Bad News today

[ghost_ryder]

I'm in remission now; I had to be. I was actually supposed to have my surgery in September, but it was canceled because I had a colonoscopy showing that I had ulcers and inflammation. I started on this new drug called Entyvio, and within 6 months it threw me into remission. I'm doing well now, so I restarted the program and am getting my sleeve!

How does Entyvio affect your immune system? My wife has been on Remicade and Humira. Both of which did amazing things for her Crohn's symptons but crushed her immune system.

[SweetCaroline]

@Dewdrop, I am another that has suffered my entire life from acid reflux. I've taken 20mg of Omeprazole (Prilosec) every day for several decades. I had the sleeve done and the surgeon discovered a huge hiatal hernia during the surgery. He fixed it. I still take 20mg of Omeprazole.
My surgery for both the sleeve and hernia, were completely successful and my recovery was quick.
I don't know what the reason is for your surgeon's decision. He sounds set in his ways though. I would definitely seek a second opinion in addition to speaking with him at length. Good luck!

[elliscoastie]

I was sleeved 4 years ago. Had another hiatal hernia and really bad acid reflux. I had tests done and there is erosion on my esophagus. I have early signs of barretts esophagus. It was highly recommended I convert to roux en y. I had surgery 4/17 for conversion and hiatal hernia repair. on 4/19 barium swallow showed yet another hernia and mischapened esophagus near diaphragm. I had to have a second surgery on 4/20. Not a good week. I would ask your doctor why gastric bypass. Do you have excessive heartburn? did you do the 24 hr. acid test? barium swallow? I was on Nexium for 10 years and it did damage to my stomach and esophagus. had biopsies done.

[Gvn71]

I would definitely get a second opinion. I had a hiatal hernia repaired when I had my sleeve. I have no acid reflux, heartburn, etc now. I did have mild heartburn and acid reflux prior to surgery.

Listen to your doctor, but, get a second opinion to see what that doctor has to say.

[Tommy1969]

I had a hiatal hernia repaired during my surgery as well and was sleeved 10 weeks ago. From what my surgeon said this is very common and he never once suggested that I have a full bypass.

I would get a second opinion.

[SweetCaroline]

@Dewdrop, I'm not sure what your situation is, but like you, many of us weren't able to go through insurance for surgery. I know you've invested quite a bit of money in this process already. Have you considered going to Mexico for surgery? I couldn't afford this surgery in the states and looked to Mexico to have it done (and believe me, I had all of the apprehension and fear anyone would have in seeking healthcare outside the US). I ended up going to the OCC (Obesity Control Center). Best decision I've ever made. Much less expensive than the states and frankly, the best care I've had for any operation (and I've had many). I'm not sure what your overall cost is projected to be in in Idaho - but you might want to consider cutting your losses and looking to Mexico. Who knows, you may just save money in the long run. Just a thought.

[Pam G]

two words: SECOND OPINION

[Butterfly66]

My mom and I have both had weight loss surgery, hiatal hernias and the same doctor. She had to have the bypass rather than the sleeve b/c of how bad her hernia was. it was better for her in the long run. They repaired my small one and I was sleeved. I'm sure your doctor knows which surgery is best for you. Both are very similar as far as what your diet will be. I hope all goes well with your surgery.

[Sarcastic_Bard]

I'd definitely approach this subject again with your surgeon or consider getting a second opinion. My surgeon has been practicing for decades, and he made sure to note in my chart after surgery that I had the absolute worst hiatal hernia he had ever seen, and I had esophageal damage from it because I'd apparently had it for so long. He still did a sleeve on me, and I had even signed off stating that if something was wrong causing the sleeve to be unsafe, that he could do an RNY on me.

[Beautiful]

Well I had a severe hiatal hernia that was discovered 10 days after I came home from my sleeve surgery in Mexico it was so bad that I just kept throwing up 7 to 10 times a day with acid burning my esophagus, I had to wait from my esophagus to heal a bit to have the repair done approximately 6 months I couldn't eat or drink my dr here in the states was gonna repair and also do the bypass but he changed his mind and only did the repair thinking that the whole was so large that it sucked part of my stomach into my esophagus and pushed up into my diaphragm . he pushed my stomach down and wrapped my esophagus with a mash. Well I still have episodes with the throwing up in my esophagus and wish that he would have done the bypass while he was in there and my insurance was paying for the hiatal repair so the bypass would not have been so expensive . And yes I'm still taking meds for the reflux.

[cgprincess]

How does Entyvio affect your immune system? My wife has been on Remicade and Humira. Both of which did amazing things for her Crohn's symptons but crushed her immune system.

They haven't really affected me as badly as Humira did. It targets the immune response in the intestines so its better. I'm actually fully ON Entyvio while going through this surgery!

[RoachBug]

Also had a hiatal hernia, which was fixed at the time of the VSG. Never suffered from reflux that is often associated with a hiatal hernia, which surprised my doc. I did have reflux after surgery, however, it was controlled with Omeprazole. Have slowly weaned myself of it, from 2 pills a day at start. Just take it at this point (10 months out), if I get a flare up.

[Tami2]

I also have a large hiatal hernia that needs to be repaired and want my sleeve done at the same time. I am hoping my doctor doesn't tell me the same thing.

[Pam G]

I had a HH repair along with my sleeve, too. I never experienced any symptoms of heartburn/GERD/acid reflux, before surgery and infrequently afterwards (and usually only when I ate too soon before going to bed).

Do you have acid reflux?

[Beautiful]

Because it was dr Almanza. I told him if I had one to go ahead and fix it that I had the extra money for it but he still didn't. What an asshole