GASTRIC BYPASS PER TEST RESULTS

Ok so I went for my surgical consult for the lap-band back in July and got a date of November 24th.  I was against the bypass because I thought it was much more invasive than the band.  So yesterday I go for two required tests, upper GI and esophogeal manometry and I'm told there was abnormalties with the manometry (ok for every day person but not for the band).  Was told if band was put in I would risk reflux, gagging, etc.  Well now it looks like I may have to go for the Gastric Bypass, anyone else have a similar story?  Not really have a choice as to which surgery?  Suprisingly, I'm ok with it if I have to get the bypass.  I had been fretting the whole fill and sweet spot dilemma.  Just wondering if anyone had a similar situation.  Also, any info on the gastric bypass journey would be appreciated.

Hi Jackie,

I am from Monmouth County also.   I just want to say that if your surgeon feels that the the bypass would be better for you, than that is what I would do.  Unless you want to get a second opinion, you can.  This your life you are talking about.  I myself chose RNY because the lap band was just not appealing for me and I had a lot of weight to lose.  My journey has been pretty good.  No major complications.  I did end up with acid reflux after the surgery but it is controlled by prilosec.  I feel pretty good, and I am so happy that I had the surgery.  Remember everyone is different so this is a decision you will have to make.  My logic is if I didn't have the surgery I probably would have died from Obesity diseases like Diabetes, because my father and my brother have it.  So if I die from some kind complication from the surgery either way the results are the same.  I believe I did the right thing.  Everything happens for a reason, and at this time, I am healthy.  If you have anymore questions, just ask away.  We are all here to help one another.  Good-Luck on your journey!  Let us know how you are doing.  Maybe we can meet sometime, being that we live so close.

Hi Melissa, thanks for your information.  Looks like you are doing great with your weight loss.  I trust my surgeon (Dr. Borao) so whatever he believes is best I will do.  The only reason I opted for the lap-band as opposed to the RNY was because it was less invasive.  I'm a single mom (widowed) and I have two kids (13 & 15)(they only have me now) and I just thought the RNY was a more complicated surgery and possibly more risks but now that I have researched it more I find that it really doesn't carry more risks than lap, it is more invasive which isn't too bad.  Now that I have had to seriously consider the RNY I am kind of excited.  So where did you have your surgery?  Surgeon?  When?  Is there anything negative you would say about your experience?  I go to the support meetings at Monmouth Medical Center, if you're interested you should come to one.  The next one is next Thursday night from 7-9.  Jackie

Hi Jackie,

I had my surgery at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.  I would say my stay was good.  My surgeon checked on me everyday.  He is a good surgeon.  Dr. Ducheine. My surgery was July of last year.  My experience in the beginning I admit was not easy.  I don't want to scare you or anything but here goes, Like I said before, I ended up getting acid reflux after the surgery.  My surgery was open RNY so my Incision got infected at the top so I had to put an antibiotic on it everyday, I couldn't where a bra for at least 2 months after the surgery how embarasing that was, until the incision healed.   Now you can hardly see it.  Like I said before everyone is different.  I wish I could come to the meeting but I work on Thursday nights.  Hopefully we will be able to meet one day.  Good-Luck with your journey!!!

Sounds like you had a little difficulty but not too bad.  I think the whole bra thing would be the worst part for me lol.  You're not going to scare me, I actually like to hear the bad with the good.  I can't imagine having all good and no bad lol.  What's the long-term affect of the acid reflux?  When you say open RNY you mean you didn't do the laparoscopic? If I do the bypass it would be laparoscopic so hopefully that's a little easier with the healing (??).  I plan to take two weeks off work, if I get it done Tuesday 11/25 then I would return to work on Monday December 8th, hoping that's enough time.  My job is at a desk so I can take it easy somewhat.  I would work for like 2 1/2 weeks then I'll be off again for about a week or so from Christmas through the new year. Then once the new  year starts we will start getting busy as it is a tax office.  How long did it take you to really feel like you were "healed", like you could move around and be you?  Sorry that you can't make the Thursday night support meeting, it really is pretty good.  Maybe we can meet sometime as we are fairly close to each other.  Jackie

I am not sure what the long term effect is for acid reflux, I guess I need to find out myself.  Open RNY is when they open you up, no other way to say it.  Make sure your surgeon does it Laparoscopicly, because I thought my surgeon did it that way, but than I found out he didn't.  I had my date already so I didn't want to change it.  Lapascopic is definitely less Invasive than open RNY, I wouldn't wi**** on anyone.  It took me about a week to two weeks to feel better.  I went back to work after 3 weeks.  I work in an office myself.  I am not sure if December 8, you will be ready to go back to work, I guess you will have to see how you feel.  It took me several months to really feel better.  Everyone is different.  Anyway, Keep me posted on what's going on.

