Reflux surgery, offered by Dr. Chad Carlton at LoneStar Bariatrics, provides effective solutions for managing GERD. If you suffer from chronic heartburn or acid reflux, minimally invasive procedures like LINX and TIF can significantly improve your quality of life.
Alleviate Chronic Heartburn
and Acid Reflux
Reflux surgery in Plano is a treatment option for those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes chronic heartburn and acid reflux. Dr. Carlton offers minimally invasive procedures like LINX and TIF to manage GERD. The LINX procedure uses a ring of magnetic beads to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid backflow. The TIF procedure involves endoscopically pleating the stomach around the esophagus to reinforce the sphincter. Both can improve your quality of life by reducing reflux symptoms.
How Does Reflux Surgery Work?
Reflux surgery aims to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of GERD by enhancing the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. However, the specific mechanism of action depends on the surgical technique. Here’s how the two main procedures, LINX and TIF, work:
LINX
The LINX procedure is a reflux surgery in Plano that involves placing a small, flexible ring of magnetic titanium beads around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This ring reinforces the LES, preventing acid from refluxing into the esophagus. The magnetic beads are designed to move together to keep the LES closed when at rest but can separate to allow normal swallowing, belching, or vomiting. The LINX system starts working immediately, providing significant relief from GERD symptoms and allowing most patients to resume a normal diet within a few hours.
TIF
The transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) technique treats GERD by enhancing the function of the LES without external incisions. Dr. Carlton inserts an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and surgical tools, through the mouth to access the esophagus and stomach. The top of the stomach is then wrapped partially around the lower esophagus and stapled in place. This creates a tighter, longer LES, which functions like a funnel, allowing food to pass into the stomach while preventing acid from refluxing back up into the esophagus.
Signs and Symptoms Indicating You May Need Reflux Surgery:
- Chronic heartburn or acid reflux unresponsive to medication
- Frequent regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food getting stuck
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort
- Hoarseness, sore throat, or chronic cough
- Asthma-like symptoms or breathing difficulties worsened by reflux
- Poor quality of life due to ongoing GERD symptoms
- Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or Barrett’s esophagus
- Dependence on long-term acid-suppressing medications
- Disrupted sleep due to nighttime reflux episodes
If you experience any of these symptoms contact Lonestar Bariatrics to learn if you are a candidate for reflux surgery in Plano.
Am I a Candidate for Reflux Surgery?
You may be a candidate for reflux surgery if you suffer from chronic heartburn or acid reflux that does not respond to medication or lifestyle changes. Other signs include difficulty swallowing, persistent chest pain, regurgitation, or a diagnosis of esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. If GERD symptoms significantly impact your quality of life or if you rely on long-term acid-suppressing medications, surgery might be a suitable option. Consult with Dr. Carlton to discuss your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Reflux Surgery FAQs
What Is GERD, and How Does It Differ From Occasional Heartburn?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid or bile repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. Occasional heartburn is a common discomfort experienced by many people after eating certain foods or overeating. GERD, however, is persistent and often requires medical intervention like reflux surgery in Plano to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
How Does Excess Weight Contribute to Acid Reflux and GERD?
Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, increases pressure on the stomach. This can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, to relax or weaken. When the LES is compromised, acid reflux and GERD symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, become more likely.
How Can Losing Weight Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms?
Losing weight can significantly reduce the pressure on your stomach and LES, decreasing the likelihood of acid reflux. As the abdominal pressure decreases, the LES can function more effectively, preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Weight loss also reduces the risk of other conditions that can exacerbate reflux, such as hiatal hernia. As such, if you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can potentially help you avoid reflux surgery.
Can Weight Loss Alone Eliminate the Need for Reflux Surgery?
In many cases, weight loss can significantly reduce or even eliminate GERD symptoms, making surgery unnecessary. However, the effectiveness of weight loss in managing GERD varies from person to person. For some individuals, weight loss alone may not be sufficient to fully control symptoms, and additional medical treatments or reflux surgery in Plano may still be needed.
What Is the Recovery Time After Reflux Surgery?
Recovery time can vary, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a week after surgery. The LINX procedure often allows patients to resume a normal diet within a few hours and return home the same day. The TIF procedure also has a relatively quick recovery time, with patients often returning to their regular activities within a week. Dr. Carlton will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions After Reflux Surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you may need to follow a liquid or soft diet as your body adjusts, but you can gradually return to a normal diet. Please follow Dr. Carlton’s dietary recommendations, which may include avoiding foods that trigger reflux, such as spicy or acidic foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Over time, you can again enjoy a wider range of foods without reflux symptoms.
Why Choose Dr. Carlton?
Dr. Carlton is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon with over 15 years of experience. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he stays abreast of the latest surgical techniques and offers cutting-edge procedures to help his patients overcome obesity, GERD, and other conditions with minimal risk. If chronic heartburn or acid reflux is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlton today to explore your options for reflux surgery in Plano.
Contact LoneStar
Bariatrics Today
CONTACT US(972) 232-7171
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