due to a faulty sphincter valve and that is the most common cause - when the LES doesn't work properly, the acid comes up when it isn't supposed to causing acid reflux. My brother had the same surgery I did, 2 years before me.

I had mine reversed to have my RNY and I am reflux free.

You would have to completely take down your Nissen before you could have any WLS and then bypass is going to be your best bet.

You are right, I had mine taken down in order to have my RNY.  I am now Reflux free.

My doctor told me that due to scar tissue at the Nissen site, reversal could be fatal because they could accidentally cut through the esphogus.  I would really like to be eligible for the gastric sleeve, but I am really worried.  My doctor just refused to do any other surgeries regarding weight loss.

You need a second opinion. I know of at least one person who had the DS---which has the same stomach as the Sleeve---several years after having a Nissen fundoplication. His name is Walter, and you might be able to find him over on the DS board and ask him his surgeon's name. (I'm pretty sure it was Anthone, but I could be wrong.)

I would encourage you to select your bariatric surgeon wisely and make sure they have done MANY revisional procedures. You will be at a higher risk than a "standard" bariatric procedure and it requires special skills. Additionally, I strongly encourage you to have the procedure done in a country where your communication skills are not challenged. You will need to understand everything that is happening if you do run into any complications. There's LOTS to learn. Good luck!

Carla

Hi Rachael
 I had a Nissan fundoplication done in 1990.
 MWG is right . My surgeon had to take it down before my DS.
 I have had no problems at all.
 Deb

I had the Nissan in 1998 and my RNY in Oct. 2008.  I went to about 5 surgeons - 2 refused to do and 3 were willing but only was that I was willing to use.  He wasn't sure until he got in there if he had to take it down or not, but in the end he did have to take it down and then do the RNY. I will say, I was nervous that my reflux would come back but it didn't.  I have none.  I do take 1 Protonix a day as a precaution.  The surgery is much more risky than a regular RNY and you need someone very skilled and that has done this before.  My esophagus tore a little bit from all the scar tissue that formed over the 10 years when he took it down but it was easily repaired.

I know the band can't be done, I know RNY and DS can be done but I dont' recommend the sleeve because the sleeve puts you at high risk for reflux.  RNY is lowest risk for reflux, it goes away with almost all people.