Does weight loss help GERD? If you are struggling with the symptoms of GERD you will be glad to know that weight loss may help. While there are several treatment options, weight loss can help alleviate GERD symptoms. Here’s what you should know.
What is GERD?
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Unfortunately, many patients who have this disease also suffer from obesity. Additionally excess weight increases the risk of developing GERD. This digestive disease occurs when stomach acid or bile repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This irritates the esophagus.
Acid reflux is normal and occurs after a large meal or lying down too soon after eating; this involves acid rising into your esophagus, creating heartburn or other symptoms. However, GERD is chronic acid reflux and needs treatment.
Symptoms of GERD
- Heartburn
- Upper abdominal or chest pains
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Laryngitis
- Shortness of breath
Weight Gain and GERD
Excess body weight can cause GERD symptoms to worsen. The added weight puts pressure on the stomach, leading to more stomach acid and more recurrent heartburn, chest pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms of GERD. Unfortunately, even being slightly overweight can raise the risk of developing GERD.
Can Weight Loss Help GERD
Making dietary changes such as eating less fatty and spicy foods may reduce symptoms of GERD. However, there are other options to help those with GERD, including medication. Medications may provide temporary relief of the symptoms but many of those suffering from GERD choose weight loss surgery.
GERD and Bariatric Surgery
Since weight loss can help improve the symptoms of GERD, many patients choose to undergo weight loss surgery. There are minimally invasive, and even non-surgical options for weight loss. One of the most common options is gastric bypass, which provides significant improvement for most patients.
GERD Surgery Near Me
Gastric bypass improves the symptoms of GERD as well as other related conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type two diabetes, and stroke. If you are ready to learn more about how weight loss helps GERD, contact Maryland Bariatrics today.
