GERD - Indigestion, Reflux, Lumps in Throat/Chest. Exposition of Symptoms and Treatment.

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

Dear All,

Having been sleeved a whole 17 days, I have noticed a very nasty side effect to this surgery - Reflux.

I have been given the PPI, avoid fatty/surgery foods, limit caffeine and chew like the proverbial cow chewing the cud. None of this seems to help things. If I'm gonna get taken out with it, I'm being taken out.

On academic research, I have learnt that VSG increases the likelihood of GERD due to, in short and without doing the 'science bit', the Lower Esophageal Sphincter being weakened. Subsequently, all your gastric juices - PPI or not - jump above that valve and languish in your esophagus causing general discomfort, pain and misery.

Consequently, what I'd like to ask all you good people, is a) have you had this (before or after surgery) b ) how did your surgeons/doctors deal with it c) have your symptoms improved with the surgery, weight loss, or just got worse over time?

Any opinions, particularly from the long-term sufferers, are very much appreciated. x

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

Dear All,

Having been sleeved a whole 17 days, I have noticed a very nasty side effect to this surgery - Reflux.

I have been given the PPI, avoid fatty/surgery foods, limit caffeine and chew like the proverbial cow chewing the cud. None of this seems to help things. If I'm gonna get taken out with it, I'm being taken out.

On academic research, I have learnt that VSG increases the likelihood of GERD due to, in short and without doing the 'science bit', the Lower Esophageal Sphincter being weakened. Subsequently, all your gastric juices - PPI or not - jump above that valve and languish in your esophagus causing general discomfort, pain and misery.

Consequently, what I'd like to ask all you good people, is a) have you had this (before or after surgery) b ) how did your surgeons/doctors deal with it c) have your symptoms improved with the surgery, weight loss, or just got worse over time?

Any opinions, particularly from the long-term sufferers, are very much appreciated. x

[endless80 697]

Same here. It's horrible sometimes.

[endless80 697]

Same here. It's horrible sometimes.

[NMJG 1,266]

Oh yes. I'm at 8 weeks. My dr just prescribed Reglan, which I will try this week, and I have a barium swallow scheduled for Tuesday to check for stricture. The lump in the throat is awful and accounts for a lot of nausea and eating unpleasantness. I sleep with 4 pillows to keep the acid down. I take omeprozole and ranitidine daily.

[NMJG 1,266]

Oh yes. I'm at 8 weeks. My dr just prescribed Reglan, which I will try this week, and I have a barium swallow scheduled for Tuesday to check for stricture. The lump in the throat is awful and accounts for a lot of nausea and eating unpleasantness. I sleep with 4 pillows to keep the acid down. I take omeprozole and ranitidine daily.

[pottergirl 261]

I know we are all different but I had horrible reflux from 2 months till about 4 months and now gone...no ppi no heartburn

[pottergirl 261]

I know we are all different but I had horrible reflux from 2 months till about 4 months and now gone...no ppi no heartburn

[Momonanomo 534]

I never had it before surgery. My surgeon's program calls for 3 months of prescription PPI after surgery. After 3 months the instructions are to stop the daily dose. Holy hell ! Did I experience a backlash when I stopped! To the point where it made me vomit. I spoke with my surgeon, and he said this happens to about 10% of patients. Per his recommendation, I am treating with an OTC as needed. H2 blockers can be used as needed - PPI's can be taken daily or if you know your triggers you can take them preventively as needed. I'm trying to take only as needed, but it seems to be almost every day.

Good news is that the medicine does take care of it. Small price to pay imo, for all the many other benefits of getting this weight off!

[Momonanomo 534]

I never had it before surgery. My surgeon's program calls for 3 months of prescription PPI after surgery. After 3 months the instructions are to stop the daily dose. Holy hell ! Did I experience a backlash when I stopped! To the point where it made me vomit. I spoke with my surgeon, and he said this happens to about 10% of patients. Per his recommendation, I am treating with an OTC as needed. H2 blockers can be used as needed - PPI's can be taken daily or if you know your triggers you can take them preventively as needed. I'm trying to take only as needed, but it seems to be almost every day.

Good news is that the medicine does take care of it. Small price to pay imo, for all the many other benefits of getting this weight off!

[amylhines 2]

I had reflux before surgery, but it was under control with Prilosec (omeprazole). It got worse after surgery and I had to increase my dose and make adjustments to how I take my other medications. Still tweaking things to find out what works best. I'm currently 18 days post surgery.

[amylhines 2]

I had reflux before surgery, but it was under control with Prilosec (omeprazole). It got worse after surgery and I had to increase my dose and make adjustments to how I take my other medications. Still tweaking things to find out what works best. I'm currently 18 days post surgery.

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

I have been reading some serious literature on this subject today. Not alot of it very positive. Apparently, after 1 year, some symptoms abate. Apparently, after 3 years, they can be eliminated. However, one article quoted 43% - yes, that's 43% - of people would all suffer GERD symptoms post VSG forever. The reason this happens? The way the incision and stapling is done. The angle of the food pouch, basically weakens the LES.

Treatment options? PPI (which sometimes don't work and can mask erosion and can lead to malignancy). Botox injected into the valve itself (and only lasts three months). Electrical shock treatment (I kid you not) and an operation, which has very limited success.

I have to say, if I'd known I'd have to deal with this, it could well have been a deal breaker...

Anyone got any home-remedies or eating habit modifications they've made which have improved their symptoms?

[NMJG 1,266]

I have been reading some serious literature on this subject today. Not alot of it very positive. Apparently, after 1 year, some symptoms abate. Apparently, after 3 years, they can be eliminated. However, one article quoted 43% - yes, that's 43% - of people would all suffer GERD symptoms post VSG forever. The reason this happens? The way the incision and stapling is done. The angle of the food pouch, basically weakens the LES.

Treatment options? PPI (which sometimes don't work and can mask erosion and can lead to malignancy). Botox injected into the valve itself (and only lasts three months). Electrical shock treatment (I kid you not) and an operation, which has very limited success.

I have to say, if I'd known I'd have to deal with this, it could well have been a deal breaker...

Anyone got any home-remedies or eating habit modifications they've made which have improved their symptoms?

A couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of Water before bed helps me (I add a spoon of honey too). The acid triggers the valve between the esophagus and stomach to stay closed.

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

A couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of Water before bed helps me (I add a spoon of honey too). The acid triggers the valve between the esophagus and stomach to stay closed.

I am loving that idea.. I shall try that tonight, for sure! Thank you! x