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Exercise and Fitness After Bariatric Surgery

Exercise and Fitness After Bariatric Surgery

January 11, 2024
Posted in

It’s no surprise that exercising more is one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions, but it is often abandoned. Regular workouts come with many benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and gains in muscle strength, sleep quality, and stress relief. Consistent exercise can also help manage weight, and is a valuable tool for bariatric patients. In fact, committing to an exercise routine is one of the most important post-recovery lifestyle adjustments bariatric patients can make. 

Tips for Bariatric Exercise and Fitness 

Bariatric surgery isn’t intended to work on its own. It’s most successful when followed up with healthy habits such as dietary changes and regular exercise. Brushing up on tips for bariatric exercise and fitness can help you get the most out of your bariatric procedure and see major improvements in your overall health. Tips for bariatric exercise planning include: 

Recover First 

It’s essential not to jump right into a high-intensity exercise routine as soon as you get home from your bariatric surgery procedure. Your body needs time to heal before you can get started with regular workouts. That doesn’t mean you can’t move your body at all as you start your recovery. You should consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance, but patients are often advised to walk during the first four weeks of recovery. Anything more than walking should be reserved for after this first month. 

Try Different Types of Exercise 

Once your body has started to heal and your surgeon has cleared you for more intense physical activity and post-bariatric surgery exercise, the exercise planning can begin. It’s important to find workouts that are right for you. If you can find exercise that you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to want to keep doing it and maintain a fitness routine over time. Examples of exercise types to try include: 

  • Aerobic Exercise – Cardio or aerobic activities are great choices to promote heart health, burn calories, and get all of the additional benefits of exercise. There are many different types of cardio to choose from, including swimming, running, hiking, cycling, and kickboxing.  
  • Resistance Training – Strength or resistance training sessions are vital for building muscle mass, increasing muscle strength, and supporting strong, healthy bones. Examples of resistance training options include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or performing exercises that use your body weight as resistance like push-ups, squats, and sit-ups. 
  • Flexibility Workouts – Don’t forget the importance of prioritizing flexibility. That means including pre- and post-workout stretching sessions, and trying activities like yoga or tai chi that can help boost flexibility and range of motion. These kinds of workouts reduce your risk of injury and make sure you can maintain your fitness routine in the long-run. 

Stay Consistent 

If you want to see the benefits of exercise for your overall health and as a part of your weight-loss journey, you will need to consistently follow your exercise routine. To promote regular workouts, try planning to exercise at the same time each day. If you need help staying accountable, recruit a friend or family member to exercise with. You could also join a virtual or in-person fitness group that meets regularly. This can give you a sense of community and ensure you have a standing appointment to work out. 

Read More: Long-Term Exercise Tips for Bariatric Weight-Loss

Get Personalized Fitness Advice 

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our weight loss surgeon in East Cobb serving Marietta, Cobb County, West Georgia, and the surrounding areas. The team at Wellstar Comprehensive Bariatric Service is available during every step of your bariatric journey to offer personalized support based on your individual needs. Contact us today to find out more about our bariatric program.  

Keeping Your Weight Loss on Track During the Holidays

Keeping Your Weight Loss on Track During the Holidays

December 28, 2023
Posted in

The holiday season can be an especially difficult time of year for bariatric patients. Bariatric surgery is most successful when paired with comprehensive lifestyle adjustments, including sticking to a healthy diet and maintaining a regular fitness routine. Between holiday meals, festive celebrations, and a busy schedule, eating right and staying active can be challenging during the winter months. Fortunately, there are several weight loss tips you can adopt to help you continue to make progress toward your goals during the holidays.  

Get Creative with Your Fitness Plans 

If performing your typical exercise routine isn’t feasible during the busy holiday season, get creative with your workout plans. Incorporate exercise into your everyday activities by skipping the elevator for the stairs, dancing to your favorite holiday music, giving your house a deep-clean, and picking a distant parking spot to increase your walking distance as you shop. You can also try participating in holiday-themed marathons or fitness events, and making plans with family members to exercise together.  

Plan Ahead 

Before you go to any holiday gathering where you know there will be food, take some time to think about how you can honor your healthy eating habits beforehand. Instead of arriving hungry and increasing your chances of overeating, eat a small amount of protein before you leave the house. Once you arrive, remember to stick to your regular portion sizes and don’t go back for seconds. Politely decline any offer to take home leftovers so you’re not tempted to fill up on holiday treats later. 

