Question:
How does the LAP RNY & Nissen Fundoplication differ in terms of the

actual procedure(s)? I know they bare both 2 absolutely different procedures for 2 reasons, but how are they alike in terms of the esophagus and stomach "arrangements?"I'm curious. Thanks~~Hadiya    — yourdivaness (posted on July 18, 2002)

July 18, 2002
The Nissen procedure is tightening the opening of the esophagus as it goes into the stomach, because the closure does not work properly. The RNY is a man made pouch detatched from the stomach, bypassed directly into the small intestines.With the Nissen you still have a stomach that can fill up and the opening eventually stretches again. I orriginally was going to have the Nissen, but my doctor said "You are too heavy, it won't work, you should have bypass surgery" In other words the stiches will eventually not hold because of the pressure of my large abdomen. Plus, the amount of food we eat is pressure on the stitching. I had a friend who had the RNY for reflux and lost about 40 pounds but eventually gained it all back.
   — ZZ S.

July 18, 2002
CORRECTION OF BELOW: My friend had the Nissen procedure lost 40 pounds and gained it back NOT! the RNY. sorry
   — ZZ S.

July 19, 2002
Nissen fundoplication is a surgery that helps correct GERD. It is not intended to be a WLS. It basicly is the top part (or fundus) is mobilized and wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter and the wrap is sutured into place. This tightens the junction and will not allow reflux to happen. You would also have a ard time vomitting. THE RNY is what the other writer below wrote. There is a big difference in the two. Hope this helps.
   — Kevin D.

July 23, 2002
I had the Nissen Fundoplication done in 1998. I still had gerds after that. Lost no weight from the procedure. On 7-3-02 I had to have the Nissen Fundoplication reveresed to have the Open RYN for weight loss. The risk becomes greater if you have had the Nissen done. The same part of the stomach is used in these 2 procedures. If you have a weight problem I would not have the Nissen surgery done. I would go right for the RNY. As this has been know to help the Gerds. Had I know about this back in 1998 I would have had it done then. With the Nissen you risk the chance of it not holding as did mine. So I still had Gerds and Had to do a lot of research to find a doctor who would do my RNY. I hope this helps Good luck on what you decide to do.
   — Pam K.