Thought I was waiting for approval - Dr wants to switch to bypass =(

[bostonmama 135]

Hello,

I'm feeling kind of panicked and hope someone can help. I finished my last preop appointment 3 weeks ago and the office said they would submit my paperwork for approval. Well they called today to say that the surgeon wants to meet today to discuss doing a bypass instead of the sleeve, based on my GI scan (which I had months ago!). At that scan they said I had reflux, though I've never noticed any symptoms.

They said they haven't submitted anything to insurance yet because they don't know which surgery they are doing...

I really don't want bypass. It seems too extreme for me (i'm worried about malnutrition, taking supplements for life, and rerouting my digestive system)

Has this happened to anyone before? I guess it probably depends on the surgeon but can I choose the sleeve over bypass if I have reflux?

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@bostonmama I'm wondering if this will happen to me as well - my GI study showed mild reflux. I have an appointment next week with the surgeon. Although - I've already been approved for the Sleeve so not sure how that would work. Anyway - if the surgeon recommends bypass - that's what I'm going to do. I also didn't want the malabsorption issues - but I'd rather not get Sleeve and have reflux so bad I need a revision. You need to take Vitamins with the Sleeve and the Bypass - so that shouldn't be an issue/concern. Before you panic - talk to your surgeon and see what they say. Good luck!

[ALittleMe0914 69]

@@bostonmama

I think that ultimately the decision should be up to you BUT, with that said, I would definitely listen to what your surgeon has to say and take it into consideration. I went into this open minded but leaning towards the sleeve, but if my surgeon had recommended bypass and said that my quality of life would be better with it, I definitely would have strongly considered it. From what I understand, having the sleeve with reflux can be extremely uncomfortable, difficult, and could ultimately require a revision to bypass for relief.

I understand the fear of malnutrition completely, but keep in mind that with both surgeries, you will need to take supplements for life.

I am also from the Boston area

Best of luck with your decision!

[bostonmama 135]

thanks @@KristenLe and @@ALittleMe0914

They actually had consent forms for both surgeries, so the decision was up to me. The surgeon said my reflux is severe, and could end up causing cancer someday. It will be cured by bypass so I've decided to do that. It wasn't what I wanted and prepared for the last 6 months, but I definitely don't want reflux or an increased risk of cancer. He also said I should lose a little more weight with bypass vs sleeve and maintenance is easier so I'm trying to focus on those positives.