Try Out Healthy Recipes 

It’s natural to want to enjoy some holiday-inspired dishes once the holiday season arrives. A great way to satisfy these cravings is to find recipes for healthy versions of these dishes online that you can make yourself. This lets you control what ingredients you use so you can have a festive meal that meets all your dietary guidelines. There are plenty of substitutions available, such as fat-free dairy products and sugar-free sweeteners.  

Attend a Support Group 

If you’re struggling to stay motivated on your weight-loss journey during the holidays, it can be helpful to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Try attending a local bariatric support group. You can even get advice on attending holiday gatherings and bariatric-friendly recipes from fellow support group members.  

Read More: Best Tips on How to Stop Stress Eating After Weight Loss Surgery

Stay Mindful 

To prevent overeating, try to follow mindful eating and listen to what your body is telling you. Only eat if you are hungry and focus on the actual process of eating so you can enjoy the food on your plate. Avoid socializing near food tables or the kitchen so you’re not tempted to eat more just because the food is near you. Instead, focus on talking to guests and connecting with loved ones.  

Continue Follow-Up Care 

The holiday season is no excuse to skip follow-up appointments with your bariatric team or neglect your health goals. At Wellstar Bariatrics, we’re here to support you year-round. Our team offers personalized guidance to help you stay on track with your weight loss goals during the holidays. Whether you need advice on exercise or nutritional tips, we’re here to help. Along with this, we also provide our services in Marietta, Smyrna, West Georgia, and Augusta. Contact us today to learn more!

Am I Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

Am I Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

November 24, 2023
Posted in

In certain cases, bariatric surgery can be a viable option to help achieve weight loss and support a healthy lifestyle. Depending on the specific procedure, adjustments are made that can change the form and function of the body’s digestive system. Weight loss surgery significantly changes how the body processes food, and it’s not right for everyone. There are specific criteria that need to be considered when determining eligibility for surgical weight loss to make sure it’s the right choice.  

Bariatric Surgery Eligibility Criteria 

Your healthcare provider will take into account a set of predetermined criteria when considering your eligibility for a bariatric weight loss consultation. These criteria include: 

  • BMI – One important factor for determining if bariatric surgery is right for you is your body mass index or BMI. Weight loss surgery is indicated for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 and above alongside health issues including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and gallbladder disease. 
  • Relative Body Weight – Your provider will also consider your current body weight in relation to your ideal, healthy weight. Patients with a body weight that is 100 pounds or 45 kilograms higher than the ideal weight are candidates for bariatric procedures. 
  • Weight Loss History – Another key factor in deciding whether surgical weight loss is recommended is getting a detailed patient history in regards to weight loss attempts. This includes information on past diets, workout routines, and other weight management techniques. If continued efforts to lose weight through traditional methods have failed in the past, weight loss surgery can be a useful next step. 
  • Co-existing Conditions – Medical history also weighs heavily in determining eligibility. There are certain health conditions that could rule out weight loss surgery, such as blood clotting disorders or conditions that make using anesthesia during surgery riskier. In addition, it’s essential to screen for the presence of uncontrolled drug or alcohol addiction or serious, untreated mental health conditions. These issues need to be controlled separately before considering weight loss surgery.  

Get an Expert Consultation 

Wellstar Bariatrics offers several bariatric surgery options, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and LAP-BAND correction. The best way to find out if weight loss surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced provider. The experts at Wellstar Bariatrics are available to answer all of your questions, from whether you meet eligibility criteria to what kind of procedure would be best for you. Contact us today to set up an initial consultation or find out more about our services.  

Meal Planning and Cooking for Bariatric Patients

Meal Planning and Cooking for Bariatric Patients

November 10, 2023
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Weight loss surgery is most effective when it’s combined with a series of lifestyle adjustments during and after recovery from the procedure. It’s essential to see the bariatric procedure as one part of a comprehensive plan to improve overall health. Another important part of the plan is eating a healthy diet to promote proper nutrition. Strategies including meal planning and cooking bariatric-friendly meals at home should be adopted to support these goals.  

