Linx surgery for acid reflux

Hello Marshall I wonder how has your surgery gone. Also you mention your dr is the best. can u let me know who is he?

Did you have the surgery for reflux? Three years ago right? What do you think of it and would you recommend it?

I believe he really is one of the best you are in very good hands not had it yet but will only use him I know it takes time good luck 

My son had his Linx operation 4 years ago and did not suffer with flatchulance, unfortunately he cannot remember if he was told if this was normal. Unless your consultant mentioned this embarrasing problem I think it would be best to contact the consultant or his secratary for advice. He/she will be extremly helpful. 

Hi, 

I had the Linx almost 9 weeks ago. I also have terrible bloating and gassy feeling from the device. I also have been dealing with pain from esophageal spams which my Surgeon gave me muscle relaxant and tramdol to help with. They are helping. What bothers me the most now is still the bloating! I just got a tea from whole foods for bloating and gas and it seems to help as well as gas x tablets but still there. I would love to hear how your recovery has been going and compare notes as I haven't been able to talk to anyone else who has had the procedure. My surgeon at UCLA tells me it will take about 3ish months to fully recover and that all these side effects with go away. Fingers crossed!!!  would love to hear from you! 

Hi Elizabeth, nice to get your message. I've prob said all of this before but basically after 30 yrs of reflux the last 3 have been unbearable with symptoms going from bad to worse so was delighted to be offered LINX. I have to say I'm now 100% better  but the gas I have when I'm digesting my food is terrible it's only when I burp and not the other end so it's not too embarrassing but the smell is terrible! like you I have spoken to my surgeon who says give it 13 weeks and all symptoms should settle. I still get dyspsia when I eat rice and pasta so leaving them off for now but I can digest most things and I can now eat spicy food and curries without a problem. I guess if this horrible smelly gas goes I'll be over the moon, my only concern is that it won't hende coming on here in the hope someone else had the same symptoms and how they dealt with them or how long it took to go

Thank you for responding so quickly to me! I too burp a lot after eating but it's not smelly. I was actually scared it was reflux and got a barium swallow test to make sure, and it came back negative thank God! I also had a small hiatal hernia repair during the Linx surgery,  so that may be why I have the bloating. Sounds like u didn't /don't have that issue. How many weeks in are you?  It seems like everyone responds differently to the Linx and has different side effects after. That's actually what my surgeon said after my consult, that it's hard to give a difinitive answer about recovery because everyone's body responds differently. That may be why you can't find anyone with the smelly burps. Rice bothers me to with dysphasia, but mostly the dysphasia is resolved as long as I chew well. My surgeon says typical recovery is 3 ish months so hang in there and I bet the burping will go away soon

Thank you Elizabeth, did you have yours done in Exeter ?

i had mine on 17 June so 4 weeks on tues, I also had a 4 cm hiatus hernia which he repaired whilst doing the LINX procedure, it's mainly of an evening that I burp, I've deduced it starts when there is not a lot but certaimly MORE food in my stomach, I don't eat too much during the day so it doesn't seem to not her me too much.   I'm going to see him mid sept for my review so fingers crossed. I've also been asked to enrol in a study for patients who have had LINX in order to help with stats so I've got books I need to fill in it's over a period of 3 yrs I have to keep diaries and answer questions but if it helps others I'm more than happy    Keep in touch so we can compare x

I actually live in the states.. in California. I had my surgery at UCLA. My surgeon is amazing and so helpful In the recovery process which I am so grateful because it can be a little scary. I will be 9 weeks in on Monday so being a little ahead of you, I can tell you that symptoms will go up and down and so don't get discouraged. Keep In mind that after you go through recovery, almost everyone will live a normal life. I will keep I. Touch so you know how long it took me to recover since I had my surgery before you. What I notice that my Surgeon has recommended to other patients, is that if I start with yogurt, and then eat it really helps things go down! Also eating smaller meals and not going too long without eating.. I've noticed days where I go too long without eating because I've been busy at work, I will start to get chest tightness from spasms.

I think it's best to keep the device opening and closing every couple hours, whether it's a little snack or water. Also helath food store has natural teas for gas. maybe see if that helps with the burping? but make sure you are eating slowly and chewing well. try the yogurt it should help with burping too! My surgeon said he had a patient who swore by slippery elm tea. I tried it and i think it helps but i think yogurt helps better. I do coconut milk yogurt because i don't eat dairy. I would suggest a non dairy one because dairy can make you more gassy Hope all  that helps! 

