Reflux

Reflux also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, is a medical disorder that is characterized by regurgitation of acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus. There are multiple causes of reflux including hiatal hernia, abnormality of the lower esophageal sphincter, slow emptying of the stomach and abnormal contractions of the esophagus. As a result of reflux the lining of the esophagus may be damaged leading to inflammation, a condition known as esophagitis. Uncomplicated reflux produces symptoms of heartburn, nausea and regurgitation. Reflux may lead to various complications such as Barrett?s esophagus, ulcer and stricture formation of esophagus, asthma, inflammation of the throat and larynx, and lung infection. Various diagnostic tools are used to diagnose reflux including endoscopy, biopsy, X-ray, 24 hour esophageal acid testing, emptying studies of the stomach and motility testing of the esophagus. Reflux is treated using changes in diet and lifestyle, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, surgery and endoscopy.

Solid Foods after Bariatric Surgery

Like the other phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet, the exact timing of Phase III of your diet will vary. Phase III of your diet typically starts at the beginning of week 5 and continues for the rest of your life. The goal is to choose healthy, balanced meals and make lifestyle changes to become the new healthy you. You should continue to follow your previous routine that you used for previous diet phases for meal times and vitamin supplementation.

Challenges After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery does not change your life in terms of job, family and other psychosocial aspects. If some areas of your life are causing you to eat you might want to take a step back and evaluate the situation. You must try very hard not to use food as an outlet. Set consistent meal times and follow that routine. People tend to bury their feelings in food. Food is often used as a comfort source for many emotions. It’s like our best friend. Bariatric surgery provides a tool to control your portion sizes and combined with our program, can teach you to choose your foods wisely.

The main symptom of GERD in adults is frequent heartburn, also called acid indigestion; burning-type pain in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breast bone, and in the mid-abdomen. Surgery is an option when medicine and lifestyle changes do not help to manage GERD symptoms. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort. Fundoplication is the standard surgical treatment for GERD. Usually a specific type of this procedure, called Nissen fundoplication, is performed. During the Nissen fundoplication, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter, prevent acid reflux, and repair a hiatal hernia.

Incontinence

Incontinence is a relatively common condition, particularly in obese individuals. Defined as involuntary passage of urine or feces, incontinence is rarely associated with serious underlying pathology, but can have a profoundly negative impact upon quality of life, limiting daily activities and affecting psychological wellbeing, social interaction and interpersonal relationships. Many people with incontinence are reluctant to seek help, either due to embarrassment or because they believe that nothing can be done. However, in the majority of cases, appropriate intervention can lead to significant symptomatic reduction or complete cure.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents leak out into the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Common symptoms include heartburn, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and difficulty swallowing. Less commonly, throat pain, nausea, coughing and increased salivation may also be observed, and frequent reflux is associated with an increased risk of tooth decay due to acid erosion. Most people will experience occasional episodes of symptomatic acid reflux, and it is usually no cause for concern.