GERD before VSG

[tany1157 6]

Has anyone had Gerd and gotten the vsg? My surgeon recommended the bypass because of the gerd, but said I would really do well on any surgery. I was always set on bypass because I thought it would cure my gerd. He told me he wants me on a ppi indefinitely no matter what surgery I have. So I think I want the vsg. I just want to know if anyone else got it, and your experience with gerd. Thanks!!

Edited September 6, 2015 by tany1157

[Bndtoslv 292]

I am 2 months out. I had bad gerd but the hernia repair really helped.

[BestDayEver 418]

I had GERD before the vsg and used a PPI - after surgery still have GERD but not as bad. I think I will always need a PPI.

[Babbs 14,680]

Yes, I had it before my VSG. I was having a terrible time with regurgitation after surgery, so my surgeon kept me on liquids for 6 weeks to see if things would "loosen up" with my sleeve. It didn't really help. I have been taking a PPI since surgery, and at over a year out it has gotten considerably better, but not gone. Sometimes I wish I would have gone with the bypass because of it.

[Tweety40 52]

What does PPI stand for?

[BestDayEver 418]

PPI stands for proton pump inhibitor, medication that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach. Examples are omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.

[ginner1966 3]

Haven't had surgery yet but my dr recommended that I do a bypass because I have severe GERD and it would likely get worse with the sleeve. She is hopeful (as am I) that I can go off meds post surgery.

[Kiba 47]

I had really bad GERD prior, the hernia repair helped tremendously and I'm still continuing my PPI -- haven't felt any issues with the VSG. I too was told to consider another surgery but I felt this was the right choice for me. You will have the occasional annoyance, but you have to watch your trigger foods of course.

[bikrchk 1,313]

Yes. Only I didn't know that's what it was until my EGD as I didn't have typical heartburn symptoms, but a chronic nighttime cough that had been incorrectly diagnosed and treated (unsuccessfully) as asthma. They found GERD evidence and a hernia in my EGD and put me on Omeprazole immediately which helped. Then I had surgery, it got worse for about 30 days before it got better, but I'm mostly symptom free at this point, (goal for the last year and 1/2) as long as I take the Omeprazole 2x day. I think it depends on the patient. I was warned that the sleeve is a reflux inducing surgery, but the doc was confident that with hernia repair, weight loss and medication I'd do okay.

[Hopscotch 57]

I had GERD before and took Prilosec OTC every day to help. I now am prescribed Pepcid twice a day and it has been a little over 4 months since my surgery. If I forget to take it, I have acid issues but not nearly as bad.

Edited September 9, 2015 by LadyRouge

[NikkiDoc 312]

I had GERD prior to surgery and was already on Nexium. I had an endoscopy 3 years prior to surgery and did not have a hernia at that time. 2 months prior to the sleeve surgery I did have a hernia. The hernia was repaired when I had the sleeve. I was able to stop the Nexium at my 3 month visit. I have not had any GERD for the last 4 months.

My surgeon never even discussed bypass with me. He knew I had GERD and was on Nexium. We didn't find out about the hernia until I was getting my final pre-op medical clearances.

[tany1157 6]

I appreciate all the feedback. I know I'm late to respond. My surgeon had an upper gi done, and they found no physical cause for my gerd. This led him to believe that with weight loss and stress reduction, my symptoms may not be as bad. I decided to do vsg. My surgery is January 5th. I keep researching, and keep wondering if I'm having the right surgery. I really rather have this one than the bypass, and I'm ok with having to continue a ppi indefinitely. I'm just worried what if they don't calm my symptoms, and I will need another surgery. It's a difficult decision!

[purz59 57]

My Dr recommended the bypass for me too due to Gerd. I still opted for the sleeve because of dumping syndrome with the bypass. I'm 10 days out and happy so far with my decision. I'm on nexium 40mg, as I was prior to surgery. Citric acid bothers me a little more than it did prior. I think I may have to continue on the ppi and once I lose the weight, may be OK without it. I'm happy with my decision to be sleeved! Already down 16 lbs too

Forgot to mention I also had a hernia repair which may also help with the Gerd

[Bndtoslv 292]

My Dr recommended the bypass for me too due to Gerd. I still opted for the sleeve because of dumping syndrome with the bypass. I'm 10 days out and happy so far with my decision. I'm on nexium 40mg, as I was prior to surgery. Citric acid bothers me a little more than it did prior. I think I may have to continue on the ppi and once I lose the weight, may be OK without it. I'm happy with my decision to be sleeved! Already down 16 lbs too

Forgot to mention I also had a hernia repair which may also help with the Gerd

This was me. I was a revision patient and on nexium for many years. When I revised they fixed my hernia and gerd is much better. At 3 month I started weaning off nexium. I take Zantac now as needed. Doctor said also as I lose weight the gerd should get better and it has. With my band my gerd was gone when I got under 200lbs and I'm hoping it will again. It is MUCH better now after hernia repair.