Gerd and weight loss

I lost a lot of weight after my Nissen operation. I went from 225 to 180. My GI doctor said he was just happy the weight was coming off and he didn't care where it came from. I'm not sure I agree with that, but yeah. After I was feeling better, I got back up to 200. Now I'm back at the 180 range.

Once you get back to your regular diet, the weight could come back. If you can't explain the weight loss, it's definitely good to get it checked out.

I could stand to lose my weight, though. An endoscopy will be able to tell you several things.

Hi Prabh,

Welcome to Healing Well! Like Debra, I lost weight intermittently, depending on my GERD symptoms. At least one or two times a year, I lost around 20 pounds during each 2-3 month episode, because I was unable to eat normally.

It definitely makes sense to get an endoscopy to see what's going on. If you're having difficulty swallowing, it's possible that you have a stricture, which is a fairly common problem with the presence of GERD. Your GI doctor will be able to diagnose what is causing you discomfort when he/she scopes you. He/she may want to do additional tests, depending on the results of your endoscopy.

Don't worry about the endoscopy! You'll be sedated, and won't have any problems with it at all. I've had three...one with mild sedation, one with no sedation, and one with heavy sedation. The heavy sedation will allow you to have the procedure and not even know it!

Best wishes,
Denise

That is a very limited intake. Do you add other foods? You need vegetables as well as protein. With a big lack of protein you will lose muscle mass as well as fat tissue. Do you supplement with vitamins or meal replacement drinks or make smoothies. You can keep them acidic free too or dairy free. Depends what your triggers are.

Your meal plan would definitely explain your weight loss but not why you can't swallow. Hopefully soon enough you will have answers.

Debra

Try to stay positive. Some problems can be corrected with the endoscopy procedure alone. You may just have the severe GERD limiting your intake leading to the weight loss. Most of us have it but we don't all lose weight b/c of it. Like myself and dencha said, our weight goes up and down based on flare ups. I have lost 34 lbs since my surgery 8 weeks ago. I worry to a point but know whatever my problem is, we can work with it. Please try to relax. Easier said than done but stressing does not change a thing, it only makes you feel bad and lowers your immune system. The procedure is quick and routine. You will do great.

Debra

Thanks Denise. My EGD went well. Doctor said everything looks normal. He has taken biopsies for h. Pylori and celiac disease. He now wants me to do a ct scan of chest and abdomen on Monday for weight loss