I am Stephanie. I had Gastric Sleeve in 2012. Only lost 67 lbs of my 100 goal. Shortly after sleeve, I stopped loosing weight, began having severe acid reflux, vomiting and found I had a sliding hiatial hernia. These complications and symptoms have plagued me for 6 years. My old insurance had bariatric exclusion. I am now with a new insurance, BCBS ppo and have been advised by a couple doctors to look into revision to gastric bypass. Stating this will help with the acid, repair the hernia at the same time and begin to loose weight again. I have 110 to lose.

My question is, can anyone refer an experienced bariatric surgeon in Southern California who does the sleeve to bypass revision? I have no other option but to travel, as my insurance does not cover anyone in my hometown of Bakersfield. I have looked into Los Angeles and north of me in Fresno so far. If you have a recommendation, I would love to hear it. Anything helps at this point.

Thank you

~Stephanie

I had RNY in 2008. I do have "bathroom problems" but only if I eat too many carbs or sweets, (AKA Dumping).Other than that, my only bathroom problems that are constant is constipation. I had to work hard to be able to have BM. A lot of people with RNY have issues with that, when we follow proper diet as proteins with some fat and a few carbs, Some take extra fiber, others more fats, and some like me - need miralax to make sure things really "move".

The sleeve does not change your intestines. RNY does.

For some people RNY triggers lactose intolerance. You can manage that with avoiding diary and with lactose products. Eating sugar or carbs can cause diarrhea after RNY. Your postop diet should be dense protein with a few non-starchy vegetables. That will often result in constipation problems.

That is why many of us take a daily doses of fiber or laxatives.

The unpleasant bathroom changes can be avoided by making the proper food choices after surgery. It can mean no refined sugars, avoiding dairy and fat, and no fried foods.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! How is a VBG different from a VSG? I'm sorry I'm not familiar...

My heart leaps with excitement every time I read of an experience like yours, where GERD is simply gone after years of suffering. I have multiple health problems right now that all stemmed from malabsorption/malnutrition and I'm really hoping this new start is what I need to be GERD-free and restore my health.

I agree with you! Behavioral modification is the key... I just came home from my first session of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and it was incredible! We talked about the purpose behind certain unwanted behaviors as all behavior is developed to serve a purpose, being ready, willing and able, thought mapping (finding the origin/pattern of thought that ultimately contributes to certain unwanted behaviors), and replacing one behavior with another that's as equally rewarding, if not more.

Hi Shae37,

I would be happy to assist you and help in any way I can. (Free services for our members!) Can you please email me at: [email protected]... I look forward to hearing from you!