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Bariatric Surgery/Frequent Burping after GB - 4 Years PO

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Expert: - 5/23/2008


Question
Hello. I'm nearly 4 years postop from an open RNY. Lately, no matter what I'm eating or drinking, or even early when I haven't done either, I'm burping a lot. I've lost 122lbs. and have manage to maintain. Is there a mechanical cause for the burping? I don't remember burping this much in the beginning.  Do you have any suggestions for diagnosis and or treatment?

Thank you!
Cathy

Answer
Cathy,
This is an interesting question that I've not encountered before.  I'm presuming that you've thought about obvious stuff, such as a new habit of drinking soda.

My best guess is that you're developing (or re-developing?) some degree of reflux problem, and that you've begun to (unconsciously) swallow frequently to try to clear the irritants from your esophagus.

The best way to test this would be an Upper GI series (X-ray swallowing test) or upper scope.  I recommend you check this out with your bariatric surgeon, though this does not ring a bell for me as something dangerous.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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