Momskids, be sure to have the surgery fully explained to you. And ask what changes will need to be made to your diet and lifestyle as a result of the surgery. If the stomach has to be removed, they'll typically leave a small portion of the top of the stomach and reattach the small intestine to the remnant. That small pouch will be necessary to help you digest the food you're taking in - the acid is important to start the digestive process. The placement of the 'reattachment' is also important, so discuss that with your doc. It can make movement of the contents of the stomach into the small intestine 'easy or difficult.'
Get the name for the type of surgery they're going to perform (Roux-en-y; Billroth I or II) and read up on them. There are both good and bad side-effects from any form of surgery and you want to know what they are and how to handle things.
i'm going down the same road as you...i don't know much about the surgery yet and i have an endo scheduled next thur and HOPEFULLY after 10 months of bile reflux the doc will tell me it's within normal range but if not surgery is my next and last option.I've been on all the meds for it and they didn't work or hurt my stomach so bad i couldn't take them.I will pray that everthing works out for you:)