GERD-does it get better after RNY? Conflicting advice from 2 doctors-so confused
Dear Friends,
I have been pretty on the fence as to which surgery I wanted. I like the idea of the sleeve seeming "simpler" and the fact that I can take nsaids but then I like knowing that RNY has been done longer and has data showing good long-term results.
So I see my surgeon for the first time in December and just lay it all out there and tell him I'm on the fence. He listens to me and said that in his opinion-he would lean toward the sleeve for me. But he wanted to do an upper GI first to see if it showed significant reflux. I told him that I occasionally get heartburn but I didn't think it was a big deal. Well my upper GI did show significant reflux (going alll the way up to my clavicle) and some esophageal changes. So he sent me to a gastroenterologist for an EGD. Before she even looked at my throat-she told me that she always prefers the sleeve over RNY because everything is still hooked up the same way and it's easy for her to get where she needs to go (with the scope?). So she does the EGD and finds erosions in my esophagus and an ulcer in my stomach. She showed me the pictures afterwards and told me that she still prefers the sleeve. I asked if her if RNY usually cures GERD and she says that most people who need weight loss surgery will push the capacity of that space (sleeve or pouch) because they don't have much control over their eating and she felt that I would have GERD either way??? When my surgeon saw my upper GI, he didn't want to do the sleeve because he thought my GERD would become much worse. Doesn't RNY usually cure GERD? If so-what is it about RNY that fixes it (versus the sleeve)? I want to meet with my surgeon one more time to discuss this since I'm getting two conflicting opinions. I know that it's ultimately my decision but I feel so confused now. I was actually at peace knowing that we had a definitive answer. dr. Kuhn clearly recommends RNY for me. Thanks so much for your help!!
"B" bears' mama from Texas
Follow my journey on youtube: "bbearsmama"
SW: 210 CW: 123.6
Surgery Date: RNY: 12/19/12
Weight in: 221 lbs
Starting weight: 235 lbs
I have had changes to my esophagus for many years, which was one of the main reasons I wanted the WLS, because I knew the surgeon would also repair my hiatal hernia. My GI doctor was thrilled that I would be having this repair., but we didn't discuss sleeve vs. RNY, since I'd already decided on the RNY. My surgeon recommended the bypass specifically because of the GERD. My understanding is that the sleeve can cause GERD, whereas the RNY and hiatal hernia repair will fix it. Good luck.
I had GERD, and it wasn't severe. After I had my gallbladder out, it got better, but I still had flare-ups depending on what I ate. Since RNY surgery, I haven't had any problems (knock on wood! LOL).
You and your surgeon will have to come to an agreement of whichever surgery you choose. ;) Good luck!
I also woke up choking on reflux. It was the worst thing ever, burning your wind pipe. All the surgery pain is worth it just for getting rid of this!
RNY 9/12 TT 9/13 HT 5' 4" HW 250 SW 242 CW 125
Come keep it real in R&R 3.0 Want a group invite? Send a PM 
I had GERD/reflux bad enough to be on prilosec every am and zantac 150 each pm. My surgeon was adamant that a sleeve would not help and may aggravate/increase the GERD. With RNY the stomach acid has no route back up.
Edit to add- My GERD is gone post op and I am off both meds.
RNY 9/12 TT 9/13 HT 5' 4" HW 250 SW 242 CW 125
Come keep it real in R&R 3.0 Want a group invite? Send a PM
RNY usually cures GERD but not 100% of the time.
The sleeve can make GERD worse
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
