Has anyone had anti-reflux surgery?

My buddy did. Made his life so much better,

I did. Definitely worth it. Also, long term acid reflux can cause cancer cells to form in the esophagus.

Was it the Nissen? There are other somewhat less ominous procedures that exist but they are not usually covered by most insurance providers.

I really like the Linx procedure which is relatively new but promising. It's heavily encouraged by the surgeon who invented the scale for the Bravo/Ph studies as the first line of defense when diagnosed with reflux. It's a magnetic band that fits around your esophagus. If it doesn't work or makes you miserable, you can have it removed.

If you react badly to the side effects of a nissen, it would take a skilled surgeon to remove it.

I have also heard of the nissen loosing effectiveness over time and not being able to burp/throw up.

I had reflux tests performed back in 2017 and while my esophageal PH was low enough to indicate reflux, my LES was normal. Given that all the reflux procedures are designed around strengthening the LES, I'm worried that surgery would not do anything for me. My problem seems to be that my LES relaxes more often than does a normal person. Still, it would seem that any procedure designed to make it harder for the valve to open would lessen these relaxations.

If you don’t correct it, it could erode your esophagus and then you’d really be for some discomfort. Doesn’t seem like a waste of time or money to me.

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Nexium doesn't work for you?

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I've tried Prilosec, Nexium, and Protonix (prescription dose). While it takes care of the "heartburn" aspect of reflux for the most part, I still have the nasty taste, burning throat, and sometimes breakthrough heartburn.

"heartburn" though has thus far never been a major symptom of mine although it is becoming more prevalent.

I was having heartburn pretty regularly and read that having too much sugar can cause it. Sure enough, I cut back sugar intake and now rearely have heartburn.

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My cousin had it, she WAS a neurosurgeon, and the physician accidentally cut the nerve that controls the muscle that closes that area to keep the acids down (my layman's description) She nearly died they had to close the pipe with graph and left a hole only the size of a grain of rice for her to be able to get finely blended meals down into her stomach. It took years but shes made a decent recovery, but obviously professional life ruined...and much of her personal.

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well that's encouraging

you gonna get the cancers if you don't

I know it gets mentioned a lot, but go keto for a month or two before doing surgery and see how it helps. Many people mention great things about it and reflux relief. You even mentioned that eating fatty foods made things better. At the worst, it doesn't work and you just wasted all those days eating ribeyes, ribs, chicken wings, asparagus, brussel sprouts, broccoli, etc.

LINK

LINK

^Some personal experiences with keto and acid reflux

Had it and blew it by vomiting profusely after surgery (we think). Now reviewing other options such as stretta and linx. I am a 6 year gastric sleeve patient so not eligible for a Nissen since I don't have a fundus. I have no LES function. Last option is convert to gastric bypass which is a tough decision bc I weigh 110 lbs and am fit and otherwise healthy. Do something though. Try something bc you don't want Barrett's esophagus or worse...cancer. I have been on protonix for 6 years and docs want me off pronto. It's the only thing that helps. Find the best linx provider and ask lots of questions.