Thank you, I guess your lucky having it done did you have to pay ?

ill try the yoghurt though I have been eating it since the op. Maybe I'm a little impatient ? I'm sure things will work out. I've had no spasms just the gas and a little dyspepsia which is manageable 

Hi Elizabeth, I Ilive in California too and just had the srugery at USC. I was just wondering if you experienced not just burping but also regurgitating your food after surgery (and during recovery?) I got the surgery because every time I ate, food would come back up. For the first few weeks after the surgery food stayed down for 80% of the time but now it's starting to come up again lwhenever I eat...should I be worried or is this something you experienced?

Were you able to go off you PPI after getting the LINX ? My surgeon took me off mine 2 weeks post surgery. Just curious if most LINX patients are off meds. How is your recovery going? I am having a tough time still, mainly with the bloating, but my Dr thinks that the bloating is actually caused by constipation from the pain meds and muscle relaxants I was on, so I am off all meds and hoping doing a good cleanse will take bloating away. I do get a little burning sometimes in my throat and chest tightness which freaks me out, even though surgeon told me it was highly unlikely that I would be refluxing on the LINX, he went ahead and ordered a swallow test which I had done last Friday. It didn't show any reflux, which I am relieved about, but i still get the random burning in throat. It's a little different than the burning I felt before LINX and Surgeon told me it will go away, but just curious if you experienced any of that or have heard of anyone who had. Hope you are doing well with the process and at 10 weeks this past Monday I hope I can write soon and say I am 100 percent normal again! Take care!

Hi Naomi, 

I don't have regurgiation, just some burping. My main problem now is bloating and some chest tightness. I was having some esophageal spasms from the surgery so surgeon put me on a muscle relaxant and tramadol to help and unfortunately the side effects on both those meds is constipation, so I now have terrible bloating due to that, so i went off the meds and am going to do a cleanse to see if bloating goes away. I am a little frustrated at this point being 10 weeks and still dealing with recovery issues that are really affecting my life! I felt normal ( besides surgery pain) after surgery for the first week and then recovery phase started. Dysphasia is not longer an issue. Stopped around 6 weeks and as long as I chew well then it doesn't bother me. I use coconut milk yogurt before I eat a meal which helps lubricate the esophagus. How far are you into your recovery? Do u have any other post op symptoms? Did you go off your PPI? It's so good to be able to talk to others who know what we're going through! 

Other than terrible gas and burping which has a terrible odour when my stomach is full I'm fine, oh and a little dyspepsia but it's only 5 weeks post op

Hope recovery is  going well for you! I am still struggling with the bloating and mild random burning in throat that my surgeon says is not reflux. He even gave me a barium swallow test to double check, which was negative. I am still scared it is as the symptoms can be so similar to reflux, but that is something the surgeon says is normal. Are you off all your reflux medications? My surgeon took me off my PPI ( dexilant) at 2 weeks post surgery. I am curious to hear from others who are off their meds. My surgeon at UCLA says that studies show it is extrememly rare for someone to reflux with the linx device, so I am trusting him that I am not refluxing anymore. How is your recovery going ? 

Hi Elizabeth I'm fine apart from the smelly burps I tend to get. They're not as bad as they were for the first 4 weeks post op but still an embarrassment when I'm out but I'm hoping they will lessen more and disappear soon I'm trying to isolate foods that make it worse and also hoping my surgeon can help but I don't have my post op follow up til sept.  The bloating has all but gone too and I stopped All meds day one of the linx and though I get a little dyspepsia I can manage this and can now eat most things providing I take care it's now nearly 6 weeks post op

Glad to hear you are doing so well. I'm sure the burping will go away. It really seems that people all have different reactions to this procedure. It's hard to find someone who is experiencing the exact same symptoms as you. I feel like that's one of the most frustrating parts of this recovery. Praying the 3 month ish guesstimate/ average recovery time my surgeon gave me is accurate. 11 weeks on Monday and still having side effects is super frustrating. Trying to remember how I felt right after surgery before the body reacted to the  device and know it will be that way again. Did your burping issue start right after the surgery? It's too bad no one on here has the same side effect, like I said looks like we all can have different ones. Lucky us! Hope you continue to recover well! Take care! 

