I was a vegan many years ago, but now that I'm nearly 5 years post-surgery I developed acid reflux/GERD so bad that my PCP said get rid of animal products ASAP. I also have Barrett's Esophagus due to said acid reflux disease. I honestly do not like meat and dairy, and it's now to the point where eating meat and dairy is endangering my life. What can one eat in my situation? My surgeon who did my surgery nearly 5 years ago is now out-of-network and I'm currently uninsured in the State of New York.

I’m sorry you’ve developed Barrett’s because of your reflux. I used to manage a lot of my pre surgery bypass through diet modification. No spicy food, reduced caffeine, reduced carbonated drinks, reduced fats, avoided rich or creamy food. They were things that would aggravate my reflux. It helped a lot & I only took Nexium when I had an attack & I’d go months between attacks. I still ate meat & dairy (not a lot of dairy because I had some lactose issues) as no one ever suggested reducing or avoiding them. But your doctor may have reasons for advising you not to.

For years I also slept with the head of my bed on bricks (can’t do it with an ensemble) so my whole body would be on a slope. Just sleeping on extra pillows will bend your neck more & the rising stomach acid then pools in your oesophagus. Because I have reflux everyday now my surgeon also suggested not eating dense protein or dense foods a couple of hours before bed as your stomach will produce more acid to breakdown that dense food. (I take Nexium everyday now & am still careful with my dietary choices.)

I found this basic info on Barrett’s & diet options as a starting point but I would ask your doctor for more dietary advice &/or a recommendation to a good dietician.

https://www.healthline.com/health/barretts-esophagus-diet#foods-to-eat