Endoscopy questions

[MamiMB 13]

Hi, I had my endoscopy in November and they said I had some Intestinal metaplasia.......I spoke with Dr. about it today and she said that she would like to do another Endoscopy but that it wouldn't keep me from having the sleeve. Have any of you had this come up? I'm going to have another one done Feb 28th just so she can look around some more. Apparently with risk factors it could turn into stomach cancer, although she said many people are walking around with it that probably don't even know.

[catwoman7 10,883]

I had to look that up. It's the same thing as Barrett's esophagus. It doesn't always evolve into cancer, but there's a risk. I'm a little surprised she's going to proceed with the sleeve and not do the bypass instead - but she's a doctor, I'm not. And she's seen your stomach - I haven't.

[MamiMB 13]

My bad, the Dr. that is saying this is the one who did my Endoscopy, not the bariatric surgeon. She thinks it would be ok to do the sleeve surgery but I think I will talk with my bariatric Dr. to see if the RNY would be better. I don't have reflux so not sure what will happen. I just hope I can get the surgery.

Edited February 4, 2023 by MamiMB

[Alex Brecher 10,494]

It's good that you're taking a proactive approach to your health and seeking clarification from both your endoscopy doctor and your bariatric surgeon.

Intestinal metaplasia is a condition in which normal cells in the stomach lining are replaced with cells that resemble those found in the small intestine. It can be a risk factor for developing stomach cancer, and it's important to monitor it closely.

If your endoscopy doctor has recommended another endoscopy, it's a good idea to follow through with it. The procedure will allow your doctor to get a better look at your stomach lining and determine if there have been any changes since the previous endoscopy.

In terms of bariatric surgery, it's important to discuss your specific case with your bariatric surgeon, who can provide you with the best guidance for your individual situation. They can also answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure and help you make an informed decision.

If you have intestinal metaplasia, your bariatric surgeon may recommend a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNY) instead of a sleeve gastrectomy. The RNY procedure involves rerouting the small intestine to a small pouch created from the stomach, which can help reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations and to discuss any concerns you may have with them. With the right care and support, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

[MamiMB 13]

Thank you, I appreciate the input.