Can Bariatric Surgery Help with Acid Reflux?
Key Takeaways:
- The Weight Connection: Carrying excess weight increases abdominal pressure, which physically pushes stomach acid up into the esophagus.
- Lifestyle First: Initial relief often starts with losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding common triggers like caffeine and spicy foods.
- A Surgical Solution: Bariatric procedures (like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass) jumpstart weight loss, which naturally relieves GERD symptoms by reducing that internal abdominal pressure.
- Immediate Relief for Hernias: If your acid reflux is caused by a hiatal hernia (a loosened valve), surgeons can repair it during your weight loss procedure, providing almost immediate relief.
- No One-Size-Fits-All: Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass can both improve GERD, but an in-depth consultation with a surgeon is necessary to determine the safest and most effective procedure for your body.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects more than 20% of adults. It occurs when the acid in your stomach “backs up” into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest. Other symptoms may include nausea, pain/difficulty swallowing, cough and bad breath. The first line of treatment often involves long term acid lowering medications, but many patients ask will GERD go away if they lose weight.
How Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Treat GERD
We often tell patients that weight loss along with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding common triggers such as caffeine, spicy foods, and stress, can help treat symptoms of GERD. And, an effective way to jumpstart weight loss and treat both obesity and Acid Reflux or GERD is with gastric sleeve or bypass. By losing the excess weight after either of these procedures, you decrease the abdominal pressure that causes symptoms of Acid Reflux.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Your Acid Reflux?
A discussion with your surgeon can help you decide if bariatric surgery is right for you. And, if you have GERD, do not want to take acid lowering medications long term, have a loosened valve (hiatal hernia), or you are at risk for severe complications from acid reflux, weight loss surgery can help to alleviate your symptoms in addition to helping you lose weight. It’s important to discuss these conditions with your doctor to determine the best weight loss surgery procedure for you.
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass for Acid Reflux
Both the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery can improve Acid Reflux or GERD if it’s due to carrying excess weight. There is no one size fits all when it comes to which procedure will be better for GERD. Rather, a surgeon will have an in depth discussion with you prior to surgery to best determine what procedure would fit you best. In addition, if acid reflux is due to a loosened valve (hiatal hernia), then this will be fixed at the time of your surgery which will improve your acid reflux symptoms almost immediately. Within a short period of time after the procedure, relief of all symptoms of acid reflux usually occurs.
Take the First Step Toward Permanent Relief
Let’s discuss whether gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or a hiatal hernia repair is the best fit for your body and your lifestyle. To schedule a consultation, call us at 908-481-1270 or click here to book an appointment online.
