Acid reflux is one of the more commonly discussed side effects of gastric sleeve surgery — and for good reason. The changes to stomach anatomy that make the sleeve effective can also affect how acid is managed, and for some people this becomes a significant ongoing issue.
Why Gastric Sleeve Can Worsen Reflux
The sleeve removes a large portion of the stomach, including part of the fundus — the area that acts as a reservoir. This can increase pressure in the remaining stomach and affect the lower oesophageal sphincter, which is the valve that stops stomach acid travelling back up into the oesophagus.
For some people this results in new or worsened gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For others it’s minimal. There’s a degree of individual variation that’s hard to predict pre-operatively.
Our Experience
Honestly, our experience with reflux has been manageable rather than severe. We don’t suffer significantly — it’s not something that regularly disrupts our sleep or causes major discomfort. But it is there, quietly, in the background.
We both take omeprazole daily — a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. It keeps things comfortable and prevents the kind of low-level irritation that would otherwise build up over time. It’s become part of our daily routine in the same way supplements are — something we just take, every day, without particularly thinking about it.
What to Watch For
If you’re post-op and experiencing significant reflux — particularly if it’s affecting your sleep, causing chest pain, or not responding to over-the-counter medication — it’s worth speaking to your GP or bariatric team. Persistent, unmanaged GERD after sleeve surgery can lead to complications over time, and there are medical options beyond omeprazole if the standard approach isn’t sufficient.
For us, daily omeprazole is enough. But everyone’s experience is different, and getting proper guidance for your own situation is always the right approach.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is intended for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Every journey is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before making any medical decisions.