Do you have heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and need relief? At North Tarrant Surgical & Aesthetics in Fort Worth, Texas, Nabeel Shabout, MD, and his compassionate staff offer GERD surgery to eliminate discomfort and reduce your risk of complications. Call the North Tarrant Surgical & Aesthetics office to learn more, or use the online booking feature today.

request an appointment

What is GERD surgery?

GERD surgery is a highly effective procedure that reduces acid reflux associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that develops when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus and irritates its lining. GERD surgery is designed to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter, thus eliminating acid backwash and heartburn.

What are the signs I might need GERD surgery?

The symptoms of GERD that may indicate a need for surgery include:

  • Heartburn
  • A backwash of sour liquid (acid)
  • Trouble swallowing
  • The feeling of a lump in your throat
  • Chest pain
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • New or worsening asthma
  • Ongoing coughing
  • Laryngitis

If your symptoms are severe or ongoing and don’t resolve with lifestyle changes and medications, Dr. Shabout may suggest GERD surgery to ease bothersome symptoms.

Conservative treatments for GERD include weight loss, avoiding large meals, not smoking, and not lying down right after eating. Avoid tight-fitted clothing and trigger foods — such as greasy, fried, or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, peppermint, and chocolate.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

To get ready for GERD surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Shabout’s instructions. Stop taking certain medicines if asked to, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and avoid food and drink the night before and the morning of surgery.

What happens during GERD surgery?

Before surgery, you receive medicine to help you fall asleep and avoid pain. Dr. Shabout uses robotic arms, endoscopy, or laparoscopic technology to repair a hiatal hernia if present. He then will wrap part of your stomach around your esophagus to reconstruct the esophageal sphincter and prevent future acid reflux.

What should I expect after GERD surgery?

After GERD surgery, you will receive instructions from Dr. Shabout regarding medications, activities, and diet. Avoid intense physical activity until given the OK, don’t smoke, and consider weight loss if you carry excess body weight.

While your symptoms often subside after GERD surgery, it’s still important to eat nutritious foods and maintain an ideal body weight. Attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Shabout to ensure you’re healing properly.

To learn more about GERD surgery at North Tarrant Surgical & Aesthetics, schedule an appointment by phone or online today.