Jackie,
I am sorry that your test came back in that way.  But Melissa is right...if your surgeon says RNY would be better, i would trust him.  You don't want to put yourself in any unneccessary danger.
As for the RNY...I can give you a brighter light than some...keeping in mind I am only 9 weeks out and still anything can happen....BUT....my experience has been FANTASTIC!!!  I have had zero complications....I can eat just about anything (shrimp makes me gag) and I get all my fluids and vitamins in without a problem and I just feel great.  I am down 40 lbs...which is a bit slow...but I only have about 100 to lose, so that's not so bad.  I LOVE MY RNY!!!!

Good luck with your decisions...the next few weeks will be full of them...

Danielle

Danielle, thanks for your input as well.  I really don't have a problem with the RNY and to be honest with you, the more I think about it the more I think it probably is the better way for me.  I chose the lap-band because it seemed to be less invasive, that's pretty much the only reason.  If I do switch to the RNY I'd be fine with that decision too.  All I know is I'm at a point where I want to do something now, I don't want to wait any longer.  I started researching about 5 years ago but it just wasn't the right time for me, now it is.  I'm so glad to hear your journey has been complication free so far, that is wonderful (and great to hear for me lol).  Uhh and 40 pounds in 9 weeks is awesome!!!  I did speak to my surgeons office this morning and confirmed that my date in November is ok even if I change to the RNY.  I'm like you as I am looking to lose about 125 pounds, I'm 5'3 and 260 now (BMI 46) it's time for a change and it can't come soon enough...... Please feel free to update me on your progress as you go along, it's good to hear it first hand.  Thanks again, Jackie

My Daughter had lap band in June and is doing well. I have been having some issues with  chest pain and increasing reflux over the past several months,had the million dollar cardiac workup - all negative.  Went for a GI work up - confirmed hiatal hernia and possible Barrrets esphagus (pre cancerous cells) was given scripts for Nexium  2x a day and Zantac 300mgm at bedtime.  I decided that it was time to take care of my weigh once and for all.  I went for my consult for lap band.   After discussing my medical history and the increased incidence of band slippage due to the hiatal hernia I was told that the RNY was the preferred option.  I opted for the laproscopic RNY, my surgery was 3 weeks ago.  Fortunately, my surgeon also repaired my hiatal hernia, and also found and removed a lipoma (fatty tumor) constricting my esophogus.  I am very happy that a cause for my chest pain was found. I am now taking nexium once a day for the next six months to allow healing of the esohagus. I have no reflux and no chest pain. 

Now, that being said, recovery was not as easy as I thought it would be.  the first week I had constant nausea.  I had no incisional pain - but, had sharp burning pain on my left side when I tried to sit up or turn for 2 weeks it is just about gone now. Getting used to the change in diet  is not that bad as long as you prepare and have the appropriate foods in the house.  I am now on a soft diet and am tolerating it well.  I have little to no appetite, am down 24 pounds in 3 weeks.  I go out to eat with my family - I either share with someone or order a take home box at the same time as my meal.   went to my first support group meeting last week and learned some good things.  I have swithched to GNC 100% Whey chocolate - mix 1 scoop with 8oz skim plus milk (I use GNC Shaker cup)  it tastes like chocolate milk and can easily get it down - 31gm protein.  The thing I have the most difficulty with is not drinking a 1/2 hour before and after meals and not during meals.  There are some major differences with the RNY as opposed to lap band.  Remember that lap band is only restrictive.  RNY is restrictive and malabsorptive.  You MUST take your vitamins and be aware of the possibility of dumping syndrome.  I wsh you l luck and am sure you will make the decision that is right for you.  I know that I did. 

I'm glad your daughter is doing well AND that you were able to get some answers to some of your medical issues as well as have the RNY surgery.  My plan was to take two weeks off for recovery, I sure hope I am allotting myself enough time.  Surgery tuesday 11/25 back to work monday 12/8.  I work for about 2 1/2 weeks then I'll be out from Christmas through the New Year.  I went out over the weekend and bought some of the protein powders, drinks, and snack bars to try out.  I haven't tried them yet but I did pick up the whey chocolate and the vanilla, figured like you, lots of protein and should taste good.  I think I will have difficulty with the not drinking before, during or after meals but I'm already starting to work on it.
I would like to hear how old everyone is and how their recovery went, both good and bad.  I know age does play a factor in your recovery so that's why I said age lol.  (I'm 44).  Thanks everyone for all the info and support, Jackie