Im so down today. Had esophageal stricture dilation and biopsies done due to barretts esophagus yesterday. Doc says NO sleeve but I can do bypass. I dont want the bypass. Sleeve surgery only a month away. Im soooooo bummed and discouraged and dont know what to do.

Not cool. Sorry to hear it.

Any chance you can get a second opinion?

I don't know much about bypass, but perhaps it is a good option.

I really trust the doctor and based on research I know he is right. :-( sooo I guess "it is what it is" ad much as I loathe that statement.

Did he explain why? I'm not sure I get where he is coming from. No VGS ever, or just you need to wait?

None ever. Due to chance of increased acid production and something about the treatment for esoph. cancer being harder after sleeve. And I have increased cancer risk.

I had severe Barrett's pre-op , found on my work up. My gastro encouraged me to have the sleeve to fix it. My chances for esophageal cancer were at least 15% according to 2 MDs. My surgeon performed a " esophageal fundoplication" as a part of my sleeve surgery. I had originally planned on lap Band but both docs felt the sleeve was the way to go. I am a nurse and really researched this topic and the procedures and came to agree with their decision . I will be on medication for the rest of my life, but my reflux was completely absent for 6 months and only minimally present now. On day one post op , I no longer snored , I had no idea that my snoring was due to my esophagus. I had always assumed it was because I was overweight and had a deviated septum . Who knew? I encourage you to do your research and ask lots of questions. Good luck !

Edited June 13, 201412 yr by JanetPRN

sounds like you need to find a more experienced surgeon.

I had severe Barrett's pre-op , found on my work up. My gastro encouraged me to have the sleeve to fix it. My chances for esophageal cancer were at least 15% according to 2 MDs. My surgeon performed a " esophageal fundoplication" as a part of my sleeve surgery. I had originally planned on lap Band but both docs felt the sleeve was the way to go. I am a nurse and really researched this topic and the procedures and came to agree with their decision . I will be on medication for the rest of my life, but my reflux was completely absent for 6 months and only minimally present now. On day one post op , I no longer snored , I had no idea that my snoring was due to my esophagus. I had always assumed it was because I was overweight and had a deviated septum . Who knew? I encourage you to do your research and ask lots of questions. Good luck !

Wow thats pretty interesting!!

janet- i am a nurse too, also have Barretts and am also getting a sleeve.

I had seriously long talks with both my GI and my surgeon. for ME (this is just MY situation) the risk of a 'blind stomach' is a very real issue. (your original stomach sit there, sutured up, and un-accessable. in order to further scope it, they have to go in between your ribs and scope it). because i have barretts, plus reflux, plus some stomach issues, they both thought that sleeve was better. this way i can at least have my yearly scopes.

i definitely think there are schools of thought for both options. I would encourage you to seek the medical opinions of those you trust, and those you know are excellent in their fields. I wish you the very best of luck!