GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease w/DS
I've been planning on getting DS surgery for the last year. I've made it through all the hoops and have been approved for surgery by my insurance, but may have just had a road block thrown up. A biopsy done during my EDG has indicated that I have "Barrett's Esophagus". I haven't spoken to my WLS doctor yet, but the doctor who did the EDG is saying the DS may be off the table. He said I'm a better candidate for RNY.
My question, Do any of you have problems with reflux after having the DS surgery?
Recall-
Yes, I had Barrettt's pre-DS, it was treated for a year with Nexium, checked, and cleared.
I am on omeprazole (Nexium) for life. A small price to pay, IMHO.
When I met my DS surgeon, she told me "It won't cure your GERD, and it might make it worse"
I emphatically told her no, and that I would take Nexium (omeprazole) for life if I had to.
I got my DS, I have not had any return of Barrett's, or any indication of changes in esophageal
tissue since then.
My case is unique, in that I have other health issues (Systemic Lupus) that would ordinarily
disqualify me for any type of bariatric surgery, but at 405 pounds, all of the doctors involved in
my care agreed that the benefits would far outweigh (no pun intended) the risks.
HW 405/SW 397/CW 138/GW 160 Do the research! Check the stats!
The DS is *THE* solution to Severe Morbid Obesity!
Recall-
Yes, you most certainly can have reflux/GERD with the DS, and you do still have a stomach that's producing acid. The reflux post-DS is much worse, because the acid has nowhere to pool, so it doesn't take long to feel the effects, which to me, are more intense than I ever felt pre-op. I have only forgottten to take my omeprazole three times in five years, and that was early out, but it doesn't take long to reinforce the habit of making sure you take that.
It didn't prevent me from having the DS. I knew the GERD would not go away, the surgeon was certain I knew the consequences. PAIN!!! will help you to avoid anything more serious - it *will* make you remember to take your acid reducer. My surgeon used omeprazole with me, but there are others that can be used, too. I only have to take 40mg once daily for life.
For me, it was a small price to pay to get a surgery that would give me permanent weight loss and a more normal eating style.
HW 405/SW 397/CW 138/GW 160 Do the research! Check the stats!
The DS is *THE* solution to Severe Morbid Obesity!
Recall-
Perhaps you misunderstood - I DO NOT NOW nor have I EVER had a RNY, nor would I **EVER** settle for one!!!!
I currently have the Duodenal Switch, have had it for over five an a half years, and had Barrett's several years prior to my surgery - *however* - I did not have surgery with Barrett's present.
I was placed on Nexium for a year, re-scoped and tested, deemed free and clear of Barrett's prior to getting the go-ahead for my ***virgin*** DS.
It is entirely possible that there is a different protocol now for DS pre-ops who present with Barrett's. I wouldn't know about that, because that would have come after I had my surgery.
When I was treated for Barrett's, I was treated independently of my decision to have *any* type of bariatric surgery. It was not a condition of surgery for me, it was simply treatment of a condition I had.
FYI - Nexium was a new drug when I was treated as a pre-op. No such thing as a generic for it at that time.
HW 405/SW 397/CW 138/GW 160 Do the research! Check the stats!
The DS is *THE* solution to Severe Morbid Obesity!
There is also someone named Walter who had Barrett's and had the DS. I will send you a pm with info about where you might be able to find him. He had multiple docs try to steer him to RNY but adamantly refused to have anything other than the DS. He got his DS and is doing fine with it.
It may be necessary for you to find a different surgeon. At the very least, if your present surgeon refuses to do a DS for you, have a consultation with Dr. Ayoola in Denton. Further from you but he does the DS on a regular basis, believes in it, and has an excellent reputation as a DS surgeon.
Larra
Hi, I live in Houston also and am pre-op also. I interviewed FIVE different surgeons in this area that claim to do the DS and then I finally found one. There are only 2-3, really just two in this area that are experienced DS surgeons, so I am VERY curious whom your surgeon is? PM me if you don't want it public and we can share info. BUT....Larra is spot on also and always gives the best advice. DO NOT settle for anything but the DS, those other issues are manageable with the right Dr.
