Relief for Heartburn After Gastric Sleeve Surgery: An Alternative to Gastric Bypass

Introduction

For many patients, gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is a life-changing procedure that results in significant weight loss, improved health, and renewed confidence. However, some individuals develop a frustrating complication after surgery: chronic heartburn and acid reflux.

If you’ve had a gastric sleeve and are now experiencing heartburn, you may feel like your only option is to convert to a gastric bypass. While that has traditionally been the most common recommendation, it isn’t the only solution. At Northwest Weight & Wellness Center in Everett, Washington, our experienced bariatric surgeons are proud to offer Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy—a safe and effective procedure that can relieve reflux after gastric sleeve without requiring gastric bypass.

Why Heartburn Can Develop After Gastric Sleeve

A sleeve gastrectomy reduces the size of the stomach into a narrow tube-like shape. This procedure has many benefits, but it can sometimes increase the risk of acid reflux for several reasons:

1. Increased Pressure in the Stomach – The smaller stomach can create higher pressure that pushes acid upward.
2. Altered Valve Function – The lower esophageal sphincter (the “valve” between the esophagus and stomach) may not close as effectively after surgery.
3. Hiatal Hernia – Some patients may develop or still have a hiatal hernia that contributes to reflux.
4. Changes in Anatomy – The shape of the sleeve itself may predispose patients to acid reflux symptoms.

For many, this reflux shows up as burning chest pain, regurgitation, throat irritation, coughing at night, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are not only uncomfortable but can also lead to long-term complications if left untreated.

Traditional Approach: Gastric Bypass

Historically, patients who developed significant reflux after gastric sleeve surgery were advised to undergo a gastric bypass conversion. While effective for reflux in many cases, gastric bypass is a major surgery with its own risks and long-term considerations.

Some patients hesitate to undergo another large operation, especially if they are otherwise satisfied with their sleeve results. Others worry about additional nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle changes, or increased surgical risks.

The good news is that gastric bypass is not the only option for patients struggling with reflux after sleeve gastrectomy.

A Modern Solution: Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy

At Northwest Weight & Wellness Center (NWWC) in Everett, WA, we offer Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy, a specialized surgical technique designed to treat reflux and chronic heartburn after gastric sleeve surgery.

This innovative approach uses the patient’s own anatomy to reinforce the natural anti-reflux barrier at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. By repositioning the ligamentum teres—a remnant of the umbilical vein—surgeons can provide additional support to the area, helping to prevent acid from traveling upward into the esophagus.

Benefits of Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy

Patients who undergo this procedure often experience significant relief from reflux symptoms without needing a gastric bypass. Some key benefits include:

• An effective alternative to gastric bypass – Helps treat reflux while preserving the sleeve gastrectomy.
• Less invasive than a bypass conversion – Avoids the extensive rerouting of the digestive system.
• Preserves weight loss results – Patients maintain the metabolic and weight control benefits of their sleeve.
• Reduced risk of nutritional deficiencies compared to gastric bypass.
• Improved quality of life – Less burning, regurgitation, coughing, and sleep disruption from reflux.

Who Is a Candidate?

Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy is typically considered for patients who:

• Have undergone gastric sleeve surgery in the past.
• Experience chronic heartburn, reflux, or GERD symptoms that are not controlled with medications.
• Do not want to convert to a gastric bypass.
• Are otherwise healthy candidates for minimally invasive surgery.

Every patient’s situation is unique, which is why the bariatric surgeons at Northwest Weight & Wellness Center carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and goals before recommending a treatment plan.

What to Expect from the Procedure

Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy is performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Here’s what patients can typically expect:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation – Prior to surgery, you will undergo testing to confirm reflux and assess your anatomy.
2. Minimally Invasive Approach – The procedure is performed laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery.
3. Reinforcement of Anti-Reflux Barrier – The surgeon repositions the ligamentum teres to strengthen the area where the esophagus meets the stomach.
4. Recovery – Most patients return home within 24 hours and resume normal activities within a few weeks.
5. Results – Many experience significant reduction or complete resolution of heartburn symptoms, allowing them to stop or reduce reflux medications.

Why Choose Northwest Weight & Wellness Center?

At NWWLS in Everett, Washington, our team is known for advanced bariatric care and patient-centered treatment. We have extensive experience helping patients who struggle with complications after gastric sleeve surgery, and we are one of the few centers offering Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy as an alternative to gastric bypass.

Our philosophy is to provide the right procedure for the right patient. We believe that you should not have to choose between living with constant heartburn and undergoing a major bypass operation if a more tailored solution can help.

Living Free of Heartburn After Sleeve Surgery

Chronic heartburn after gastric sleeve surgery can take a toll on your health, comfort, and overall quality of life. But you do not have to accept reflux as your new normal, nor do you have to settle for a gastric bypass if that does not align with your goals.

Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy offers a promising alternative that treats reflux, preserves your sleeve, and restores your ability to live without constant discomfort.

Key Takeaways

• Heartburn after sleeve gastrectomy is common but treatable.
• Most surgeons recommend gastric bypass as the solution, but it is not the only option.
• Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy is a minimally invasive, effective alternative offered at Northwest Weight & Wellness Center in Everett, WA.
• This procedure helps control reflux, reduces the need for medications, and preserves the benefits of the original sleeve surgery.
• Expert evaluation is important to determine the right solution for your unique needs.

If you are suffering from chronic heartburn after gastric sleeve surgery, the team at Northwest Weight & Wellness Center can help. Our surgeons are highly experienced in treating reflux and are among the few in the Pacific Northwest offering Ligamentum Teres Cardiopexy as an alternative to gastric bypass.