Skip to content 
Gastric sleeve surgery for obesity is one of the best weight loss surgeries for individuals having fatness. It can help shrink the stomach, encourage healthy weight loss, and enhance the conditions associated with obesity. But as with any surgery, there can be side effects (either short- or long-term). A common question that patients ask is “Is it normal to have acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery?”
The answer is yes.
There is a possibility of acid reflux after surgery, particularly in the first few weeks. If the reflux is mild, it may be treated; if the reflux persists, a specialist should be consulted. Dr. Tanseer Asghar at Slimthetics offers full pre-bariatric surgery and post-bariatric surgery care to ensure patients have a safe and successful surgical experience.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid squirts back into the esophagus, irritating it. This can occur if the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach contents from rising up the esophagus, is weak or doesn’t close.
Common symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- A feeling of pain in the chest area.
- Mouth painters say that it tastes sour or bitter. Others say it tastes sour or bitter in the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Throwing up food or acid up the throat.
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Chest discomfort
Some people experience mild symptoms while others experience more severe symptoms.
Is It Normal to Have Acid Reflux After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
One of the most common questions patients ask after gastric sleeve surgery is, “Is acid reflux normal after gastric sleeve surgery?” The answer is that after surgery, the stomach has been restructured as a narrow tube, which can cause mild reflux. The new stomach design could raise stomach pressure and allow acid to reflux into the esophagus.
In some patients, the reflux symptoms get better as the body heals and adjusts. Some may have symptoms that need medical treatment or lifestyle changes, though.
Why Does Acid Reflux Happen After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Multiple causes can cause acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery. The shape of their stomachs varies. Their stomachs are of different shapes. There is a significant reduction in stomach size, which can lead to higher pressure inside the stomach and cause the acid to flow up.
Weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter
When the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus is weak, the acid can easily come back up into the oesophagus.
Hiatal Hernia
There may be a pre-existing hiatal hernia in some patients before the procedure. It may lead to reflux symptoms post-surgery if not corrected.
Eating Habits
Frequently, eating too quickly, taking big bites, or lying down right after eating can make it worse.
Certain Foods
Certain foods can cause reflux symptoms: spicy foods; fried foods; coffee; chocolate; carbonated beverages; and foods that are high in acid.
How Long Does Acid Reflux Last?
Everyone’s recovery is unique. If the reflux is mild, it can get better in a few weeks or months as your body adjusts to the reflux.
If symptoms do not resolve or get worse, though, it should not be overlooked. However, reflux does not go away with diet and medication; additional testing needs to be done to avoid complications like esophagitis.
How Can Acid Reflux Be Managed?
Luckily, over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle modifications can usually resolve acid reflux.
Your health care provider might suggest:
- Eating smaller meals
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Avoiding overeating
- Always remaining upright for 2 hours after eating
- Steer clear of spicy and fatty foods
- Cutting back on caffeinated and carbonated drinks
- Maintaining adequate hydration
- Taking certain acid-lowering drugs
These guidelines can help minimize pain and aid recovery.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Mild reflux is frequent; however, medical intervention is essential if you have:
- Severe or chronic heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent vomiting
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in vomit/stool
- Symptoms that are not helped by medicine
The sooner you treat it, the less likely you are to experience complications and the better shaped your digestive system will be.
Can Acid Reflux Be Prevented?
Although it is not always possible to prevent all cases, good health practices can help minimize your risk following surgery.
Helpful tips include:
- Stick to your post-op diet plan.
- Take your time while eating and chew your food thoroughly.
- Don’t eat too late at night.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow the instructions for taking prescribed medicines.
- Follow-up appointments
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Here are some easy tips to help with digestion and reduce reflux symptoms.
Cost of Treatment for Acid Reflux After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The cost of treating acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery in Islamabad typically ranges from PKR 10,000 to PKR 50,000, depending on the treatment required. The price may vary based on:
- Severity of reflux
- Diagnostic tests
- Medications
- Follow-up consultations
- Additional treatment required
At Slimthetics, Dr. Tanseer Asghar evaluates your condition and recommends a personalized treatment plan with an exact cost estimate.
Why Choose Slimthetics?
After bariatric surgery, there will be a need for medical management of reflux, and this will require an experienced practitioner. Slimthetics also provides patients with extensive support prior to and following gastric sleeve surgery to help ensure their recovery and ongoing weight loss.
Dr. Tanseer Asghar offers customized treatment plans, dietary advice, and ongoing support to help alleviate symptoms like heartburn, dietary changes, and digestive issues. He takes a patient-centred approach, which allows people to recover in a comfortable manner whilst retaining the advantages of their weight-loss procedure.
Final Thoughts
A common question patients ask after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery is: Is it normal to have acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery? In most instances, slight acid reflux might happen as the body is adapting to the change in the stomach after surgery. Luckily, with the right diet, medicine, and continuous medical care, the symptoms get better.
Dr. Tanseer Asghar at Slimthetics provides you with a comprehensive evaluation, a tailored treatment plan, and regular checkups to help you control reflux successfully to maximize your bariatric surgery experience.
