QuestionDear Doctor,
I am 63 years old, battling with excess weight all my life. I have Polysystic Ovary Syndrome. I had H pylori so the doctors wanted to eliminate it. Since June of 2010, I had four treatments of different antibiotics and the urea breath test was always positive. Finally, during the last test in Feb.2011 it was negative, so I am in the waiting list to see the surgeon.
Since two weeks ago I've been having terrible pain and bloating in the pit of my stomach, even at night. I started taking Prevacid. At first I saw some improvement but now it seems the medication is not working as good. My stomach feels like I have stones in it. I can hardly touch it.
I am very scared that I will not be able to have the surgery. Even though the prefered surgery is the YnRoux I want to have the sleeve and I am going to discuss it with the surgeon. If H pylori or an ulcer are there, is the sleeve out of the question?
I've been waiting for over a year and now this. I should mention that before all these antibiotic treatments I did not have a problem with my stomach for more than 10 years. I do not have too much time with my age and I have millions of problems with my health that the weight makes worse. Please give me some answers, because I am really scared. Thank You.
AnswerHelen,
I understand your concern and your sense of urgency about optimizing your chances for having surgery. You understand (and I agree) that either the gastric bypass or the sleeve can help you achieve dramatic improvements in your health as your weight comes down.
Unfortunately, I can't give you a simple answer to your questions. I think it is fair to say that you should not go into either surgery with the pain that you describe. I suggest you coordinate with the GI doctor who treated you for the H pylori to see what he/she will recommend.
Between the gastric bypass and the sleeve - they are both good operations. The gastric bypass has a longer track record and proven reliability.
Best wishes!
Dr JP
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