I believe I have either GERD or LPR. Can I still have surgery?

If you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist to evaluate the severity of your acid reflux issues and prescribe a plan for controlling it before your mommy makeover, both you and your PS would know if Nexium is the best treatment plan.  Be sure that you tell your PS during your pre-op about your concern so that he can be aware of possible issues.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA 

Mild GERD symptoms should not interfere with a mommy makeover but if you are having severe symptoms that are causing breathing problems then there is a chance things may need to be delayed.  you should discuss it with your PS at your preop appt and see what they have to say once they are able to discuss all the details.  If they think it is safe to proceed then you would also want to let your anesthesiologist know on the date of surgery.  Best of luck on your journey

Dear LRod_77,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

LRod77. Gastric reflux is a fairly common medical condition and readily controlled with medications like Nexium.  It should not interfere with your upcoming surgical plans. However, you need to update your plastic surgeon regarding all aspects of your medical history and obtain medical clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. Good luck.

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Please talk to your gastroenterologist to get clearance for plastic surgery and then I suggest you to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

You will want to be seen by a specialist for an evaluation of your symptoms.  You should also make your surgeon aware of the situation. Your surgeon can let you know what he/she would like to have in terms of clearance from the specialist in order to proceed with the surgery as planned.

I would suggest that you let your plastic surgeon know of your situation now.  It may be in your best interest to postpone tummy tuck surgery until you have had it full workup (G.I.)  including diagnosis and treatment plan.  Keep in mind, that tummy tuck surgery involves plication of the abdominal wall muscles, which may increase intra-abdominal pressure and potentially worsen symptoms of esophageal reflux.   Having said that, most patients with GERD or LPR  are able to undergo mommy makeover surgery. Best wishes.

Dear LRod,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Yes, you can still have surgery, even if you have GERD.  It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

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