Convincing Surgeon to do the Sleeve

I want to get the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy,  I have had problems with stomach ulcers since I was 16, I have GERD, and IBS... so I do have a good case for this surgery.  I would love to hear from those of you that had to speak with your surgeon and convince them that the sleeve was the best surgery for you and how you went about it.  I will be going to Ottawa for surgery so if you had surgery there I would like to know your experience.  Thanks in advance!

I read read and read some more so I was fully informed about the surgery and diet.  I prepared a written bullet point outline as to why I needed VSG.  I had various doctors notes confirming my diagnosis (endo, family, vein doctor) and need for daily aspirin based on history of DVT. I went in positive to a doctor I knew did VSGs regularly. I only had about 100 pounds to lose and thought I could attain this with VSG. There is a history of cancer in my father and I needed to be able to access my whole stomach for scans, etc. Head over the the OH VSG board and start reading and learning. Good luck

I think it may depend on the severity of your GERD......VSG is contraindicated with GERD

+1

Any past history, or present symptomology relating to this type of issue really needs to be weighed into the decision to go one way or the other.

My own medical situation meant it was less risky to go with VSG knowing it could mean lifetime H2I's vs. Roux-En-Y. I;m happy, content and on lifetime H2I's praying that there is no long term effects from them, and knowing at this point there isn't an easy out to get out of taking them. Do I regret my choice? No... it was my only option... But know what this means with your GERD, and that RNY can sometimes provide relief from that.

Quick question what is H2l's?

http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/h2-blockers-acid-reducer s-for-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd

http://www.annfammed.org/content/9/3/200.full

I had both GERD and IBS and I had wanted the VSG. My surgeon said that for both of those, I wouldn't qualify. Even the occasional need for Celebrex for my back and hip wasn't enough. I will tell you that since RNY I haven't had a bout of heartburn (I suffered 20 years of daily heartburn even while on meds) and after six years of IBS, I haven't had any issues (IBS-D) since surgery. 

Patricia

Honestly my biggest worry is my stomach ulcers.... If I have the roux en y and I get stomach ulcers in the portion of my stomach that is basically not being used, there is no way to do a barium x-ray or GI endoscopy to take a look in that stomach.  I'm not keen on that and I don't like the idea of not being able to take nsaids.... life is painful and my family history of arthritis doesn't give me much confidence in the roux en y

I can tell you that I was worried about the same thing because I get migraines that only Advil seemed to help, and have arthritis in my shoulder.

However, since having my RNY, not only have I never once had a migraine (I have no idea why - used to get them once or twice a week before surgery, so maybe they were triggered by what I was eating?), but my shoulder hasn't been in pain either, probably because of losing so much weight.

I have psoriatic arthritis and require NSAIDs for pain management as we have tried (and failed miserably!) at managing the pain without NSAIDs. I am in Ottawa and had surgery in February of this year.

I went to my rheumatologist and spoke to him about the types of surgery available to me and about what each surgery entailed thereafter. He promptly wrote a note (handwritten as well as in my electronic file) to the surgeon that asked that I have the VSG rather than the RNY because of the health problems I am dealing with.

When I went to meet my surgeon, I showed him that note and told him that I'd already met with my specialist. And I indicated that the specialist had also written additional information in my electronic file. The surgeon looked up the info and agreed with the rheumatologist on the spot for the reasons mentioned. I signed the consent forms there and then for the VSG.

My advice? Go in to meet the surgeon prepared. A bulleted list is helpful but I would recommend that you have with you some documentation or letters from your doctors/specialists about your conditions, and that will help you and your surgeon make the best decision for you.

Let us know how things go.