Hello. I'm scheduled for revision surgery from VSG to Gastric Bypass this coming Sept 19th. With this long wait, my anxiety of the revision surgery is making me second guess having this surgery.

Background, I was sleeved 2 years ago. I was diagnosed with Gerd pre-op. My surgeon did recommend the Bypass but I had my heart set on the Sleeve. Had repaird my hiatal hernia at the same time as the Sleeve. My surgeon office requires a yearly endoscopy. It was at my 1 year follow up where the results still shown gerd. I was prescribed omeprazole 20 mg. My Gerd has vanished. Fast forward to 2nd year follow up this past June. I was complaining of bad heartburn and some occasional vomiting of acid if I have eaten close to bed time.

I was thinking in my head maybe my Gerd is behavioral related. So, i have moved my evening meal to no later than 5pm, chewing my food well and limited my portions. Well, mid June I had a major allergy attack. From there, my acid reflux was extremely bad that I've ended up in the ER. I have met with my surgeon the day before 4th of July.

He told me that I could have a revision to bypass or stay on PPI medicines. He had prescribed me protonix and suralfate. It has been a month and both medications have been working.

Now my concerns. I'm nervous about the Bypass mainly the dumping issues. I wonder if the PPI can be ta6kint long term. I'm 44 years old. My endoscopy and upper GI both showed mild gerd and a sliding hiatal hernia.

I understand the Gastric bypass will alleviate my symptoms of Gerd. Medications are helping now but would the effectiveness wears off in years to come. I don't want to regret the bypass.

I'm just scared of the journey.

Your story sounds just like mine, I had to look make sure I didn't write it. I'm in the same boat just praying about what to do. Acid reflux is so bad almost feels like a volcano sometimes. Long term on medication that may lead to other issues later or esophageal cancer from the heartburn or get the bypass and deal with dumping or malabsorption. What to do.... I've gained almost all my weight back, but I never lost all my weight in the beginning anyway, Dr said I should have had the bypass from the get go never told me that before.

I was suffering from January 2019 after a round of steroids, until my revision from sleeve to bypass on 9/11/19. I will honestly say I am very thankful I had made the decision to proceed with the surgery regardless of any possible drawbacks. After 9 months of progressively being able to eat less and less food, sleeping in a chair, to not sleeping at all unless I was at an almost 90 degree angle; the surgery has given me back my life.

1 week after surgery I was able to sleep at a 45 degree angel and 2 weeks after surgery I was finally able to convince myself to try to sleep at an almost flat position. I am now 6 weeks out and I have finally had a week of real sleep after 9+ months of "naps".

Like most of everyone who opts originally for the sleeve, I was worried about the bypass dumping syndrome, which unfortunately I have learned the realness of, and how to avoid it at all costs. ( quick lesson - avoid all sugars real and artificial), but I still have the fear of losing too much weight, malabsorbtion, and osteoporosis. I still haven't started solid food for fear of the GERD coming back, but I was told if I were to stay on the high dose pantoprazole for long term it would contribute to osteoperosis, which was my absolute defining calalyst to finally agreeing to the surgery.

If you are on the fence, determine what kind of quality of life you wan, then if you are willing to make the changes to achieve it. I knew I wanted to be able to walk independently and not need to be using a cane or wheelchair when I retire, especially if I could make better food choices and take vitamins after surgery to prevent it now.

Good luck with your decision.

Edited October 26, 20196 yr by areonna71