Millions of people are cursed with acid reflux, but is acid reflux surgery really necessary? Before you can answer that question, there’s a couple things you should know about yourself as well as what is actually involved in the surgery process. First, reflux is caused when your lower esophageal sphincter is not working correctly. The sphincter acts as a passport between stomach acid and your esophagus, and if it is weak it will allow stomach acid to come back up.
About You
How severe is your condition? Is it causing you unbearable pain and discomfort? Have you tried every other solution and you think your only option is surgery for acid reflux? Does it stop you from doing your daily tasks and slow you down to the point where you become immobile? If you answered yes to any of these, you might need surgery.
About Acid Reflux Surgery
The most typical form of surgery is fundoplication. This is the process where the walls of your esophagus are tightened. By tightening these walls it puts more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This pressure is what prevents the contents of the stomach from being regurgitated upwards into the esophagus and throat. This surgery should really only be used as a last resort as medical doctors have said that not all procedures work correctly.
In almost all cases, surgery is unnecessary. With all of the advancements in medicine and natural remedies, there is almost always a solution that will work for you. Simple tasks like changing up your diet and getting a little exercise go a long way towards prevention. A simple tip is to sit upright (no laying down) for a few hours after eating. Also, if you raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches before going to sleep, you can prevent heartburn.
