Under the knife again?

I met with Dr. Cirangle this morning to go over the results of my recent upper GI series to see if he could do anything to help my chronic GERD. I do have a fixed (meaning it's stuck in my esophagus) hiatal hernia. He doesn't think he can fix the GERD entirely but thinks he can significantly improve it. He wants to take a twist at the juncture b/n the stomach and esophagus to create a valve to help keep the stomach in place. The only problem is that it might make it more difficult to swallow, and I already have some problems there.

This was interesting: he said my sleeve is moderately dilated, a bit more than he'd like to see. He asked how much chicken could I eat and when I said between 3 1/2 - 4 ounces, he said, "well, that's pretty small," but he still wants to reduce the size of the sleeve a little to where I'd be eating 2 1/2 to 3 ounces again. It sounds like part of the problem is the natural shape of my stomach is conducive to heartburn and making the top part smaller might help.

If I do this, it would be an overnight in the hospital, followed by a modified sleeve eating plan--liquids and mushies for a couple of weeks. I bet I'd lose those stupid 8 lbs that have been plaguing me! But I really wouldn't want to lose too much more. On the other hand, it's hard not to get the sleeve tightened while he's in there and insurance is paying...

What do you guys think? Go for it? I have tolerated surgery really well in the past and it would be nice to have the GERD improve...

Lizanne

Here is my take for what it's worth. I don't always see eye to eye with Dr. C in terms of his attitude, but I honestly think he's one of the best surgeons in the world. I'd take any medical advice he gave me, because I think he knows his stuff. I think he is right on target with his advice the way you described it, and I would totally go for it if I were you.

Lizanne,

I would do it.  I totally trust this guy when it comes to surgery.  If he says do it, I would.  That is the honest truth.  I understand your hesitation, but the GERD does need to be repaired and he is already there....  I just know that if it was me, I would do it.

I would follow his advice and go for it.  Good luck

Patty

i would do it.   cirangle has said for the past two or three years he is doing the sleeve a little differently than before and i think it might have to do with how it is tapered and finished up at the top and the purpose is to avoid some stretching. so it makes sense as you are one of the earlier sleevers.  why not get the tune up while someone is under the hood?   he fixed my hiatal hernia during my surgery and it has totally fixed my reflux. everybody is different but I think he is dang good at this stuff.  diane

Yes, Diane (and everyone), I'm inclined to do it as he suggests. He says he thinks Dr. Jossart missed the hernia during my original surgery because it was too large to have surfaced post-sleeve. The day I had my surgery was the day after Dr. J had lost his father and he was on his way to the funeral, so his mind may not have totally been there. Oh, well, it is what it is and unfortunately, the fix that can be done now will never be as good as if it had been done at the time of surgery. But I'll take any improvement I can get. And a sleeve tune up is a great bonus! I do feel totally confident about his surgical skill, that's for sure!

Lizanne

well Dr. C is cautious and tends to underestimate results. i bet you get a great result. my surgery from him was unbelieveably easy and pain free and i was rockin and rollin in no time. he is a perfectionist.  diane

 I would do it.  You have a surgeon that knows his way around a sleeve. I would definitely trust him.

Lizanne,

I know I'm a little to this conversation but, I say go for it! I totally trust Dr. C's opinion and agree with what everyone else has said.
Good luck,
Lynda

 
Hi Lizanne.....

There is no more of a seasoned vet around here than you.....

So.....

I'm gonna flip it back to you......What would you recommend for you or anyone of us that was in your position?

frisco

Ha !!! Gotcha !!!