gastro doc says no sleeve

[PRINCESSM 210]

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.

[BSU 61]

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.

[PRINCESSM 210]

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.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

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

[PRINCESSM 210]

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.

[JanetPRN 496]

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, 2014 by JanetPRN

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

sounds like you need to find a more experienced surgeon.

[PRINCESSM 210]

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!!

[mi75 1,235]

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!