docbree

I'm interested in hearing how people who have already had surgery decided between the sleeve and bypass. I'm really leaning toward the sleeve as I have RA and will most likely need prednisone/NSAIDs periodically for the rest of my life. One of the two bariatric surgeons I interviewed really seemed to think my significant GERD would likely become worse with the sleeve. She thought if I lost enough weight I might not need anti-inflammatories - but that's a big "might not" and a lot to gamble with. I do also have a hiatal hernia, so there's a chance that fixing that plus weight loss might actually improve the GERD - so many unknowns... Has anyone had the Linx procedure for reflux either with or after the sleeve instead of revision to bypass? BTW - the surgeon who was worried about worsening GERD is a specialist in this procedure. Maybe I'm overthinking all of this - just don't want to do something for my health and then end up in worse condition than I am now. Thanks for any replies. Brenda

What's the difference between sleeve and gastric sleeve?

Thanks! I'm so glad to hear that can be tolerated. I will speak to my surgeon and rheumy about this again .

Thanks for your reply, Krista. I've been on just about every medication there is for RA. I'm currently on the biologic Humira once weekly - but it's just not enough to keep me mobile.

</p></blockquote><br> I am on 5mg prednisone daily and was sleeved 4 days ago. I have been crushing it and adding to Gatorade. Thanks, Jackie. Is this something you'll be on permanently? How did you discuss it with your surgeon?

Are any of the post-op people on this forum on daily steroids? Is there a way to take them by injection or is it okay with antacids? I am currently on 8 mg methylprednisolone per day and I really don't do well off of them. I have RA and get so stiff I cannot walk without a cane if I don't take steroids or high doses of ibuprofen. I have gained 20 pounds in the last few months on the steroids, and I'm afraid I will just keep gaining weight. Thanks!

It doesn't say that exercise suppresses metabolic rate - it says that weight loss does. The study just found that exercise does not do as much to keep your metabolic rate up in the face of weight loss as was previously thought.

I am praying for you and your husband.

Dot checkin'.

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I was all geared up to finish the last of my pre-op requirements this week, but that's now on hold. My husband has cold feet, now. He said I need to try again "the right way" (ughh) and MAYBE I can do it in December (not sure if insurance will still cover it after 9/1/13). He also told me that ultimately, it's my decision, but he better NEVER see me eat pizza or ice cream again if I have it - or things will be very unpleasant in our household. I'm really discouraged and feel like all this stress with family members is not worth it.

I had asked Dr. Davidson about NSAIDs at my appointment and he never really answered me. He basically just said maybe I won't need them when I lose weight (I have RA, though). I guess I need to go back and specifically ask him about those two (I had specifically asked about ibuprofen/motrin)

You rock!

My husband is taking me to the symphony tomorrow night. . Not sure about Father's Day - will probably hang out at the in-laws.

Thank you all for the ideas. I will talk to my doctor about iron infusions. I really need to find something that I can tolerate post-op because I know it will only get worse after the sleeve. If you can't tolerate the oral iron, can you get periodic iron infusions? If so, how often would you need them?

Congratulations! Good luck!

thanks, I will try that

I agree that you should see your doctor. It sounds a little like a possible stricture (I have heard others describe on here - take with a grain of salt as I'm pre-op).

Thanks for the link! I am going to take this to my doctor

I have been on iron supplements for several days because my hemoglobin is only 10.1, and it needs to be higher prior to surgery. The supplements are making me miserable. I have irritable bowel syndrome and they are giving me a lot of gas, gas pains and pretty bad diarrhea. Does anyone have any recommendations for a different brand or formulation? I am just taking vegetarian tablets from CVS.