Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Hi all,
My name is Brittany and I'm 24 years old. I have been dealing with GERD since I can remember. I had reflux as an infant and all through my childhood and into my adult life. I have been on every medicaion you can think of. I've taken every over the counter med possible and maxed out prescription meds. I am currently taking Omeprazole 40 mg 3x a day. I have tried all the diets and avoided things known to cause me reflux (though now if I do that I couldn't even drink water).
I have a very slow metabolism and due to medications and other factors I have gained weight in the past few years which, as we all know, has not helped the reflux at all. I am tired of being on medications and changing my lifestyle to be in this much pain and discomfort forever. I have also been very weary of the newly found side effects of some of the medications that i am on. I also had a BRAVO test and an esophogeal manometry. I have more acid action than normal - some days it can be 3x as much. And the swallow test showed that my esophogaus is only working at about 20%.
Because of me wanting to get off of the meds and have a permanent solution to this problem, my doctor recommended Gastric Bypass Surgery. I do see the pros to this sugery. But at the same time i feel nervous about the big change that my life would go through. Not only with the weightloss, but it is a complete lifestyle change. And I want that. The weightloss would definitely be an added bonus.
Has anyone had this done for this purpose? Pros? Cons? Opinions? Advice?
Anything would be helpful!
Thank you,
Brittany
I was also afraid of the lifestyle changes RNY requires - - my fears kept me from having the surgery for 5 years (and an additional 80 lbs). When my weight reached over 300 lbs and I it became painful to walk from the car into a store, I knew I either needed to have the surgery and fight for my life, or give up and get a handicapped sticker and a scooter. I chose RNY... and I'm SO glad I did!! I shed 175 lbs, ditched my cpap and my GERD meds, and love being able to fully live life again!
Yes, I had to give up Diet Coke, sugar, flour, white foods (rice, pasta, great, etc) - but I gained so much more! Now, I can walk, run, fit in airline seats, roller-skate, go horseback riding, buy clothes at any store, fit into regular-width shoes, cross my legs and arms, reach all my body parts to shave, give myself a pedicure, dance all night, and fit into my husband's arms. I haven't had any problems with GERD since my RNY.
For me, it has been totally worth it!!
JJ
As for me, RNY was once of the best choices I have made in my life. Yes, it is a huge lifestyle change, for life. I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. I have energy to do whatever I want. I have been working on major house updating projects for the last several months and I couldn't have done that 6 years ago before surgery. I love having a life now!
It took me 8 years of researching and talking with people, so I went into this well educated. I would recommend that you educate yourself as well so that you can educate others in your support circle if you decide to take this life changing path. If you scroll down you will find a post called "what newbies need to know" that will give you some good information on what to expect.