So I was diagnosed by an ENT as having LPR Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, otherwise known as "silent" acid reflux... so the stomach acid is not in the amount that causes GERD but just enough to creep up into my throat which triggers this whole sinus/mucus/fluid accumulation that causes my throat to have a lump feeling and irritation. I find it affects my voice and ability to talk. Swallowing is sometimes a bit of an effort. It's a perpetual pool of fluid and my stomach is growling like crazy. I just chewed 2 Gaviscon and I'm already taking a daily PPI. The ENT said to come back in 6 weeks. It's only maybe week 2 and this addition of OTC chewables isn't helping. When I called this doctor and asked him just how much acid, (or lack thereof) did he presume my stomach was producing, he said "I don't know the answer to that." He hadn't anything further to offer. I feel like I've hit a wall and I've been told to avoid spicy, citrus, chocolate...foods. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I go to a gastroenterologist who will hear me out and have another upper endo with an emphasis on my throat? I know that something is not right here and I only want a remedy that will work. Does anyone here know about this type of acid reflux? Does anyone know if and/or when our sleeved stomachs behave normally in relation to acid production or if this will be a life long struggle?

I had the lump in my throat for a very long time after surgery. It did go away eventually.

Thanks for responding back! I see you haven't been on in awhile. I thought alot of these acid issues would have faded away by now but they seem to get worse or not change at all. How are you managing yours now days? And what type of water would you suggest to drink?

Thanks for responding back! I see you haven't been on in awhile. I thought alot of these acid issues would have faded away by now but they seem to get worse or not change at all. How are you managing yours now days? And what type of Water would you suggest to drink?

Hi. It's been a very long time since this thread was active how have things been with the LPR? I'm pre op for bariatric surgery and Im leaning towards RNY to help with the LPR symptoms that I experience. Please give us an update. Thx so much!

Hi, I've read this whole thread and would like to offer my experience with the LPR/silent reflux situation. I am very certain that I had this disorder even before I had Lap Band surgery. It started around 2004 with the coughing, excess mucus, lump in throat, sneezing, choking, hurts to swallow, sore throat, voice hoarse. It was awful. It would be this way for months and then just disappear for long periods of time, only to come back and do the same thing all over again. I had LapBand in 2008, lost about 60 pounds and then blew out my knees and started having mobility issues. I gained all of my weight back. In 2014 I went to an ENT because I just couldn't take it anymore. He did the camera down my nose into my throat and confirmed I had LPR. I had already researched online and decided that was what I had. He just confirmed it. He said my vocal cords were raw and inflamed and that was why my voice had changed and gotten deeper and raspy over the past few years. Every doctor I had gone to I told them about my voice and they just looked at me like I was crazy. I've had endoscopy and all seems okay but I'm just miserable. I take Protonix and Prevacid daily along with a probiotic and I eat Pepto tablets and tums like candy. I choke and cough so bad that I wretch -- can't actually throw up cuz the band keeps me from doing that. My next step is to wear the ph meter down my nose and into my throat for 24 hours to see what type of acid it is that is creeping into my throat. I feel for you guys because this thing is horrible. It has a mind of its own. One day I can eat a certain thing with no problems and then the next day it will bring on a full on episode. You guys feel free to contact me anytime. I will keep my journey updated here. Good luck!

Lisa

I’m not familiar with this condition but I would see a gastroenterologist if it were me. They know way more about gerd and acid production. There’s got to be some relief for you.

Hi, actually, I have a gastroenterologist also. He would be the one putting the meter on for the 24 hr acidity test. I'm about to have knee replacement so after that's done I'm going to have the acid test done. I don't wish this on anyone. One of the problems is that a lot of docs don't know much about LPR so they tend to treat it like regular reflux - GERD and its NOT.

It’s all one in the same. Acid from your stomach is traveling up your esophagus. What are you taking for it? I kept a bottle of anti acid liquid next to my nightstand. I also raised the head of my bed by placing a 2 x6 under the bed supports. I had a severe hyanial hernia but that was fixed with my sleeve and have had zero issues since

I know this is originally a very old thread, but I looked up the fundoplication surgery a previous poster mentioned in 2012. It looks like there is a newer method of fundoplication that strengthens the valve with a string of titanium beads that might be possible for WLS patients (the original method of drawing up the stomach to the esophagus would be challenging since there isn't much stomach to draw up.) According to this 2015 article, it's FDA approved, but many insurers were not covering it at the time.

http://www.startribune.com/device-for-acid-reflux-approved-by-fda-but-not-by-insurers/303946711/

I just found this thread today and wanted to resurrect it if possible to see if anyone has ever resolved this issue. I have reflux bad at night and wake every morning with acid irritating my throat. Yesterday I started losing my voice so naturally I thought I was getting sick. Only symptom I have is throat hurts like crazy. Today, I can't talk at all. Full laryngitis has set in. I have no other symptoms though so I dont think this a cold or sinus infection. I see my surgeon on Thursday for my 6 month post sleeve follow up, but I don't think hes going to offer much help because hes always a jerk (true). I already take protonix daily along with tums chewable as needed. I know most people resolve the reflux issue by conversion to bypass, but that's not an option for me as my insurance doesn't include bariatric coverage so I self paid. I don't have another $15 K for another surgery ☹