GERD & Bariatric Surgery: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including its uncomfortable side effects like heartburn and regurgitation of stomach contents, is a common health issue that worsens with obesity. This blog explores how excessive weight increases the risk of GERD and impacts quality of life, and how bariatric surgery can provide significant relief. By focusing on diet and exercise alongside weight loss surgery, patients can manage their symptoms more effectively and reduce the pressure that excess body weight places on their stomach, thereby minimizing the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus.
Understanding the Link Between Obesity and GERD
Being overweight is a big risk factor for GERD because it puts extra pressure on your stomach. This can make stomach acid flow back up into your esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn.
The Impact of GERD on Health
GERD isn’t just uncomfortable. It can lead to serious health problems, including damage to your esophagus. Managing GERD is important to stop these problems and keep a good quality of life.
How Obesity Makes GERD Worse
Extra belly fat increases the risk of acid reflux. This can make GERD symptoms happen more often and be more severe. It also raises the risk of developing complications like esophageal damage.
Current Treatments for GERD
People often try to manage GERD with diet changes and exercise. But for those who are very overweight, these might not be enough. Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can be a more effective option.
How Bariatric Surgery Can Help
Bariatric surgery reduces the size of your stomach and may also change parts of your small intestine. This can greatly lower the amount of acid your stomach makes and help prevent acid from going back up into your esophagus.
Types of Bariatric Surgery and Their Impact on GERD
There are several types of bariatric surgery that can help manage GERD by reducing stomach size and, in some cases, altering the digestive tract. The gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch are common surgeries used not only to treat obesity but also to help relieve GERD symptoms.
Gastric Sleeve: This surgery involves removing a large part of your stomach, which not only limits how much food you can eat but also reduces the production of stomach acid. With less acid, there is less chance of it flowing back up into the esophagus, which helps reduce GERD symptoms.
Gastric Bypass: In this procedure, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach, and then connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine. This not only helps you eat less but also changes the gut hormones, which can decrease overall stomach acid production and the likelihood of acid reflux.
Duodenal Switch: Similar to the gastric bypass, this surgery involves rearranging the intestines and reducing the size of the stomach. It is particularly effective in reducing the stomach’s acid output, thereby significantly decreasing GERD symptoms in many patients.
By choosing one of these surgeries, you could see a significant reduction in GERD symptoms due to the decrease in stomach size and acid production. These changes help prevent stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus, providing relief from the discomfort and potential damage caused by acid reflux.
Bariatric Surgery in Mexico: A Smart Choice
Mexico offers top-notch medical care for bariatric surgery at much lower prices than in the United States. The expert surgeons and modern facilities make it a great place for this type of medical procedure.
Why Consider Bariatric Surgery for GERD
Choosing to have bariatric surgery can help reduce your body mass index (BMI) and lessen or even stop GERD symptoms. It tackles the root cause of the issue—the excess weight.
Conclusion
If GERD related to obesity is making your life difficult, bariatric surgery could be the relief you need. It not only helps with symptoms but also addresses the excess weight that is often the main cause. Struggling with GERD because of obesity? Think about how weight loss surgery could help. Getting this surgery in Mexico with an American company like TreVita Medical Tourism, could be a cost-effective way to start living a healthier life. Reach out today to learn more about your options.