GERD-does it get better after RNY? Conflicting advice from 2 doctors-so confused

Does it cure it because the pouch is a less acidic environment?

It was explained to me that the acid is produced in the lower stomach which is cut away from your pouch.  The acid doesn't have a route to your esophagus with RNY.  I had scarring to my esophagus but never had heart burn.  I had a cough almost all the time and since RNY I have had no cough or reflux.  I would go with your surgeons recommendation if I were you.

I guess what I'm wondering is-which doctor is more knowledgable about this?  The gastroenterologist deals with GERD constantly (but in bariatric and non-bariatric patients) and the bariatric surgeon deals with it but only with bariatric patients.

The surgeon would be more knowledgable.  He sees patients with both surgeries and sees how many still have GERD after surgery.  The gastrotenterologist only sees patients that are having problems, like GERD.  She never sees all the RNY folks that do not have GERD after surgery, right?

You're exactly right, Kelly! Excellent point!

Ask for specifics as to why he recommends RNY if you are still confused or undecided.  I would go with my surgeons opinion, but ultimately you have to make the choice you can live with.

That's what my husband and I were talking about (going with my surgeon's advice) and Kelly's point makes so much sense! Among bariatric patients, Dr. Kuhn sees which surgery works better for those who have GERD. I really, really have a lot of faith in my surgeon because I personally know many people who have used him (with great results). 

I couldn't have sleeve because of the GERD, I had an endoscopy, which revealed Barrett's.  I was so disappointed about the sleeve, initially.  Now, I am almost 3 months post op for RNY, and I love it!  From what I understand RNY has less restrictions than those with the sleeve.

I have lost 46 lbs in 3 months.  I'm very happy with my reflux now...If I forget to take my Nexium, I do not feel the acid like I did before.

My surgeon did the endoscopy, and he knew it would resolve most of the acid issues by having RNY.  The sleeve causes more pressure and can increase the acid production, causing you more problems.

That is wonderful that you are doing so well!! So you know how I feel-I've been so back and forth on surgeries! Ugh! I was excited when my surgeon looked at my upper GI and made it sound like the sleeve wasn't even an option for me. I wanted a definitive answer-a "sign" so to speak-lol!

 

Thank you for posting!

 

Pam :)

I was so at the same crossroad. But after asking which would be better as my two main reasons were horrible reflux and the blood pressure. (I asked gastric doc too! Someone who's well known in Cali and top of his game.... He said sleeve. ) but my specific doc recommended the RNY. I seen some in support group that has done well with the sleeve. But I personally would go from what ur doc suggests. Only s/he sees both sides. Good luck.