Bariatric Meal Planning 

The best way to approach bariatric meal planning is to break up your recovery into stages. As your body heals and you get accustomed to the changes made to your digestive system, you will need to make adjustments to your diet. Here are some guidelines to plan for during each stage of post-bariatric recovery: 

  • Post-Surgery – Directly after your procedure, you will be on a liquid diet made up of light liquids such as gelatin and broth. This will continue for about a week after you leave the hospital.  
  • Second Week – As you enter the second week of recovery, you can increase the variety of liquids in your diet. Items to try adding in include protein shakes, pudding, and yogurt.  
  • Third to Fourth Weeks – Once you get to weeks three and four of recovery, you can open up your diet further by cooking foods that are high in protein at home and pureeing them before eating. By the fifth week, soft, non-fibrous vegetables can also be simply prepared and pureed at home.  
  • Sixth through Eighth Weeks – The goal of slowly adding to your diet is to eventually work your way up to eating solid foods again. During weeks six to eight after your procedure, you can eat soft foods. Try eating the same protein-rich foods as the previous step, in addition to cooked fruits and vegetables, without fully pureeing them. Solid foods can be attempted around week 9. 

Tips for Bariatric Meals 

Making adjustments to what you eat is important, but so is changing how you eat. Here are some tips for eating bariatric-friendly meals: 

  • Portion Size – Even after you have recovered and started eating solid foods again, you won’t be able to eat large amounts of food in one sitting. It’s important to limit portion size and focus on eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.  
  • Chew Well – Eat slowly and chew every bite thoroughly. This will help prevent dumping syndrome from occurring, which can result from food entering the small intestine too quickly, leading to uncomfortable symptoms including sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  
  • What to Avoid – Certain foods and substances should be avoided or limited for bariatric patients in order to promote proper recovery and support overall health. This includes foods high in sugar, fat, and carbs, alcohol, and caffeine. Drinking during meals should also be avoided. Instead, aim to consume any beverages 30 minutes before or after a meal.  

Get Personalized Dietary Advice 

Meal planning after bariatric surgery can be a major adjustment, and you will likely run into a lot of questions along the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the bariatric care team at Wellstar Bariatrics with any questions or concerns. Our providers can give you personalized nutrition advice, including tips on planning your meals and meeting your unique dietary needs. Get in touch today to find out more.  

Long-Term Exercise Tips for Bariatric Weight-Loss

Long-Term Exercise Tips for Bariatric Weight-Loss

October 26, 2023
Posted in

Bariatric procedures alter the function of the digestive system to promote weight loss, but they are not a one-and-done solution for ongoing health problems. Staying healthy in the long term requires combining bariatric surgery with lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, a good diet, and more.

Long-Term Fitness Tips After Bariatric Surgery 

After bariatric surgery, easing into a regular post-bariatric exercise routine can help you stay heathy and keep excess weight off for good.

Establishing an effective fitness routine can be challanging, especially if you aren’t used to exercise. Starting small and testing out a variery of exercises is a great way for patients to find out what works for you without overwhelming yourself.

Vary Your Routine 

It’s hard to stick to an exercise routine that has become stale and boring. Incorporating a healthy amount of variety into your exercise plans can help avoid burnout and keep you engaged and motivated to reach your fitness goals. Switch up your routine every four to six weeks by experimenting with different types of workouts, such as cycling, water aerobics, or frisbee. 

Read More: Long-Term Exercise Tips for Bariatric Weight-Loss

Invest in a Home Gym 

Without a dedicated workout space, you’re less likely to stick to your post-bariatric exercise routine. If you feel self-conscious about working out at the gym or don’t want to spend time commuting to a fitness center, consider investing in a home gym so you have all the equipment you need at home, allowing you to fit in workouts at your convenience. 

You don’t need to invest in the most expensive or high-quality equipment right away, start small and stock your gym with beginner equipment, including:

  • Dumbbells
  • Barbells
  • Resistance bands
  • Weight plates
  • Kettle bells

Exercise with Others 

Staying accountable is essential for meeting your weight-loss and health goals.  Exercising with others can not only help you stick to your routine but maximize your results as well. Work out with friends or family members, join a bariatric support group, or find a fitness class so you can get the support you need to smash your own expectations.

