Heartburn is a common condition that causes discomfort or pain in the chest, specifically behind the sternum or breastbone. Individuals who experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week may have a medical condition known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 72% of obese individuals suffer from acid reflux.

Many overweight individuals desire to know how to get rid of acid reflux, and the most common answer is to lose weight. As an individual gains weight, abdominal fat builds up, putting more pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid reflux. For some obese individuals, losing weight through the traditional methods of diet and exercise is not possible, and they require some type of medical intervention. Often, these medical interventions have a direct impact on the patient’s experience with acid reflux.

Today we are going to talk about the relationship between obesity and acid reflux. We will explain the causes as well as how to treat acid reflux if you are contemplating weight loss surgery, as well as offer an alternative non-surgical procedure that can help you lose weight and stop acid reflux.

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What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the digestive acid secreted in the stomach travels up into the esophagus. It causes a burning sensation, and if it happens frequently, it can erode the lining of the esophagus and develop into a condition called Barrett's esophagus.

In the esophagus, there is a small valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and when working properly, it prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus. Individuals who are overweight or obese may have a weaker LES due to the constant force of pressure caused by pressure exerted by their excess fat. These individuals may also develop a hiatal hernia due to this higher intra-abdominal pressure. Acid reflux is often exacerbated by overeating in the evening and may even result in a permanent "acid bubble" in close proximity to the LES.

Can Bariatric Surgery Help Get Rid Of Acid Reflux Fast?

Losing weight can help reduce or eliminate acid reflux, and bariatric surgeons often discuss this subject with their patients because surgery affects each individual differently.

Numerous studies have revealed that, among individuals who had never experienced acid reflux before surgery, about 30% of gastric sleeve patients develop the condition after their surgery. Patients with mild to moderate symptoms of reflux before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy often experience relief from their symptoms after surgery. This is because weight loss resulting from the procedure can reduce intra-abdominal pressure, leading to a decrease in reflux symptoms. Some patients who have had heartburn before surgery may experience an aggravation of acid reflux following the surgery. It is hard to know exactly how bariatric surgery will affect a particular individual and if the surgery will help acid reflux or make it worse.

Is There A Way To Lose Weight And Treat Acid Reflux?

Yes! With all the advancements in endobariatrics, there is now a non-surgical procedure very similar to the gastric sleeve that can help you lose weight without the side effect of acid reflux. Suture Sculpt ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty) can get rid of acid reflux if you suffer from this chronic condition.

Suture Sculpt ESG is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that involves using an endoscope to reduce the size of the stomach without the need for surgery. The primary purpose of ESG is to aid in weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold.

During the Suture Sculpt ESG procedure, the doctor reduces the size of the stomach, making it more narrow and shorter. Acid reflux is a result of having part of your stomach pushed up into your chest cavity, which then causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The procedure shortens the stomach, so heartburn will not be a side effect, and if the patient suffered from the condition prior to Suture Sculpt ESG, it will get rid of acid reflux.

It is important to note that Suture Sculpt ESG is not a procedure designed to eliminate acid reflux but is an FDA-approved endoscopic weight loss procedure.

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How Does Suture Sculpt Promote Weight Loss Without Acid Reflux?

Suture Sculpt ESG is a procedure that is done through an endoscope, so it does not require any abdominal incisions like a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery. The endoscope (a medical device with a camera) is used to access the patient’s stomach through the mouth and throat. The doctor is able to perform the procedure from inside the stomach while visualizing it on a nearby monitor.

A series of sutures are placed in strategic locations to make the stomach shorter and thinner; however, no portion of the stomach is removed like during gastric sleeve surgery. The usable capacity of the stomach is reduced by around 70%, so the individual is unable to eat very much during one meal, they stay feeling full for a longer time, and they lose weight.

As mentioned previously, gastric sleeve surgery can create acid reflux due to the final shape and position of the stomach after the surgery, but Suture Sculpt ESG never results in acid reflux as a side effect.

Where Can I Find Out More About Weight Loss That Helps With Acid Reflux?

If you are suffering from obesity and experiencing chronic heartburn, you can find help at the Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center. Dr. Steven Batash is a gastroenterologist who is known throughout the world for his expertise in endoscopic weight loss procedures and obesity management. His 30+ years of experience successfully treating patients just like you in his NYC office can be qualified through many different channels, including NBC News, USA Today, and ABC News, where he has been featured as a medical expert.

Dr. Batash and his team of professionals have a host of patient testimonials on YouTube where you can see their transformations after undergoing the Suture Sculpt ESG procedure. The Batash team will support you every step of the way and help you with lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions to help you achieve safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss.

Contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Centers today to book your appointment. You deserve to be healthy! Take that first step in your weight-loss journey today.

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