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

Anyone develop Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR or Silent Reflux) after Gastric Bypass?



Recommended Posts

I have finally been diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)/Silent Reflux with my ENT Specialist about 3 weeks ago after suffering from a lump in my throat and tightness in throat which results in somewhat difficulty breathing. I have been having these symptoms for at least the past 4 months.

I had visited at least 6-7 medical professionals (none of whom knew why I was suffering from these issues) before finally being diagnosed with Silent Reflux (difficult to diagnose). It is different to GERD (normal reflux) in that I do not have the classical reflux symptoms of heart burn, indigestion etc. I even had a gastroscopy (camera down my esophagus) to confirm it is not GERD.

Has anyone ever developed Silent Reflux (LPR) or had any symptoms of a lump in your throat or somewhat difficulty breathing? It is best diagnosed by an ENT wherein they place a camera through your sinuses and it goes right to where your voice box is. I had the gastric bypass in 2019 (I initially had the gastric sleeve in 2013, but it was converted to Gastric Bypass in 2019).

I am now on Somac (PPIs) twice daily for a minimum of 4 months in order to stop any stomach acid entering my throat and airways. It is a lengthy process to treat silent reflux.

I would appreciate if anyone whom has had similar symptons and/or being diagnosed with silent reflux could let me know.

Thanks everyone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had silent heartburn since before the surgery. it took 10 years for a diagnosis. I don’t get heartburn symptoms or anything.

But I do have constant trouble swallowing due to a lump and tightness in my throat. I also have had vocal troubles that required months of vocal therapy so that I could speak with less pain. It still hurts to talk though.

I take 40mg omeprazole twice a day, sleep in an adjustable bed so I can be on an incline, do PT every day to relieve the throat tension, and avoid: dairy, acidic foods like tomatoes, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, and bread/pasta to avoid making it worse.

I was supposed to have a hiatal hernia fixed during my WLS which they thought would help but that … didn’t happen. So I still have it post op.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, ClareLynn said:

I have had silent heartburn since before the surgery. it took 10 years for a diagnosis. I don’t get heartburn symptoms or anything.

But I do have constant trouble swallowing due to a lump and tightness in my throat. I also have had vocal troubles that required months of vocal therapy so that I could speak with less pain. It still hurts to talk though.

I take 40mg omeprazole twice a day, sleep in an adjustable bed so I can be on an incline, do PT every day to relieve the throat tension, and avoid: dairy, acidic foods like tomatoes, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, and bread/pasta to avoid making it worse.

I was supposed to have a hiatal hernia fixed during my WLS which they thought would help but that … didn’t happen. So I still have it post op.

Thank you for your reply.

How long has it been since you had the gastric bypass and you were diagnosed with Silent Reflux? My ENT said it takes about 3 to 4 months for symptoms to be treated. Do you have somewhat difficulty breathing at times?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm an amateur singer, and I have a voice doc for when I have problems. He had been prescribing proton pump meds for reflux for 20 years or so. When I mentioned I'd like to get off the meds, he asked if I had ever considered weight loss surgery. I had never considered it, since I wasn't as big as many weight loss surgery patients.

I had the surgery 6 months or so ago, and I'm off the meds now. I'm experiencing only very minor reflux symptoms. I plan to go in soon to get him to take a look at the vocal folds, because it's about time for a procedure I need every ten years or so. It will be interesting to see whether he can see a reduction in the inflammation caused by reflux.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 12/30/2021 at 19:54, yesno789 said:






Thank you for your reply.




How long has it been since you had the gastric bypass and you were diagnosed with Silent Reflux? My ENT said it takes about 3 to 4 months for symptoms to be treated. Do you have somewhat difficulty breathing at times?


I had this diagnosis pre-surgery, it wasn’t a complication from my duodenal switch (SADI). I do not have trouble breathing really, except when I drink and then bend over or lie down. Then the contents of my stomach often come up and go down into my lungs. When that happens I can hear a crackling noise when I breathe and have trouble taking deep breaths.

I avoid this by cutting off drinking about 30 minutes before bedtime and sleeping on an incline.

I have read here often that gastric bypass should help with reflux. I’m sorry that you developed it even with the “right” surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had this before surgery, I had a sleeve done. while I am still on medication (Nexium) it is under control for the most part. I get a burning in the top of my throat if I haven't eaten for awhile. but its not unbearable I am hoping it gets better as my surgeon said it would when I expressed my concerns before surgery.( the weight loss would reduce the pressure and there fore resolve the problem) however I haven't been game to test this yet and not take the Nexium. same advise try not to eat or drink an hour or so before bed my surgeon said 3 hours but that just isn't practical with my shift work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just wondering if anyone else has this condition. My Condition still persists despite being on Somac (PPI) x 2 daily for many months now and trying all the tips such as skipping acidic drinks and foods, no food 2 hours before bed, keeping bed raised.

Any one that has LPR or Silent Reflux post gastric bypass, I would love to hear from you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't been diagnosed with LPR but my primary says many of my ongoing symptoms suggest it. I've had eustachian tube dysfunction for a number of months. After ruling out the other causes he thinks it may be GERD or LPR causing them to be constantly irritated. I also had a hiatal hernia which might have made things worse.

I just completed a reversion from sleeve to bypass. Both my surgeon and my primary think this will help once things have a chance to heal up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am 25 weeks pregnant and was recently diagnosed with silent reflux. The ENT doc put me on Pepcid but it has not helped much. It only started when I became pregnant. I was sleeved in 2019. I had the exact lump in my throat even called 911 several times for feeling like I couldn’t breath until it was finally diagnosed. I feel for you. I hope things get better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am pre-op and they have put my process on hold until my situation has a clear diagnosis. I have had GERD for 10 years and am now on 2 PPI daily and Famotidine at night and still have symptoms. I have recently developed GERD asthma (who knew that was a thing!) and now I have Muscle Tensioning Dysphonia (trouble speaking because of acid in larynx causing damage to vocal cords). I have to see a voice specialist for voice therapy. I have to see a gastro to determine if LPR in addition to GERD, and how large the hiatal hernia is. I also, have to see a neuro-gastroenterologist to see if sphincter valve at top of esophagus is completely not working and if there are motility issues with swallowing and processing through intestines and to rule out neurogenic cough in addition to asthma. How crazy is this! I suppose I'm grateful to be able to get to the bottom of all this, but so very disappointed that GP is being put on hold for now. I was originally told that GP would help relieve the GERD problems, now they have to be sure what causing all of this before I can go on. What a vicious cycle I'm in, the asthma meds making the GERD issues worse, the GERD is making the asthma/voice worse. My ENT did say this is complicated and unusual (so don't fret about yourself) it's probably very different than my situation. I just wanted you to know that I hear you, I understand and can empathized and hang in there, they will figure it out.

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 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

    ×