Hi there... been doing research. How many folks had some reflux issues and had the gastric sleeve? How are you fairing now? Any issues?

I have reflux issues big time. I’ve never had it before my sleeve. Boy does it suck!?

If you have reflux before surgery, sleeve generally won't help. I know there are a few that have gotten relief from occasional heartburn, but since the sleeve leaves access to stomach acid in the sleeve (RNY separates it and it doesn't meet the food until after the pouch), it's not going to change the cause of reflux.

It's definitely something to consider.

~SW: 278 CW: 165~
RNY 1/5/2005
"What got you here won't get you there."

For a couple of years now there have been reports of the danger of heartburn drugs/PPI blockers like zantac that are commonly used to help with the side effects of gastric surgery.

Today Canada officially recalled these drugs due to their link to cancer.

Personally, I am completely dependent on these drugs due to the acid reflux side effect of my gastric sleeve. If you use these prescriptions daily, I strongly urge you to contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2019/70989a-eng.php?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=77363999&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8zLyVDfQD8I8hCu3-XeY7Fh97rFTkpD6v27F37TI29RzLKaNdKiDz_TiM1BKOzRo_NfiS6IqmuYpTuPc_HRfMUlmpaxA&_hsmi=77363999
image-0.00596046447753906.jpg

My EGD showed damage from reflux and my surgeon urged me to do the bypass because he said the sleeve can make reflux worse. I ended up doing the bypass because I also have mild Barrett's esophagus (pre-cancerous changes in the esophagus) from the reflux so by doing the bypass we eliminated the risk of further damage from the reflux. I'd definitely do the bypass over the sleeve if that's an issue for you.