Hey everyone! Your site producer here with an update...
Health Magazine came out with an interesting report recently -- the magazine wrote about five overused surgeries and gave tips to avoid getting them. Guess what was right smack in the middle of its list? heartburn surgery.
Health Magazine writes: "A whopping 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month; 16 million deal with it daily. So it's no wonder that after suffering nasty symptoms (intense stomach-acid backup or near-instant burning in the throat and chest after just a few bites), patients badly want to believe surgery can provide a quick fix. And, for some, it does."
The article goes on to discuss nissen fundoplication, a popular procedure done to control acid reflux symptoms. According to the article, doctors have said the GERD surgery can come undone and causes no relief for some.
What does the article suggest an an alternative? Lifestyle changes, including changing your diet, exercise and acid reflux (GERD) medication. However, the article warns, patients much have perseverence when it comes to changing their lifestyles, because relief from acid reflux certainly won't happen overnight.
For those of you who've had surgery: Has it worked?
For those of you who haven't: Did you make a decision not to, and why?
To me the surgery is more less a necessity.. I've had several tests to make sure I am a good candidate, and I can't even eat a piece of bread without acid coming up.. I can't sleep, etc..
I am having the nissen fundoplication Thursday 23rd.. The doctor has done hundreds of these with a ton of success, so I hope I am one of them.
I have modified my diet to the point of I've eliminated a ton of things people eat and take for granted, and I've been on a ton of Acid reducers such as Prevacid, Reglan, etc, etc.. And just the LES isn't holding the acid down period..
If I remember I will post a follow-up after my recovery to let you know if it was a success for me..