Heartburn Treatment after Sleeve Gastrectomy
Most individuals who have excess weight also complain of experiencing heartburn which occurs as a result of reflux of acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus. Due to this, they will experience a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and throat. This feeling is worse when one is lying down. This condition is known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). For some individuals, undergoing weight loss surgery in Mexico can alleviate the symptoms while for others, who didn’t have it before; it can become something they have to contend with.
Heartburn symptoms after sleeve gastrectomy
One of the most common symptoms of heartburn is the feeling that your stomach contents are coming back up your throat which leads to a sour and bitter taste in your mouth. Other symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Throat clearing
- Sleep apnea
- Sore throat
How to fix acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery
The reason why you may start experiencing heartburn after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery is because of the increase in stomach pressure due to its reduced size. Here are ways that you can use to fix it:
- Medication: Your healthcare provider will prescribe proton pump inhibitors that can be taken for up to six months post-operation.
- Surgery: GERD after any form of weight loss surgery could be an indicator of a hiatal hernia or a twisted sleeve that will require a surgical operation to correct it. In the event that the GERD is severe, then the sleeve gastrectomy might need to be converted to a gastric bypass through surgery. The surgeon might need to implant a magnetic device around the weak muscles of the sphincter to control its opening and closing.
- Endoscopic GERD treatment: a non-surgical treatment option known as Stretta can be used to treat GERD. It involves the fortification of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach to make it impossible for the stomach contents to move up. The doctor will lower the Stretta device through the mouth which uses low radiofrequency energy to fortify the opening.
5 Tips To Avoid & Prevent Acid Reflux
- Eat sparingly and slowly
- Avoid certain foods especially spicy ones that can lead to heartburn
- Don’t take carbonated drinks as they will make you burp
- Stay up after eating and only go to bed three hours after your last meal
- Don’t move too fast especially immediately after having a meal.
This article expands on how to prevent acid reflux: 5 Tips To Avoid & Prevent Acid Reflux