H Pylori before bariatric surgery

Question
Dear 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.

Answer
Helen,
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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