Elizabeth thank you so much, I'm sure we will both be fine the main thing is all of my symptoms have gone and I no longer need meds that in itself is a huge relief I hope you will be fine soon and I'll always be here for you 

take care.    Paul 

Hi. I have just been diagnosed with a 4cm hiatus hernia and my acid reflux is not responding to drugs and am holding onto the hope of Linx surgery. I live in the UK too, but I thought that the gastroenterolgy department at the Royal Devon and Exeter was a paediatric department (I'm 42!!). Please can you tell me about your referral experience and how your recovery is going? I do hope your symptoms post-op have settled. Thank you for your time

Hello I notice that you have had the linx in Royal Exeter ...was it on the nhs? If so how long was the referral....?

Hi my referral was instant as I had a good relationship with my gp and Id been on ppis for years it was the tests that took the time to undertake and for the consultant to diagnose the results. Hope this helps and I'm always here if you need and help advice or support

Paul

Thank you so much for responding

Yoir welcome Mr wajed os amazing. Please, if I can help .....

great to hear - so from the moment you were referred and the tests done, how long would you say was the wait for the surgery? And the estimate from running tests to surgery - sorry to ask again... I am in such a discomfort - sleep 3-4 hours, eat apples and porridge only, constant reflux on PPIs - heat. Also burning/heat on left side towards back. Terrible - is this really how reflux is?

It took a few months but I will support you all the way it's important you have help and support from someone who has been through exactly what you have

Thank you, I appreciate it. I am so low at the moment. Two small children and hard to get on with normal life!

It's long and it's hard but you will get through it like I did. Just don't sit on your bum and bang very loudly on some doors. The priority for now haS to be seeing an upper gi consultant to get the tests underway then see if you meet the criteria. Are you in the UK ?

Hi Elizabeth - How are you doing now?  I'm considering LINX....

It's non intrusive it's reversible m free from all meds and can eat and drink what I want to.

I am in Califiornia and advised to get the linx procedure.  I am scared abou the side edffects of swallowing problems and the blooating.  Has that settled down? Did you try probiotics for it?

The side effects are minimal and soon settle down the bloating goes I had mine last June and I'm 100% no side effects.No meds no scars no symptoms and its reversible if needed to I've sent you z message about the 360 NF wrap. Hope this helps

Who was your surgeon I am suffering and finally have to do something as ppi not working and give me bladder infection I am Cali based

Hi you mentioned spasms. My specialist looks at me weird when I mention this as a symptom. I has a hiatus hernia 3cm in size. I freak out when I have these.

I really want the links and this is my second attempt at telling them what I want to improve my life. Did retests yesterday and will see them next week to find out if the procedure will be approved. It's not about them it's about us.

Thanks

Good luck Donna and keep me posted

Exactly it's about us so keep banging on those doors

Hi Lovelane09

Did u have this done on nhs

I'm now in Devon and been on waiting list to have this done at Exeter

Did your gp have to apply for funding for this procedure from Devon NHS

Trust.

Thanks in advance

Have you tried charcoal tablets? In a former life I was a vegan and this stopped the flatulence. If you decide to try it let me know as I have my op coming up shortly. Holland and Barrett should stock them.

Hi sorry for delay in replying.

No my gp didn't have to apply for funding as its my local hospital

I take it your seeing Mr wajed ? He's lovely

What tests are you waiting for or had so far ?

When you say on the waiting list , for what ?

It's a year on Tuesday I had my linx. Best thing ever. If you need anything just let me know. Paul

Hi I'm now in mid Devon

I am on the waiting list at Exeter

hi.sue. i want to know how old was your son when your son had the linx surgery

Hi I have been reading thee post but they are all over a year old. I'm really wanting to be in touch with someone that has had the Linx surgery. I have Gerd, ulcers and a hernia that is 4 cm. I am looking to see if I'm covered under my Premera Insurance Company. If not then I will get the Nissen surgery. I appreciate your help and anyone else that can tell me how they are doing. Thanks, Lorray

Hi, I am having the STRETTA Treatment through the NHS. I wonder if you have thought of looking into this treatment

Hi ElizabethG......Please let us know how your procedure goes. Today I saw my gastro-entro doc who urged against stretta and for nissen. LINX was not given as an option. Your story would be so valuable to people like me facing big decisions. 

