🩺 Reflux After Bariatric Surgery: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It
“Reflux is not just discomfort. It can cause long-term harm. We need to treat the cause, not just the symptoms.” — Dr Craig Taylor
For many people who’ve undergone bariatric surgery, reflux isn’t just an inconvenience — it can affect daily comfort, quality of life, and long-term health. On this episode of The Bari Chronicles, Damo sat down with upper GI surgeon Dr Craig Taylor to talk openly and honestly about why reflux happens, why medications don’t always solve the problem, and the real treatment options available.
🌿 What Is Reflux and Why Does It Happen?
Reflux is incredibly common — one in two people in the community experience reflux symptoms at least once a week. After bariatric surgery, especially sleeve gastrectomy, those numbers can increase.
The connection between reflux and obesity is strong. When excess weight is carried in the abdomen, it creates pressure that pushes stomach contents up into the esophagus. Bariatric procedures like the sleeve can increase this pressure even further, which is why some patients develop symptoms post-surgery.
But reflux isn’t always just about acid. As Dr Taylor explains, most reflux medications only suppress acid production. They don’t stop the movement of other fluids like bile or digestive enzymes. So even when acid levels are reduced, the fluid can still move upwards — causing symptoms.
💊 Why Medications Aren’t Always Enough
Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be a helpful first step, but they are often a band-aid solution.
“Anti-reflux medications only target acid,” Dr Taylor explains. “They don’t reduce volume reflux. If fluid is still coming up, it can affect your throat, lungs, teeth, and quality of life — even if it’s not acidic anymore.”
Long-term use of some of these medications can also have side effects, including impacts on bone density, iron absorption, and gut health. That’s why it’s important to understand and address the underlying cause of reflux, not just mask it.
🧪 The Importance of Proper Testing
Reflux can mimic other conditions, so the first step is getting the right tests done. These can include:
Endoscopy: To check the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for inflammation, hernias, or ulcers.
Reflux isotope scan: To determine whether reflux is reaching the throat or lungs.
pH manometry testing: A specialised test to assess how well the anti-reflux valve and esophagus are working.
Without this kind of investigation, many people are left treating symptoms without fixing the cause.
🏗️ When Structural Issues Are the Real Problem
For some patients, reflux isn’t about what they eat — it’s about what’s happening structurally. Common examples include:
Hiatal hernia: When part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm.
Kinked or twisted sleeve: When the shape of the stomach creates pressure and reflux.
Late onset reflux: Often appearing 5–6 years after surgery when weight regain and hernias may develop.
In these cases, revision surgery may be the best solution. Converting a sleeve to a gastric bypass can lower stomach pressure and reduce reflux symptoms dramatically. For others, a simple hernia repair can help.
“Reflux can be managed — but we have to look beyond the band-aid.” — Dr Craig Taylor
🙋 Asking the Right Questions
One of the most empowering messages in this conversation was about advocacy. Patients have every right to ask their surgeon:
How many of these procedures they’ve performed
Their experience with reflux cases
Whether they contribute to the Bariatric Surgery Registry
If they can provide patient outcomes or references
It’s not just okay to ask — it’s smart. This is your health and your body.
🚨 When to Seek Help
If reflux is affecting your sleep, throat, lungs, voice, or teeth — or if it isn’t improving with medication — it’s time to push for further testing. Untreated reflux can lead to dental decay, chronic cough, sinus issues, lung infections, and long-term esophageal damage.
“Reflux is not just discomfort,” Dr Taylor said. “It can cause harm long-term. We need to treat the cause, not just the symptoms.”
✨ Reflux Isn’t Inevitable
It’s also important to note that not everyone who has a sleeve gastrectomy will experience reflux. In fact, around 90% of patients do not develop reflux, especially when surgery is performed correctly by experienced specialists.
Sleeves remain a safe and effective procedure for the majority of people. But when reflux does happen, there are solutions — and patients deserve more than a lifetime of antacids.
🩺 Final Thoughts
Reflux after bariatric surgery can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone — and you have options. Get the right investigations, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. Addressing the root cause can lead to real relief and better health outcomes long term.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Dr Craig Taylor on The Bari Chronicles podcast.
💊 Proudly sponsored by Cost Price Supplements — use code gastric175 for a discount on your next order.
