My surgeon talked me out of a sleeve and into a bypass because he said so many people suffer such severe reflux. But I don't see anybody posting about it.

Is it because they get more money for doing a bypass?

Angie in Missouri, all discouraged.

From what I have read you can get reflux just as easy with all the surgerys. It would make sense if he is trying to encourage a more expensive surgery. But ur the patient u get to decide what's best for you.

I know that most surgeons agree with more reflux after the sleeve and suggest that if you have severe reflux you don't get sleeved. Some people do get more and some don't . Some even improve. Mine increase but I am only 2 months out and I have noticed in the last 2 weeks it has got much better. So maybe the is hope. Good luck with which ever you choose.

Hi, I'm in MO too...I am a little over 4 weeks post-op with a sleeve...my surgeon mentioned that reflux and heartburn can be an issue but a lot had to do with if you currently experience issues with them, which I don't...he did say that if I do end up with reflux/heartburn that can not be controlled with meds, then I would possibly require a revision to bypass.  He also said that it can happen 7-8 years later...but it was a risk I was willing to take.  I did not like the idea of re-routing my intestines and all the other issues that can come with a bypass.  Just to mention, I did not come home with a PPI (many I see come home with and remain on them) and have not had any issues.  I consider myself very lucky.

omg, i initiallu had the band and the reflux was bad then had a revision to the sleeve and i never could eat solid foods and developed severe reflux. i had another revision...they removed scar tissue from around my sleeve that caused it to kink and i had a huge hiatal hernia. they repaired the hernia, and if the reflux doesnt go away i will need bypass

Val, you've really been through it. I hope you get over the reflux quickly!

Angie from Missouri, US

Some docs are stuck on bypass as the "golden WLS" - they are not getting up to speed. You need to do your research and decide what you are comfortable doing to YOUR body. if you dont want a bypass, dont get it. 

Reflux is probably one of the most common issues post op - i never had it, got it after surgery,and ive had it for 2 years. Even at its worst, I cant say I wish id gotten a RNY - I could not live with that WLS or the potential complications/side effects, etc. My pyloric valve is precious enough to me to deal with reflux (which is controlled by meds). 

I am like Allison. I never had reflux before the sleeve except ONE time when I was almost 9 months pregnant. It is somewhat common in pregnant women. However, never in my life had I experienced reflux except for that one time. 

However, I developed somewhat bad reflux after the sleeve but it is very manageable. I can take one or two PPI's (omeprazole) per day and never experience breakthrough reflux. It is basically in remission with a PPI. I have no issues when I take my PPI. It has not gotten worse or better in the year and a half since I've had VSG.

Even with reflux, I am glad I didn't get RNY. I don't want chronic iron infusions and vitamin deficiencies like my sister. I will take my easily managed reflux.

However, some people DO develop very severe reflux after the sleeve that can't be managed with a PPI. In that case, they would probably need RNY. If I had severe reflux BEFORE the sleeve I may have considered RNY, but that is the only way I would have done it. 

 

I had reflux before surgery, but it responded well to treatment with ppi's, so I still opted for the sleeve. The reflux got worse, but again it has responded well to doubling up on the meds. I have no symptoms as long as I take the drugs and I do not regret choosing the sleeve.

I would assume if you do have reflux issues now it may get worse ,  I never had reflux until after my sleeve but with my meds it is not an issue at all really I take them in the morning with all my other vitamins....  I like my sleeve because I have arthritis and soriasis  and I need to take meds for both ...... my suggestion to you would be to perhaps see another surgeon and get a second opinion.  

  the first surgeon I went through kept telling me to do a bypass even though I take meds for my arthritis and psorisis that wouldnt be able to take after surgery  but after consulting a second surgeon she said that made no since for me to do the bypass she recomended the sleeve due to my other medical issues .  I am more than happy with my sleeve and Love Love Love my surgeon she is Fantastic and has been so very supportive