Bad News today

[Dewdrop]

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[Donald G]

I would be questioning him about this as I know atleast 10 people in my support group who had their hernia repaired and had sleeves done. If he insisted on dong the by pass I would look for a new surgeon.

[ghost_ryder]

I think it has to do with reflux. If you have bad reflux now with the hernia then you are very likely to experience it going forward with the sleeve.

Others with more experience with that will be able to provide more input. Unfortunately, nothing ever seems to upset my stomach.

[rodmartir]

Hello every one I got my Sleeve 2 Weeks ago, I had a Fundoplication for the acid reflux and got sleeve. My doctor did recommend the bypass but I told him no so not sure why he wouldn't give you options. You should get a second opinion to see what they tell you.

Good Luck

[bigdogluver]

Well, get another opinion or have the doc provide more of an explanation. I had a hiatal hernia and my doc fixed it during the sleeve surgery. Other HH patients have had theirs fixed, too. So... I'm not too sure about this doc...

[DesertGal]

I had a very large hiatal hernia and it was fixed during surgery. I never had any symptoms what so ever beforehand and none now, 5 weeks after surgery. I would get another opinion or grill the heck out of him explaining WHY a bypass?

[cgprincess]

I just got back home from my endoscopy and my doctor told me I have a large hiatal hernia and therefor I will have to have a bypass instead of the sleeve. I don't get it. I've seen tons of people in these forums who have a hiatal hernia and were sleeved. He said he would fix it during surgery but that a sleeve is not possible when you have a hiatal hernia even after fixing it. Totally don't get this, and it's very frustrating. Wondering if anyone else has been told this by their doctor. Or perhaps someone knows more reasoning to this.

Uhm.. I have a hiatal hernia, and I'm having surgery monday. I would totally get the RNY if I could though. I have ulcerative colitis/crohns so I can't.

anyhow.. I would get a second opinion if you really want a sleeve instead of an RNY.

[cgprincess]

Thanks, I do have acid reflux but if the hiatal hernia can be fixed during surgery then the hernia shouldn't matter or play into his decision. That is what I just don't understand. My BMI is just under 40. So a bypass doesn't seem right for me. I dont have insurance and I have already spent $2600 with this current doctor. I hardly want to start all over again with a new doctor and pay that amount all over again. Yep, a yuck day indeed! : )

One of the things my dr said was that if I wanted an RNY he would do it.
Just tell your Dr. that you don't want an RNY. Tell him you want the sleeve. It's your body and the sleeve has WAY fewer complications than an RNY!

[cgprincess]

Thanks, i told him before that I really don't want a bypass. And today after the endoscopy he knew I was very disappointed. We didn't get to talk much though as I was coming out of anesthesia. i have to wait for my next appointment with him, which sucks having to wait that long before I can talk to him again. I'm not getting the bypass. It's either the sleeve or nothing. Unless he can give me a good enough reason for it. Do you think this is simply greed because a bypass costs more?

that's possible, though not likely. I would have a serious talk with him and make sure he understands that you won't do anything if you can't have the sleeve. The sleeve has fewer complications, the sleeve is not malabsorbtive, which is a big one. Make sure you state that your support group has dozens if not more of people with the same condition and have had it fixed during surgery. It will show you've done your research and that you know what you're asking for.

good luck! <3

[Ann2]

Big disappointment, I'm sure.

For the record, I had a hiatal hernia and acid refluxa pre-op (although not severe) and took an antacid (Ranitidine 150 mg.) twice a day.

During surgery, my surgeon fixed my hiatal hernia, and I still take Ranitidine 150 mg. twice a day. I do have to watch the combination of reflux-inducing foods, especially late in the day. But if usually it's not a problem.

I'd definitely have a second LONG conversation with the doc. And I'd also seek a second opinion.

Not saying RnY is a bad thing. But it's a much more complicated thing -- and requires so much more supplementation for the rest of your life.

[ghost_ryder]

Uhm.. I have a hiatal hernia, and I'm having surgery monday. I would totally get the RNY if I could though. I have ulcerative colitis/crohns so I can't.

anyhow.. I would get a second opinion if you really want a sleeve instead of an RNY.

I will be interested in how you do with that. My wife has Crohn's and I have heard from others that they went into a remission status after surgery.

[sraebaer]

Maybe a second opinion for your peace of mind?

[Christie13]

I had hernia repair and sleeve. I never had bad heartburn prior to the sleeve though. I did have some heartburn. I had heartburn post op initially but it is super common and even non hernia repairs get it. I think I would ask and tell him that you know lots of people who have done it. That being said...for every single aspect of the surgery it is always about what the surgeon prefers. From pre op to post op diet, to amount of hospital stay, to what kind of sutures, drains versus no drains, pain meds prescribed, etc. So this doesn't shock me that he as made this decision. I know that they do say anyone with a lot of acid reflux issues prior to the sleeve it is usually recommended by most surgeons to have a bypass as the reflux can worsen with the sleeve.

[Christie13]

Also, since you are self pay I would think that you would have the ultimate decision unless it was medically risky for you to get the sleeve.

[cgprincess]

I will be interested in how you do with that. My wife has Crohn's and I have heard from others that they went into a remission status after surgery.

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!