GERD

[LindsayT 599]

I'm considering the sleeve but I'm concerned with increase in GERD symptoms. I already have reflux that is controlled with medication. My doctor keeps saying once I lose weight that the GERD will improve. What are your experiences? I've considered the bypass, but absorbing the correct amount of medication and dumping syndrome are holding me back from that procedure. Thanks!

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[armartin98 108]

I do get GERD but only when I eat spicy foods. I take Nexium when needed or anti acids. I feel my GERD has improved. I think everyone is different.

[Billy123 7]

I am supposed to be getting the sleeve and my understanding is that you can have dumping syndrome with both the bypass and the sleeve.

[armartin98 108]

no dumping with the Sleeve.

[Spinoza 1,526]

2 hours ago, armartin98 said:

no dumping with the Sleeve.

I think you mean dumping is much less likely with the sleeve? Or that you personally haven't had it. Still occurs for some unfortunate folk.

[Spinoza 1,526]

5 hours ago, LindsayT said:

I'm considering the sleeve but I'm concerned with increase in GERD symptoms. I already have reflux that is controlled with medication. My doctor keeps saying once I lose weight that the GERD will improve. What are your experiences? I've considered the bypass, but absorbing the correct amount of medication and dumping syndrome are holding me back from that procedure. Thanks!

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My reflux mostly settled when I lost weight after my sleeve. I had the benefit of having been this weight some years back and knowing it happened then too though. I think it's tricky to try to predict what will happen either way. Worked out for me. Good luck!

[catwoman7 11,284]

only about 30% of bypass patients dump - and it can be controlled by limiting the amount of sugar or fat you eat at one sitting (which we should be doing anyway, to be honest...). I had my bypass 7.5 years ago and have never dumped - and I know lots of other bypassers who aren't dumpers, either.

meds might have to be adjusted due to the malabsorption, but they're used to having to do this. Bypass has been around for a long time.

GERD can get worse with sleeve, but it's not inevitable. Some people don't experience this - and some even claim theirs got better. But the percentage of people whose GERD got worse was a little too high for me to take the risk, so I went with bypass. But others are willing to take the risk.

P.S. I've been very happy with my bypass and would make the same decision if I had to make it today.

Edited January 22, 2023 by catwoman7

[Arabesque 7,612]

I had mild reflux before my surgery which I managed with dietary changes & rarely needed meds (couple of times a year). It was not related to my weight or a hernia. My surgeon was willing to do the sleeve because my reflux was so mild. I still have it. I lost a couple of symptoms but gained some others & I need meds everyday. If you are already taking medication every day now to manage your gerd I’d think bypass may be your better option. Worth a conversation with your surgeon.

Dumping, though less common, can happen with the sleeve too. It can be managed with simple dietary choices once you’ve worked out what sets you off (sugar or fats). Some even find they can occasionally have a small amounts of these foods without issue as they’ve discovered their trigger points.

As others said, any absorption issue may just need a swap of medication such as not taking slow release meds. Just discuss with your surgeon & prescribing doctor. I noticed in your other post you have fibromyalgia. Though you’re not a medication for it currently, you will need to discuss future options with your doctor even with a sleeve as you can’t take anti inflammatories (NSAIDS).

I developed an absorption issue after I had my gall removed (2 years after my sleeve) - Protein & my HRT meds. I just upped my protein intake, take creons to help with absorption & went to a HRT patch. Pretty easy really.

[armartin98 108]

16 hours ago, Spinoza said:

I think you mean dumping is much less likely with the sleeve? Or that you personally haven't had it. Still occurs for some unfortunate folk.

I have never "dumped". Google says: Dumping Syndrome Is Still Possible After Gastric Sleeve But Rarer. It should be noted that dumping syndrome can still happen in gastric sleeve patients, but it is much rarer. The condition tends to be triggered when gastric sleeve patients have foods that are fatty, sugary, or generally rich.

[LindsayT 599]

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'm settling in on the bypass. I don't want to get sleeved and the GERD increase and end up bypassed anyway.

[sgibbs74 0]

You can dump w the sleeve but the symptoms are different tht with a bypass