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New and apprehensive

Jeffwi

Jeffwi

Member
I was advised by my doctor to consider having a roux en y procedure, but this is not for weight loss, but to get my gerd, (acid reflux) under control. There are several other surgeries for this, but my test result and condition are not suitable for them. This is a big decision, looking for advice from people that have had this done, and the pros and cons of post surgery.
 
I had the RNY last month. I did not have prominent GERD, but a little reflux and genetic disposition later in life. The biggest part of this surgery is the mindfulness it entails. Eating can never be the same because the stomach either doesn’t have room, the body will reject what you’ve eaten (sugary or fatty things causing dumping syndrome), and the emphasis on protein consumption. Now, the pros for me are weight loss related because I did this to improve my health. I haven’t had any cons because I went into this fully aware of all the changes I’d have to make to become successful. Does it suck that I can’t enjoy the food of the holidays this year? Yes, but I’ve had 38 years of enjoying food how I wanted. I can go without the indulgences for a while. This is going to be a tough decision, but you have to do what’s going to work for the long term, whatever that may be.
 
Jeffwi said:
I was advised by my doctor to consider having a roux en y procedure, but this is not for weight loss, but to get my gerd, (acid reflux) under control. There are several other surgeries for this, but my test result and condition are not suitable for them. This is a big decision, looking for advice from people that have had this done, and the pros and cons of post surgery.
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I had RNY for GERD, gastro paresis and as a last resort hiatal hernia repair after 2 other failed surgeries. I also had the rest of my stomach removed as it was damaged. I can honestly say I was terrified, and it was certainly not an easy recovery. I was left with a feeding tube for several weeks. Saying that, everyone is different. It is now over 18 months since the surgery, and although I am still tired a lot and struggle with certain foods, I have not had 1 instance of GERD and it is also very nice being skinny!
 
I had the bypass in June, for weight loss not GERD, which I have/had. The surgery definitely helped with the active reflux, and protects against further damage to your esophagus. But it does not undue any damage that has already been done. Which is why I am still taking medication for that. BUT my gastroenterologist said we will revisit after my next endoscopy, so I am hoping to lose that medication too! But it is VERY nice not having such severe reflux it wakes you up choking. As for the surgery itself, I haven't had any real issues. You certainly have to eat less but I haven't found anything that I absolutely cannot eat or that makes me ill. And as an added bonus, I feel amazing. So, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who thinks it might help them. Good luck with your decision.
 
Thank you, yes he said it would be laparoscopic, the only other option is a partial fundopulation, but to to the lack of peristaltic activity of my esophagus he don't think I will be able to push food through, and this surgery would make things worse, and then I would have to have the RYGB anyway, that would be a second surgery, and scar tissue to deal with. The RYGB was not even in my mind when we started my tests, so it is a lot to wrap my head around, thus the reason I am looking for feedback from other people. I really appreciate the response, and am a little in awe of it. Was really looking to get off the long term use of the ppi pills due to the side effect toll they are slowly taking on my kidney function.
 
I face this surgery for a completely different reason than most of the people here, my long term dealing with acid refux has damaged my esophagus to a grade C and is losing its ability to push food prooerly, I also have what is called barretts esophagus in play, which is a precursor to cancer, and a hiatial hernia on top of that. I have been on prescription meds such as nexium for years, which is the ppi meds to control the acid reflux, I am not really overweight, 5'8" 185lbs, but know I will lose weight after surgery, but I am ok with that, my diet over the years has already altered drastically to prevent the reflux, heartburn, and regurgitating of acid into my throat, and lungs. Anytime I gain close to, or over 200lbs things do get worse. I was controlling things, to a point with the pills, but now my kidney function is taking a dip. But I did not even dream that a RYGB would be in my future, and it took my by total surprise. So the more I hear of positive results, such as yours. The more at ease my mind gets about going ahead with this. I thank you very much for your response to my thread on here.
 
Jeffwi said:
I face this surgery for a completely different reason than most of the people here, my long term dealing with acid refux has damaged my esophagus to a grade C and is losing its ability to push food prooerly, I also have what is called barretts esophagus in play, which is a precursor to cancer, and a hiatial hernia on top of that. I have been on prescription meds such as nexium for years, which is the ppi meds to control the acid reflux, I am not really overweight, 5'8" 185lbs, but know I will lose weight after surgery, but I am ok with that, my diet over the years has already altered drastically to prevent the reflux, heartburn, and regurgitating of acid into my throat, and lungs. Anytime I gain close to, or over 200lbs things do get worse. I was controlling things, to a point with the pills, but now my kidney function is taking a dip. But I did not even dream that a RYGB would be in my future, and it took my by total surprise. So the more I hear of positive results, such as yours. The more at ease my mind gets about going ahead with this. I thank you very much for your response to my thread on here.
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I also have Barrett's, which is why my dr. won't take me off the meds just yet. Although, I should have mentioned that I'm at 1/2 of what I was taking and again, my doctor is hopeful that I will be able to completely get off it after my next endoscopy. Best of luck to you.
 
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