Could the LINX Surgery Be for Me?
If you struggle with constant, persistent, frustrating reflux, you probably are dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition is caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – a small ring of muscle tissue that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from backflowing into your esophagus. For patients with GERD, their lives often revolve around keeping their symptoms at bay or taking medications that merely mask the symptoms.
In this blog, we’re going to chat about some of your treatment options, how to heal GERD permanently, and answer a couple of common questions: what is the LINX surgery and what are the GERD surgery options.
What Is the LINX Surgery?
The LINX system is minimally invasive and is performed laparoscopically. During this procedure, a small chain of magnetic beads is looped around where your LES is. These magnetic beads, once in place, easily open up to let food in, but tighten back up afterwards to prevent reflux. The LINX system can always be removed later on (if need be) and other surgical options can be discussed.
Read More: How LINX Surgery Works
Are There Other GERD Surgery Options?
If the LINX surgery just isn’t for you, you do have other procedures available to you. So, what are the GERD surgery options?
Lap Nissen & TIF (Esophyx)
If you’re looking for something less invasive than the LINX method, we definitely recommend the TIF procedure. This procedure is done entirely through the mouth (edoscopically). This surgery partialy pleats the upper stomach around the esophagus.
If you don’t think the LINX procedure is enough for your reflux troubles, talk to your reflux specialist about a Lap Nissen fundoplication. This is a laparoscopic procedure that works much like the TIF procedure, but your surgeon will have more control and can get you better tightening at the LES.
How Reliable Are Lifestyle Changes?
If you’re looking for a way to avoid surgery, you might be able to make it happen. Some of our patients find that strictly adhering to the following ten lifestyle changes gives them the relief they are looking for. Keep in mind that GERD is caused by a weakened LES, meaning that lifestyle changes won’t necessarily physically repair the root cause of your issues.
Wear loose clothing
See if any of your medications is causing the problem
Lose the extra weight – healthily
Quit smoking
Sleep with your upper chest elevated above your stomach
Try probiotics
Avoid trigger foods
Eat your last meal earlier and don’t snack before bed
Eat smaller portions more often
Check out your diet and choose healthier options (maybe even keep a food diary)
How to Heal GERD Permanently:
Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux center, we would love to offer you a permanent solution that doesn’t involve general anesthesia and scalpels. However, the reality of this condition is that something inside your body is fundamentally malfunctioning. In the case of GERD, the only real solution is to physically repair the LES; and we offer three very good surgical solutions for our patients.
Are you ready to talk about kicking your GERD to the curb for good? Get in touch with our team of awesome doctors or ask for a referral from your general care practitioner today!