Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Did you develop GERD or did it get worse after VSG?



Recommended Posts

I posted this somewhere - I thought here but couldn't find it. Sorry if this is posted elsewhere.

Research has shown that GERD can develop or get worse after VSG. Has this happened to anyone?

I am having second thoughts about this surgery due to this (going from band to sleeve)- having been diagnosed with GERD and small hiatal hernia years ago. I take nexium and have not had symptoms for years (well, I did with the band at one point but that is another story). Also the NO NSAIDS is problematic for me as I have chronic back pain and arthritis (I am 64). Not a lot of options for pain management that work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My GERD has actually been better since the surgery. I am taking omeprazole (scrip sent home with me from hospital). It must be working. But I also think my healthier diet and no coffee is helping a lot too!

I hear you about the NSAID's. I have a shoulder problem I'm dealing with. My PCP has sent me to a physical therapist since I can't take any of the good stuff. It seems to be helping.

I would suggest you talk to your PCP and surgeon about your concerns. Maybe the surgery will help with the back pain?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had weight-induced GERD and heartburn pre-op. At higher weights it was an issue, at lower weights it was not (I was a yoyo dieter so my weight fluctuated a LOT). Since surgery, the GERD has been pretty consistent, even as I've dropped below a weight were it was no longer an issue in the past. I take omeprazole daily and that keeps it in check, but the few times I've tried to go off it, the GERD kicked in right away.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

*Knocks on wood* I'm surprised that I haven't developed GERD post op. I am still less than 2 months out so that might change but so far I have none.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Studies I read (this was 3 years ago, so check for updates) that as much as 30% of sleevers need to be on PPI longer term. A few need to revise to bypass since it so severe. The thing is, it spikes between years 3-6 post op. I theorize because by then people are more likely to overeat/eat too fast.

I never had GERD or reflux until i was banded and it was the combination of restriction with overeating/eating too late that did it. Other than the first few months post op with sleeve I have not had excess acid and knock on wood that continues.

I thought long and hard about it. This is my SECOND WLS, I don't want to revise again! I decided to take the risk and so far no regrets (I am 3 years out) but it is one reason I really watch portions.

If it is a real worry for you - look into the bypass - it is one of the benefits of that surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had GERD pre-op and took PPI regularly, post-op I still do. It has not gotten any worse. Rather now I don't get heart burn, rather funny tummy feeling that tells me I havent taken my dose today.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a problem with "regurgitation" before, no heartburn or anything, and was diagnosed with GERD (years before my surgery). I did not realize until after the fact that it had a chance of getting worse with the sleeve (surgeon never bothered to mention it to me). Guess I should have done my homework, because it definitely got worse with the sleeve. Not only am I regurgitating still, I am now experiencing heartburn and acid coming up when I'm laying down in bed, causing me to gag and choke. He kept me on liquids after surgery for 6 weeks, hoping my sleeve would "loosen up" a little and relieve the symptoms, but to no avail. I am on Omeprazole 2X a day, and that seems to help a little, but I know I am going to have to eventually see a Gastroenterologist and see what they can do.

Like CowgirlJane said, I can definitely control the severity of it by how fast, how much, and what I eat. For right now, I'm concentrating on losing the weight and seeing if that helps relieve some of the symptoms. If not, to the Gastro I go! Converting to a bypass at this point is not even on my radar until I can exhaust all other options, but we shall see! Good Luck to you!

**Edit**

I really believe that, had I known that GERD sometimes got worse with the sleeve, I would have opted for the bypass. But hindsight is 20/20 ;)

Edited by Babbs

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did not have GERD before my sleeve surgery. I started having heartburn a few weeks after my surgery, but took Zantac daily to get rid of it. I quit taking it about 2.5 months out and haven't had any problems since.

My mom had to take Prilosec for the first year after her sleeve surgery. I honestly think it just depends on the individual and what you're eating and drinking.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×