Bariatric Surgery Complications

Bariatric surgery offers tremendous results, but it can also come with some complications. At Barnes Bariatric Surgical Solutions, highly experienced bariatric surgeon Greg Barnes, MD, offers effective solutions for bariatric surgery complications like acid reflux and heartburn. There are two offices conveniently located in the Dallas area, in Fort Worth and Plano, Texas. Phone the one nearest you or click the online booking button for help with heartburn now.

What are the most common bariatric surgery complications? 

Bariatric surgery involves major changes in:

• Your stomach size
• The path food travels during digestion
• The types and amounts of food you eat

Those changes can cause extra pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This small ring of muscle opens to allow food to move into your stomach when you swallow. Normally, it closes tightly to stop stomach acids and food from moving back up your esophagus (acid reflux).

But, extra pressure on your LES can lead to acid reflux. It can cause heartburn, a bad taste in your mouth, a lump in your throat, and other unpleasant symptoms. 

When acid reflux happens at least twice a week, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some studies show that around 22% of people who have gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries develop GERD afterward. 

When do I need help with bariatric surgery complications?

If you have acid reflux and heartburn often and it disrupts your daily life, it’s time to reach out to Barnes Bariatric Surgical Solutions. You don’t have to live with the discomfort. 

Dr. Barnes and the team can evaluate the reasons for your symptoms. Sometimes symptoms may happen because of both surgical changes and eating certain trigger foods. 

How are bariatric surgery complications treated?

Bariatric surgery complications treatment depends on your needs, medical history, and other individual factors. Dr. Barnes and the team combine their expertise in surgery, nutrition, lifestyle choices, and other areas to create a customized solution for you so you can get back to enjoying your life without discomfort.

Nonsurgical approaches

Nonsurgical approaches include lifestyle changes, like elevating your head overnight, and dietary changes, like smaller meals and skipping trigger foods. These changes can work on their own or alongside medication. 

Medication

Dr. Barnes may prescribe medication to ease your symptoms. Common medications include proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. 

Surgery

Surgery may be the best option for severe post-bariatric GERD. Dr. Barnes may recommend revision weight loss surgery (to fix underlying anatomical problems) or anti-reflux procedures (to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter). 

The Barnes Bariatric Surgical Solutions team understands that heartburn and acid reflux can be miserable. They want you to know that these are treatable problems. If you’re struggling after your weight loss surgery, call the office nearest you or click online scheduling now.