Burning Throat

[msvickee 212]

Now what is this burning in my throat? I started this week when I started eating real food. It feels like acid but why is it I my throat? When I give a big cough a d massage my throat it goes away. It is not constant but I have experienced everyday since going to puréed foods.

Anyone else have this? Today I am 17 days post op.

[angelakay2 117]

It sounds like reflux to me.

[Aaron in Tulsa 147]

I'm still pre-op but I have acid reflux every once in a while and that's exactly what this sounds like.

[AKSleever 57]

Reflux! You need to get on a acid blocker! If your taking one then you either need a stronger one or another does

[msvickee 212]

Is this a result of the surgery? I am assuming so 'cause I have never had this. Arrgghh

[Webchickadee 716]

Very possibly. Many VSG patients have reflux post-op. For some it resolves with time, for others it ends up being fairly permanent.

The good news is that it is quite well controlled with medication (a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) such as Omeprazole (Prilosec) often by itself or in combination with another med).

There are many theories as to the why patients develop Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) post VSG surgery:

1. The new long narrow shape of the stomach make the mobility of the acids more easily progress up into the esophagus.

2. The sphincter muscle between the esophagus and the stomach many have mobility issues post-op due to the surgery. Often these will resolve with time and healing. In some cases, there may have been some scarring or injury to the sphincter during surgery that can result in a more permanent condition.

3. During post-op healing (which can take up to 6 months to fully heal), the lining of the stomach is very sensitive and more likely to react to the acids being produced. This can cause some spasms that may push the acids upward into the esophagus.

4. Some patients may develop a hiatus hernia. A hiatus hernia is a widening of the diaphragm at the point where the esophagus passes from the chest into the abdomen. When you have a hiatus hernia, the stomach slips into the chest and the sphincter at the end of the esophagus is less effective. The hiatus hernia can be surgically repaired (and often patients have this pre-op and it is found during VSG surgery and it is repaired during the VSG!), which should also help resolve the sphincter mobility problems.

5. And of course, eating foods that irritate the stomach or cause excess acid production, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, onions, spicy foods, foods high in fat, alcohol, and caffeine should be avoided in the early post-op stage.

If you are progressing well following the elimination of many of the foods suggested above and are taking a PPI, you can begin to try to reintroduce one of these foods at a time and assess your tolerance.

Laying down after eating can also increase the likelihood of GERD and should be avoided.

Good luck!

[Webchickadee 716]

Webchickadee:

Benjammin, you are so CUTE! Thanks for making me smile!

[msvickee 212]

I think I will go to my accupuncturist about this...it cured my arthritis

[skane10 64]

Webchickadee well said. I had reflux before surgery but it went away a I lost during the pre op phase. Then it came back with a vengeance after surgery... Usually at night. Prilosec clears it right up.

[deekaspor 89]

I use Prilosec each day and it really helps.

[Pattyhdz 32]

Is Prilosec to big to swallow 10 days post op. cuz I tell you Pepcid is not cutting over here. And oh gosh I hope mine not permanent. And thank you!!!!!!! Webchick your awesome for taking time to share with us