Heartburn & Belly Pain

[BAA624 24]

Hi everyone. I hope I’m posting this in the correct place. I just wanted to get some insight or any prior experience.

I had RNY on 9/9/13. Down from 311 pounds to between 170-180 now for maintenance. Prior to surgery, I was on Metformin, Protonix, and HCTZ. I was off all three meds within three months of surgery. Surgically, I had to have my appendix out and gallbladder removed many years ago, so neither are causing my current issues.

About a month ago, I started getting wicked heartburn and reflux. My appetite is diminished. No vomiting, but zero desire to eat. I have cut out spicy foods, I’m not a smoker or tobacco user, and I do not drink alcohol. I’m 38 years old and in otherwise good health. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week.

I have tried OTC Omeprazole, baking soda, Tums, and all the antacids. I started drinking decaffeinated chamomile tea in the morning as well.

Does anyone have experience with heartburn, GERD, etc. coming back many years after RNY? What ended up being the cause? I have my annual followup with my bariatric surgeon on October 11, but I’m wondering if I should move the appointment up. Thank you in advance for any insight!

[kcuster83 1,504]

Hiatal hernia?

[SpartanMaker 898]

Seems unlikely to me that it's related to RNY after 9 years, but could be I suppose? More likely there's something else going on. There are a lot of things that can cause those symptoms, so it would be best to see a doctor and let them figure out the cause.

Best of luck.

[toodlerue 452]

Was there anything else going on when you had your surgery? Did you have hiatal hernia repair then?
My esophagus was really misshaped when I had my RNY 4 years ago & my surgeon told me I had to take a PPI for the rest of my life.

[BAA624 24]

7 minutes ago, toodlerue said:

Was there anything else going on when you had your surgery? Did you have hiatal hernia repair then?
My esophagus was really misshaped when I had my RNY 4 years ago & my surgeon told me I had to take a PPI for the rest of my life.

Thank you for the feedback everyone.

I wasn’t told there was anything strange about my esophagus when I had my RNY in 2013. No previous hernia repair. I was diagnosed with acid reflux back then, which until recently, was asymptomatic. I haven’t taken a PPI on a daily basis since before my RNY. Just an occasional Tums or something like that if I ate something spicy.

Now it’s daily though. Mild pain in the center of my belly, heartburn, and some reflux. I don’t have near the ‘regurgitation’ feeling that I did years ago though, which I suspect is a result of the bypass.

Edited August 11, 2022 by BAA624

[oldandtired 238]

You can have your appointment with your bariatric doc, but unless he knows what it is, go to your regular G.P. -- I have found through life that specialists, if it is not in their narrow little field, tend to not be as helpful as you might think. Besides, it is good to play "catch up" with your regular doctor.