Getting the TIF Procedure for GERD - Worried this will worsen my IBS..

I am having the TIF procedure done in less than a month and I was wondering if anyone else who had this done also had IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) ?  My gastroenterologist warned me this procedure may make the IBS problems worse but I cant wait on the TIF anymore because my esophagus is so badly worn down.

[Red_Star]

Not sure about the IBS and this surgery. But what i will add is that both IBS and non obstructive GERD are symptoms of not enough digestive enzymes and/or low stomach acid.

My mother suffered severely from Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) for 5 years and gastritis for 25 years. Now she suffered neither GERD or LPR and is 95% improved with gastritis.

Steps:

Throwing away ALL acid lowering drugs and OTC products (had taken for 5 years)

Taking digestive enzyme supplements (helps break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) and betaine HCI with pepsin supplements (helps with the stomach's production of hydrochloric acid).

Result - GERD and LPR were gone in a few weeks. Gastritis is 95% improved after 1 year.

She continues to take these supplements with meals; no adverse side effects.

"The popular belief is that acid reflux is due to an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. New science has revealed that this is not the case. GERD is most often caused by too little hydrochloric acid being secreted by the stomach.

During digestion the stomach secretes acid to lower its pH to around 1.5-2.5 range. More protein in the meal results in a greater need for stomach acid. Individuals with non-obstructive acid reflux are often not able to get their pH low enough. The LES is known to be a pH sensitive valve that initiates closure when pH drops under 3.0. When the stomach does not have enough acid, the LES remains open and acid can spill into the esophageal region and damage the tissue."

[Flycaster305]

I'd be very careful about changing medications because of advice on a chat board.  Problems with reflux have many causes.

I had the Nissen Fundoplication procedure to repair the LES valve/hiatel hernia, and believe that the TIF procedure is just another approach to the same surgery.  I would suggest that you could have a couple of weeks of symptoms similar to IBS. My suggestion would be to contact your hospital dietician and stock up in advance foods suggested during recovery.

I followed dietary suggestions very, very carefully, and didn't push the envelope.  Jello, Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc., graduating to very soft foods like instant mashed potatoes, soft noodles... one of my best recovery foods was low sodium Campbell soup.  Because I have heart issues I drained the liquid.  As I recovered, I mixed tuna fish into the noodles.  The procedure was a complete success.  In my case my LES valve was ruined because of violent vomiting from a bowel obstruction and I had developed Barrett's Esophagus, and very quickly acid had dissolved the enamel on my teeth.  It sounds like you have issues of a similar nature.  I'd make sure your surgeon has done a lot of these procedures, and if so procede with confidence, but help your recovery by knowing in advance what foods you can eat during recovery, then following directions exactly as prescribed.  
Hope this helps.  Good luck with your procedure, I hope your result is as successful and what I experienced.  

[Meilena_MHModerator]

Just to clarify I think Red_Star was stating the steps her mother had taken to gain recovery.  By all means please consult with your own physician to see what options would best work for you in your own situation.