Get Active with Everyday Tasks 

Patients who are just starting on their post-op recovery shouldn’t try to jump straight into heavy exercise. Instead, they should make small lifestyle changes to boost their everyday physical activity. For example, instead of just running the dishwasher, wash the dishes by hand, dry them, and put them away. Even patients who have transitioned to regular workouts can benefit from increasing their everyday activity. Pick a room and give it a deep clean, including dusting and vacuuming. Instead of taking the elevator at work, take the stairs, or, if you work from home, consider installing an under-the-desk treadmill.

Exercise Guidance from Wellstar Bariatrics 

Coordinating a successful bariatric recovery can feel overwhelming, especially for patients who find it challenging to make significant lifestyle changes. At Wellstar Bariatrics, we understand these struggles. That’s why we offer the support of experienced fitness coaches and trainers who are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the recovery process. They’ll help ensure you stay on track for a safe and successful recovery.

In addition to our personalized care, we’re proud to provide these services in several convenient locations, including Marietta, Smyrna, West Georgia, and Augusta. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you on your recovery journey!

What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy and Is It Right for You?

What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy and Is It Right for You?

October 12, 2023
Posted in

The field of bariatric weight loss has grown exponentially in recent decades and today patients can pick and choose the bariatric treatments that work best for them. There are several types of bariatric weight-loss procedures, including gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and gastric sleeve surgery. Different procedures vary in how they alter the digestive tract.

The sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric procedures available. With a success rate ranging between 80% and 90% and a particularly low chance of complications, the sleeve gastrectomy promotes weight loss by altering the size of a patient’s stomach.

What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy?  

A sleeve gastrectomy, also referred to as gastric sleeve surgery, is a laparoscopic procedure that involves removing up to 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a small, sleeve-like (hence the name) portion about the size and shape of a banana.

Because the procedure limits the amount of food the stomach can hold, patients feel satisfied while eating less. The procedure also reduces the amount of ghrelin—often called the hunger hormone—that is produced by the body, helping patients lose weight and keep it off.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Factors to Consider 

If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, talk with your doctor about your unique health and lifestyle factors to find out if you meet the criteria for the procedure.

Read more: How Long Does a Gastric Sleeve Surgery Take? A Quick Guide

BMI

Gastric sleeve surgery is often recommended for individuals with a BMI, or body mass index, of 40 or higher who have not had success losing weight through diet and exercise alone. If you have a BMI under 40, talk to your doctor about the non-surgical steps you can take to lose weight.

Health Conditions

If you have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and are diagnosed with obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or GERD, a gastric sleeve surgery may help you lose weight and better manage your symptoms. Gastric sleeve surgery has been found to be particularly helpful in managing diabetes and sleep apnea, with most bariatric patients reporting significant improvement in those conditions.

Lifestyle Factors

Some patients may need to alter their lifestyle before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. If you are a smoker, avoid smoking in the months before your procedure. In the days leading up to the surgery, you may be asked to avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and medications that can cause blood thinning. If you are unable to accommodate these requests, you will need to explore other, non-surgical weight-loss options.

After surgery, bariatric surgeons will outline a comprehensive weight loss plan for each patient, which may inclide lifestyle changes like regular exercise and changes to the patient’s regular diet.

Rely on the Team at Wellstar Bariatrics 

Researching bariatric surgeries ahead of time can help bariatric patients find the best procedure for them. However, no amount of internet research will give you the expertise of an experienced bariatric team like the one at Wellstar Bariatrics. Our providers are available to guide you on your weight-loss journey, from initial consultations to comprehensive follow-up and recovery care, including gastric sleeve in Cobb County.

Get in touch today to find out more! 

Breaking Through Weight Plateaus: Regaining Momentum After Weight Loss Surgery

Breaking Through Weight Plateaus: Regaining Momentum After Weight Loss Surgery

September 21, 2023
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After weight-loss surgery, the excess weight may fall off quickly at first, however, it’s common and normal to experience a stall in your weight-loss progress. After rapid weight loss, your body may need a period of adjustment.

There are several strategies to get yourself and your body back on track with your weight-loss journey. To safely begin losing weight again, you will need to reassess and change your daily habits.

Increase Exercise Frequency or Intensity

After weight loss, your metabolic rate slows which can make losing additional weight difficult to achieve. Enhancing your current workout plan to include more intensive or frequent exercise such as strength or resistance training to increase the number of calories you burn.

