My reflux is so severe that I cannot eat anything without spitting up half of it. Is surgery needed?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have heartburn from time to time after taking food. Sometimes I have a sour stomach after taking food. After eating, I spit some of my food and it seems to be clear or milky. Usually, spitting happens when I feel to have a burp. But vomiting happens instead of it. I was taking Dexilant and it helps a lot. Recently I stopped taking it and my symptoms got worse. I cannot able to eat anything without spitting up. My throat hurts a lot and I feel to have heartburn for 24 hours. I consulted a gastroenterologist and did an endoscopy. He told me that it looks like reflux. This extreme reflux started suddenly before two years and I have not changed my eating habits or lifestyle. I became a pescatarian before three years. I was able to eat anything at any time.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to our portal.

Reflux resolves by taking medications. Dexilant (Dexlansopraole) and Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) helps a lot. But you have tried taking these two medicines. If it is a refractory GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or any side effects due to medications or if you are not willing to take medicines for a long time, then the other option is to do an anti-reflux surgery. You need to decide whether you need medications or surgery. But medicines work for a temporary period of time and their work is completed when they are stopped. You can consult your doctor and discuss the surgical options. You need to discuss doing endoscopic reflux surgery. It seems to be safe and provides a speedy recovery than conventional anti-reflux surgeries.