 

Hi ElizabethG---Please let us know how it goes for you. I hope you have a successful outcome. Today I was referred to two surgeons, one for Nissen and one for Stretta, with the decision of which path to take being up to me. Your story would help me and many others! 

Hi,

I'm almost 4months post-ok (linx). I'm having a terrible time. I regurgitate, good gets stuck and I panic cause I can't breath, then have severe painful spasms in my esophagus and stomach from whatever food is able to pass through. Im starting to get bloating and gas and heartburn again.

I want this out. How long did it take you to get fully recovered?

I'm having a Linx put in on Monday and after reading these posts I'm seeing I'm wondering how folks would compare the discomfort they encounter in the weeks after the surgery to how the Bravo study felt? I was absolutely miserable for the week that thing was in my esophagus. Just so I can have an idea of what to expect and how hard of a time I'm going to have not going to a liquid diet.

Hi Roxy

Just wondering how u r after having the linx procedure. I really hope your doing well. What country do u live in?

Kind regards

Dominique (chronic gerd sufferer for 2 1/2 dreadful years. )

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks from the surgery date. I have so much belching that smells like sulphur and I am constantly passing gas. I won't drink anything with carbonation. I am still bloated. I have little energy. I was told that the recovery time would be much shorter. I did have the Linx procedure and a large hiatal hernia repaired. I just want to feel like myself again. The reflux wasn't much worse than all of this belching and gas.

Hi Im Paul . Just had the Link . Was wondering did you get a tightening on the chest with the belching?

Hello,

How long ago did you have your LINX surgery? How are you doing today?

I had the linx surgery in March for a  cough and hoarsness.  I still have the cough and I a having trouble swallowing.  Did you have the surgery too?

No, I'm just beginning my journey with GERD/LRP.

Hi guys, I just had the linx surgery three weeks ago and I am happy to say that I am free of GERD and free of medication.  I am having some difficulty with swallowing right now but the doc says this will get better after week six. The temporary difficulty swallowing is well worth the benefits of no more GERD.  I live in the Seattle Washington area and my surgeon was fantastic.

Hi Kevin

That's great news I'm so pleased for you. It's great to hear good news on the forum. I hope you continue to feel improvements in the swallowing. Don't disappear on us as we need the success stories to give us hope. Please keep us updated on how you feel.

Must be feel amazing to be free of GERD.

Dom 😀

Hi Dom, 

Coming up on 5 weeks since my Linx surgery and things are getting better every day.  The swallowing issue is getting better and I have had zero symptoms of GERD.  I know it's only been 5 weeks post op but as of right now, I would recommend this surgery to anyone suffering with GERD looking for what appears to be a permanent change in quality of life.  What a great device for improving life.  Only people suffering from GERD truly understand what I am talking about.

Hi Im hoping have one or the other procedure done soon and from all my research mr wajed is one if not the best around hope your recovery is full as you say it's very early days for you anc from what I have read will get better good luck

Sorry just seen it was ages ago oops how are you doing now ?

Hi I'm wondering if you are still on this forum? Would love to know how you are a year after the Linx procedure as I'm considering having this op.

Many thanks for your time.

Dominique

Great to hear a fellow Kevin getting such good results. Ive just joined the GERD/LPR gang and its ruining my life at present. I'm just starting researching this condition of which  knew very little about. The Linx operation seems a possible escape route so every success story we get is valuable s please do keep us updated

Hi Kevin

i live in the Seattle area also and have seen the head of surgery at the UofW who advised to have the NF instead of other choices. His concern with the Linz is erosion or migration and he was basically a dick I'm not interested in the NF so may I ask you performed your link procedure and where it was performed? I'm at my wits end and hope you still check this blog

thanks

Hi. I am considering links surgery and would like to know how you are doing after yours and if you would recommend it . Thank you!

Hi 

I’m hoping you are still on this forum. I see u had the Linx device put in 3 years ago. Just wondering how you are doing now? 

I’m considering Linx or the tiff procedure but neither are done in Perth, Western Australia so I’m going to have to go abroad. The cost will be immense so I need to be convinced it’s gonna be worth it!!!

Many thanks

Dominique 

Hi 

Just wondering how you are 3 yrs after having the Linx device fitted? Would you still recommend it? 

I’m in Australia (immigrant from UK) but they don’t have Linx here. I’m thinking of coming to UK or states to have it done privately but it’s gonna cost me an arm n a leg. 

Thanks for your time. 

Kind regards Dominique