I have acid reflux. What foods should I avoid?
Written in association with:
Surgeon
Published: 28/03/2022
Edited by: Conor Lynch
In this article, highly experienced and skilled consultant general surgeon, Mr Michael Van den Bossche, discusses how having weight loss surgery can sometimes result in patients suffering from mild to severe acid reflux. Also, if you suffer from acid reflux, find out how you can relieve your symptoms.
Is it common to have reflux after weight loss surgery?
Reflux is one of the most common conditions in the general population, with over 50 per cent of the world’s population suffering from reflux at some point. As far as weight loss surgery is concerned, reflux can certainly occur in some patients.
We are talking here about patients who, before weight loss surgery, did not suffer from reflux, but who developed the condition after the operation. Some operations carry a higher risk of reflux compared to others. This is especially the case with gastric band surgery and sleeve gastrectomy.
Reflux can also occur after gastric bypass surgery, but the risk is a whole lot lower compared to gastric band surgery and a typical sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Some patients will develop reflux after weight loss due to a pre-existing hiatus hernia.
How can I relieve reflux symptoms?
It is very important to stick to a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. People should eat small portions, they should drink a lot while eating, and they should definitely not eat a meal before bedtime. Avoid meals at night.
It is also very important not to smoke. A lot of reflux symptoms can be relieved through over-the-counter medication.
What foods should I avoid?
People suffering from acid reflux should try to avoid alcohol, especially red wine. Other things to avoid include the following:
black peppers garlic onions spicy food curry chocolate citrus fruits coffee tea peppermint tomatoes
How is acid reflux after weight loss surgery treated?
Mild reflux symptoms after weight loss surgery can be treated with lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and over-the-counter medication. Severe acid reflux symptoms require investigations, to find out why certain patients are suffering from very bad acid reflux. These investigations sometimes lead to revisions and follow-ups to see what the most suitable treatment option would be.
When should I see a doctor about acid reflux?
People with acid reflux should see a doctor when their symptoms do not settle with simple measures such as medication prescribed to them. The GP should, in this situation, refer the patient to a bariatric surgeon.
An operation may be considered as a solution to the problem only when all of the causes are identified.
Mr Michael Van den Bossche is a highly esteemed consultant general surgeon who can help you with your acid reflux symptoms. Book an appointment with him today via his Top Doctors profile.