Reflux surgery helps treat chronic heartburn and acid reflux when medication fails. At LoneStar Bariatrics in Arlington, Dr. Chad Carlton offers minimally invasive options to reduce GERD symptoms, protect your esophagus, and help you feel comfortable eating and sleeping.
Stop Acid Reflux at Its Source
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) becomes weak or doesn’t close properly. Over time, reflux can lead to persistent heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and esophagitis. For many people, lifestyle changes and medications help control symptoms, but others continue to struggle despite long-term treatment.
Reflux surgery is performed to fix the mechanical problem causing GERD by strengthening the LES and stopping acid from moving upward. At LoneStar Bariatrics, Dr. Carlton offers minimally invasive reflux surgery options like LINX and TIF to improve symptom control and reduce dependence on medication. These procedures aim to restore normal function, protect the esophagus, and help you eat, sleep, and live more comfortably.
5 Convenient Locations
Serving patients throughout North Texas, LoneStar Bariatrics offers five convenient locations to better meet your needs. Our regional presence allows us to provide flexible scheduling, easy access to care, and consistent results-driven treatment close to home.
Arlington | Dallas | Hurst | Plano | Waxahachie
Signs and Symptoms Indicating the Need for Reflux Surgery:
- Chronic heartburn or acid reflux that does not improve with medication
- Frequent regurgitation of food or sour-tasting liquid
- Difficulty swallowing or sensation of food getting stuck
- Ongoing chest pain or upper abdominal discomfort
- Hoarseness, sore throat, or chronic cough caused by reflux
- Asthma-like symptoms or breathing issues worsened by acid reflux
- Disrupted sleep due to nighttime reflux episodes
- Inflammation of the esophagus or diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus
- Long-term dependence on acid-suppressing medications
- Reduced quality of life due to persistent GERD symptoms
How Does Reflux Surgery Work?
Reflux surgery corrects the underlying physical problem that causes GERD rather than masking its symptoms. In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not stay closed as it should, allowing stomach acid to move upward. Surgery focuses on strengthening or restoring this valve so acid stays where it belongs. When you meet with Dr. Carlton, he evaluates how your LES functions and recommends the option that best restores normal swallowing.
LINX
The LINX procedure strengthens your LES by placing a small ring of magnetic titanium beads around it. The magnets gently hold the sphincter closed at rest, stopping acid from flowing into your esophagus. When you swallow, the beads separate naturally, allowing food and liquid to pass through. Once swallowing is complete, the ring closes again. This restores normal pressure at the LES while preserving your ability to eat, burp, and vomit.
TIF
The TIF procedure rebuilds your LES from the inside, without external incisions. Dr. Carlton guides a specialized device through your mouth into the stomach and folds the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus. These folds are secured to create a longer, tighter valve. The reinforced LES allows food to enter your stomach while blocking acid from rising back up, reducing irritation and long-term damage to your esophagus.
Benefits of Reflux Surgery:
- Reduces or eliminates chronic heartburn and acid reflux symptoms
- Addresses the root cause of GERD rather than masking symptoms
- Decreases long-term dependence on acid-suppressing medications
- Helps protect the esophagus from ongoing inflammation and damage
- Improves sleep quality by reducing nighttime reflux
- Allows you to eat a wider range of foods more comfortably
- Uses minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions or none at all
- Shortens recovery time compared to traditional surgery
- Preserves normal swallowing, belching, and digestion
Am I a Candidate for Reflux Surgery?
You may be a candidate for reflux surgery if you experience chronic heartburn or acid reflux that does not improve with medication or lifestyle changes. If reflux disrupts your sleep, affects your ability to eat comfortably, or causes ongoing chest discomfort, surgery may help. You may also qualify if you rely on long-term acid-suppressing medications or have esophageal inflammation. During consultation, Dr. Carlton carefully evaluates your symptoms, test results, and health to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for reflux surgery.
Patient Journeys
“I have had many unsuccessful diets and personal trainers as well as really bad Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) so I have struggled with my weight my whole life.”
“I had been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, had sleep apnea, and was just generally not happy with how much I weighed, so I started Googling…”
“I had tried so many different diets for so many years and ended up continually discouraged, continually sending myself in a shame spiral, and delving even further into disordered eating.”
“Before surgery, I was vomiting daily and could not use weight. I felt awful, gross and worthless. I found Lonestar Bariatrics on… “
“I had tried every diet out there to lose weight and nothing helped – I actually continued to gain weight when on diets. I was at a crossroads between a long, happy life… “
“I had tried diets and pills, and working out, I tried everything!!! Thankfully, a friend told me about Dr. Carlton, so I reached out.”
Reflux Surgery FAQs
How long do reflux surgery results typically last?
Reflux surgery provides long-term symptom relief by correcting the underlying cause of GERD. Many patients experience lasting improvement for years after treatment. However, the final outcomes depend on factors such as the procedure used, overall health, and following post-operative guidelines. Both LINX and TIF offer durable control of reflux symptoms.
Will you still need acid reflux medication after surgery?
Many patients are able to significantly reduce or completely stop acid-suppressing medications after reflux surgery. Because the procedure restores proper function to the lower esophageal sphincter, acid is less likely to flow upward. Some patients may still use medication occasionally, but long-term daily dependence is often no longer necessary.
Is reflux surgery painful?
Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort after surgery. Because the procedures are minimally invasive or incisionless, pain is usually manageable with short-term medication. Most patients feel well enough to resume light activities shortly after treatment.
How soon can you return to normal activities?
You can usually return to normal daily activities within a week, depending on the procedure and your individual recovery. Light walking is encouraged early, while strenuous exercise may be temporarily limited. Your surgeon will provide clear guidance to help you heal safely.
Why Choose Dr. Carlton in Arlington?
Dr. Carlton is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon with over 15 years of experience treating complex digestive conditions, including GERD. He is known for being highly attentive to your needs and staying involved at every stage of your surgical care. If acid reflux symptoms are affecting your life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlton to explore your options for reflux surgery in Arlington.
Contact LoneStar
Bariatrics Today
CONTACT US(972) 232-7171
*Actual Successful & Satisfied LoneStar Patient