Stay Active

Frequent exercise is important, however, research shows that non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), such as fidgeting while seated or standing, can increase your metabolic rate up to 94%.

Track Calorie Intake

Reports show on average, people consume about twice the amount of calories than the amount estimated. By tracking your calorie and macronutrient (protein, fat, and carbs) intake, you will have a more accurate idea of what your body is consuming, which will allow you to modify your diet as needed.

Eat More Fiber

Fiber slows down food as it moves through the digestive tract, reducing the amount of calories your body absorbs. Research shows that all types of fiber can help with weight loss, however, soluble fiber is the most effective fiber form for maintaining a satisfied appetite.

Eat More Protein

Increasing your protein intake can burn twice as many calories as fat or carbs or can. A high-protein diet affects the production of hormones, which helps reduce hunger and maintain a full feeling.

Low-Carb Diet

Adapting a low-carb diet can be effective in boosting your metabolism. Replace your carbs with vegetables to reduce hunger and allow your body to feel full after eating well-balanced meals.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for reducing your food intake and achieving long-term weight loss.  While plain water is preferred, caffeine beverages like coffee and tea can burn fat and boost your metabolic rate. Drinking at least 1-1.5 liters of water daily, particularly while eating, will move food through your stomach faster, helping you feel full sooner.

Try to avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they are typically a leading factor in weight gain.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Ensuring at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night will help curb cravings.

Personalized Support

If you’re experiencing a weight plateau after your weight-loss surgery, you’re not alone! Our experts at Wellstar specialize in personalized support before, during, and after your procedure. Contact us today for advice and tips to get you back on track with your weight-loss journey!

What is Da Vinci Weight Loss Surgery? Understanding the Procedure

What is Da Vinci Weight Loss Surgery? Understanding the Procedure

September 19, 2023
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Bariatric surgery procedures can be an important part of an ongoing weight-loss journey. These surgeries come with many benefits in addition to supporting weight loss, including promoting improvements in cardiovascular health, blood sugar, energy levels, quality of life, and longevity. Traditional weight loss surgery involves large incisions and long recovery times. Da Vinci weight loss surgery is a newer alternative that is less invasive and can streamline the recovery process.

What is Da Vinci Weight Loss Surgery?

Da Vinci procedures are an example of robotic bariatric surgeries. These procedures are completed with the assistance of a surgical robot called the da Vinci Robotic System. The robot does not perform the surgeries itself. A bariatric surgeon uses the robot as a tool to assist in the operation.

The surgeon will make small incisions in the abdomen, through which the da Vinci Robotic System can be inserted. The robot’s four arms act as surgical instruments that can be manipulated by the surgeon through the robot’s console. The surgeon uses the console to guide the robot, and the da Vinci system translates these hand movements into surgical movements in the abdomen.

The robot has a greater range of motion than a human hand, allowing more precise movements to be made. The system also includes a camera that can be controlled through the console, providing the surgical team with improved visualization of the field with high definition, 3D views. The surgeon is able to see the surgical field through a magnification that is ten times greater than what the human eye could see on its own.

Benefits of Robotic Bariatric Surgeries

Da Vinci surgeries carry several benefits in comparison to traditional weight loss surgery procedures. Robotic bariatric surgeries not only allow surgeons to perform with greater precision, improved flexibility, and higher-quality imaging, but commonly lead to improved outcomes for patients. The benefits of these procedures include:

  • Shorter recovery times
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Reduced complication rates
  • Decreased pain and scarring
  • Reduced incidence of gastrointestinal leaks
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Quicker procedures

Comprehensive Bariatric Care with Wellstar Bariatrics

Wellstar Bariatrics offers comprehensive support for every patient throughout each step of their weight loss journey. From in-depth consultations to personalized follow-up care, the surgical team at Wellstar Bariatrics is committed to supporting each patient’s unique needs. Wellstar Bariatrics offers several minimally invasive robotic bariatric surgeries, including laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, duodenal switch, and sleeve gastrectomy procedures.

Reach out today to find out more about our minimally invasive procedures and which one might be right for you.

