Decision Time - GERD relief?

[brattsr2cute 2]

So I am very new to the idea of gastric bypass surgery. I have gained a significant amount of weight in the past 2 years but didn't ever think of surgery to correct it. I have been dealing with GERD since I was born. I have severe acid reflux to the point that some times medication 3x the normal dosage doesn't even touch it. I lose insurance in July and want to fix my GERD problems before then.

I met with a surgeon this morning about possibly doing a fundoplication - because that is what had been discussed prior to this appointment. So today he did talk about doing that but then suggested the Gastric Bypass. He said this would reduce my weight, relieve the pressure on my esophagus (I have almost no motility), and can relieve the symptoms of GERD.

Having never thought of this as an option before it came as quite a shock. I never thought of myself as someone who would have surgery to lose weight. Though I guess in this case it wouldn't be necessarily just to combat a weight issue - but the GERD as well.

Has anyone else ever had Gastric Bypass to relieve the symptoms of GERD? Would love your input

[DDN 58]

I would highly suggest that you follow your Doc's recommendation. I am being discharged from hospital today after undergoing Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y Surgery. It will cure the GERD, help me to lose the extra 80 pounds gained over the last 10 years, and help me to rid a few other co-morbidities. However, plz be mindful that the sleeve won't do it for you, it will need to be the Roux-en-Y to totally get rid of the miserable GERD (per initial consult with my surgeon).

Edited February 11, 2016 by DDN

[brattsr2cute 2]

Yea I would not do the band or the sleeve. He said that the sleeve would only make the GERD worse. Definitely the Roux-en-Y. Thanks so much for your input!

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@brattsr2cute

Like you I had severe Gerd and was on the max dosage of nexium 3 times per day. I also coughed uncontrollably every single day for a year and a half before I had gastric bypass.

From the moment I woke up after surgery my Gerd is completely gone! I have absolutely no heartburn and can eat things that used to have me walking the floors all night long. Cucumbers, green peppers, spicy foods, pretty much anything. I take no medication at all for Gerd, it was stopped 30 days after my bypass.

I am down 141lbs and about 3lbs from my ideal weight. I weight 168lbs and started at 310, 16 months ago!

Bypass is the best thing I have ever done for myself for som many reasons but the biggest ones are health related. No more diabetes, Gerd, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, stage 3 kidney disease and anemia. All in remission!

Don't be afraid to move forward!

[DDN 58]

@"Djmohr"..."No more diabetes, Gerd, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, stage 3 kidney disease and anemia. All in remission!" WOW! What a statement. That's awesome. I look forward to having the same testimony soon. I have battled with GERD, HBP, Sleep Ap, arthritis and was border line diabetic, all while attempting to live a normal life and be around for my wife and our 3-year old son. My wife and I cried as the RN and Anesthesiologist rolled me back for surgery and it was because we both were so grateful for a better quality of life that would come after the WLS and the WL. I rejoice with you and pray to be able to same the same once I reach my goal weight.

[CINNAMON 2015 43]

Hi, yes I had the RNY done for severe gastric reflux. I suffered so many years and the acid did a lot of damage. I was a little shocked when they suggested the surgery, so I researched it had a consult with all my Dr.'s. So i felt confident, best thing I have ever done. No more acid, pain, food involuntarily coming up. I have no regrets what so ever!

[jj7481 363]

I only had intermittent GERD prior to surgery, but haven't had any issues with it since my surgery. As illustrated above RNY isn't just a weight loss tool, it is a body transformation and health tool. Take your doctors advice.

[ForeverHealthy 22]

Can you have both the fundoplication and the Bypass together? My PCP mentioned this as an option

[brattsr2cute 2]

It's not really a safe option with how weak my esophagus is. I'd have to loose a bit of weight first to have that as a sole option. And it could have to be redone in a couple years and could make my swallowing worse.

So both have pros and cons but I don't think they would do them both

[CancelMyAccount1 13]

I am going to be having gastric bypass for my GERD and am in the process right now. Since you said you will be losing your insurance in July, I would call your insurance company ASAP regarding their requirements for WLS. Some insurance require a 6 month doctor supervised diet prior to the surgery. I am new to this forum but am learning a lot from reading the posts from all the vets on here.