Is metabolic surgery for obesity and acid reflux safe?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am seeking guidance for my mom, who is 48 and has been overweight most of her life. She now has gallstones and severe acid reflux that prevents her from sleeping. She takes antacids every night but still wakes up coughing or with a burning sensation in her chest. She has tried losing weight before, but nothing has been sustainable. Recently, her doctor mentioned that metabolic surgery might help address all three issues—obesity, reflux, and gallbladder problems. We are feeling nervous about the risks, especially at her age. Her blood pressure and blood sugar levels are also borderline. Is surgery truly the best next step for her? And what kind of recovery should we expect?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Gastric bypass and other types of weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric or metabolic surgery, involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise have not worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Prophylactic cholecystectomy concurrent with bariatric surgery has benefits such as avoiding gallstone formation and stone-related complications

Among all the bariatric procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is widely accepted as the standard procedure for morbidly obese patients with severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). You can usually leave the hospital one to three days after having weight loss surgery. After four to six weeks start to return to your normal activities. If you have had a gastric band fitted, you will be given a follow-up appointment where the band will be adjusted based on your food intake and weight loss.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.