Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Hi All!

So, I am going through the pre-op testing requirments and seem to have developed some bad heartburn. It's been going on for the past 4 days (posted about this on the RNY board also but this is slightly different). I also have sciatica in my back. I've been trying to make due without the NSAIDS because I have my heart set on RNY. I called the surgeon's office about the barium causing heartburn and reflux and the nurse will get back to me tomorrow. Anyway, if I have sciatica and need NSAIDS for pain, that would rule out RNY. And if I have reflux VSG wouldn't be a good idea. I know I don't want the band. What's a girl to do???!!

My test results are in from the Radiology tests. I read them myself. I'm waiting for medical interpretation and they did find a small haitial hernia and possible duedonitis (sp?) These things never bothered me before, why would they start now? Or could I just driving myself crazy?!

Can't speak to the other issues,but I had reflux pre op and also had/have sciatica and use NSAIDS. I still chose the VSG because i felt like the heart burn/reflux could be managed easier and more effectively with meds than the sciatica could be managed without NSAIDS.

I personally would not have had the RNY under any cir****tances,but that is just me.

GL

Hi Holly,

Thanks for the advice! I see that you had DS. Did you do the DS after the VSG or all at once? I would LOVE to have DS but between my insurance and surgeon, that doesn't seem like it's going to happen any time soon. I'm not really in a position to pay out of pocket and think with a BMI of 49, I don't "deserve" DS. (I know that sounds crazy. lol). I do agree that burn/reflux is probably easier to manage than sciatica. Did it go away on its own or not until weight loss?

How far out are you?

Nita

I had the Ds 3 yrears after the sleeve. after 6 months,and losing 98# I could not lose anymore. the last 6 months pre Ds I was eating dense protein,eggs,healthy fats and a few leafy greens and that is ALL. I lost 6 pounds in the 6 months. I tried EVERYTHING.

My reflux was present 7 years prior to weight loss and has not improved with weight loss. It is well managed with Nexium. It got REALLY bad after I developed a hiatal hernia post VSG and was becoming life threatening. After I had the hernia repaired ( same time as DS) the reflux returned to status quo. The reflux is actually a sleep disorder for me,found on a sleep test.

Even if it never goes away,I am still happy with my choice of VSG?
DS and having to manage the reflux is a SMALL price to pay for the health benefits I have gotten not to mention I am one hot nonni,lol!
 

Thanks! I'm glad to hear everything worked out well for you!!

it'd be weird to have sciatica somewhere other than your back.

if the cause of the reflus is a hiatus hernia, can they not fix that during surgery.

The sciatica is in my back but the pain travels down from my back to my legs, knees and feet. :(

I will ask about the hernia repair during surgery at my next appointment.

Thanks!

that's the normal course of pain for Sciatica. sorry, was being a bit sarcastic.

I used to have reflux, but during my RNY they fixed the hiatus hernia.

Oh... it went over my head. No worries. LOL

Hiatal hernias are routinely repaired during surgery - I had a VSG and my HH was repaired. I didn't know I had it.. So yeah, if your reflux is a result of that then it will be better after. My surgeon did warn me that about 30% of post ops with the VSG develop reflux. So far I haven't and I am not on any PPI/acid reducing meds so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I squeezed by that one and will not be in the 30%. Then again they say that it can happen years after. Or it can happen even without a VSG. My dad has GERD and he didn't have surgery.. so either way you can get it.