Weight Loss Specialists’ Tips for Improving Body Image and Self-Esteem After Surgical Weight Loss

Weight Loss Specialists’ Tips for Improving Body Image and Self-Esteem After Surgical Weight Loss

September 15, 2023
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Weight loss surgery has been shown to significantly improve conditions related to obesity including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and acid reflux, and reduces the risk of death from these and other conditions. While weight loss surgery can benefit the body, the mental impact of weight loss can pose another challenge for bariatric patients. It’s important to manage both physical and mental health as a part of surgical weight loss recovery.

Tips for Promoting Body Image and Self-Esteem

There are plenty of simple lifestyle adjustments that can be made to help develop a body image, promote self-esteem, and improve feelings of self-confidence. Here are some helpful tips that can easily be incorporated into your routine to help support mental health following surgical weight loss:

  • Adjust Self-Talk – The way that you think about yourself matters. Instead of focusing on things about yourself that you’d like to change, try to practice positive self-talk. Make time to think about the qualities you love about yourself so you can learn to appreciate your body.
  • Enjoy Self-Care – Make self-care activities a part of your weekly routine. Taking time to nurture your body through activities like taking a bath, listening to your favorite music, or just relaxing will help give your mental health a boost.
  • Avoid Comparison – Do your best to avoid comparing yourself and your weight loss progress to others. Additionally, try not to let images posted on social media affect how you see yourself. Remember that your weight-loss journey is unique.
  • Find a Support Group – Bariatric support groups are available where weight loss surgery patients can meet and share their experiences and advice with one another. It can be helpful to hear the stories of other patients and get support from people who have been where you are.
  • Connect with Others – It’s also important to make time to connect with the loved ones in your life. Having a strong, understanding emotional support system to lean on after bariatric surgery can make the process easier. When you’re feeling down about your body image or self-esteem, reach out to family, friends, or mental health providers and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  

Get Personalized Support from Wellstar Bariatrics

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the weight loss specialists at Wellstar Bariatrics for personalized support on your weight-loss journey. Whether you need advice on healthy recipes to add to your diet or lifestyle changes to help boost body image and self-esteem, our staff is here to help. Our team of surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, and other experienced healthcare experts are available to provide personalized and comprehensive support.

Reach out today to get the support you need.

Understanding Acid Reflux & GERD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understanding Acid Reflux & GERD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

September 7, 2023
Posted in

Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are similar conditions with overlapping symptoms but differ in severity. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves into the esophagus causing a burning sensation, or heartburn, felt in the lower chest

Acid reflux is common and can last for a few minutes up to a few hours. However, if acid reflux symptoms are persistent, two or more times a week could be an indication of GERD.

Symptoms

Persistent heartburn behind your breastbone is the most common GERD symptom, which often includes:

Other Symptoms

Besides heartburn, noticeable symptoms may include:

Causes 

GERD affects 15-30% of the United States population, and anyone can develop the condition. The most noticeable indicator of GERD is persistent acid reflux, often due to an issue with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the circular muscle band located at the end of your esophagus.

 Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can make you more likely to develop GERD:

 Lifestyle and Diet

Lifestyle and dietary factors can affect the severity of GERD:

  • Certain foods, such as fatty or fried, spicy, and acidic fruits
  • Certain liquids, such as coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks
  • Consuming large meals
  • Eating right before bed or laying down
  • Smoking or regularly exposed to secondhand smoke
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

Treatments 

Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, such as Esophagitis, Esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to those experiencing symptoms more than twice a week.

Lifestyle Adjustments

In some cases, minor lifestyle adjustments and home remedies have been shown to relieve GERD symptoms:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Avoid food and liquid triggers
  • Exercise and weight moderation
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid big, heavy meals before bed
  • Elevate your head while sleeping

Medication

You may need to consult a doctor if lifestyle changes haven’t worked. Prescriptions medications may be available to manage GERD and acid reflux:

Corrective Procedures

In some cases, GERD can be long-lasting and require a procedure to control your symptoms:

  • Fundoplication
  • Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF):
  • Stretta procedure
  • LINX surgery

Consult an Expert

Our experts at Wellstar Georgia offer patients a higher level of care. If you suffer from GERD, contact our healthcare professionals for a consultation to discuss your symptoms. To learn more about how we can help, get in touch today.

Wellstar Comprehensive Bariatric Services

Wellstar is a family-oriented type of practice. We enjoy seeing our patients at their routine checkups to see how they are doing. Wellstar understands that aftercare is just as important.

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