Health & Wellness Articles
Insights on bariatric surgery, recovery, and long-term health from Dr. Sami Salem.
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GERD vs Acid Reflux: What Is the Difference and When Does It Need Surgery?
Acid reflux is the act of stomach acid moving up into the oesophagus, something almost everyone experiences occasionally. GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, is what doctors call it once that reflux happens frequently enough, or causes enough damage, to need medical treatment. Surgery is generally only considered once GERD is confirmed by testing and medication has…
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GERD Symptoms: How to Know If Your Heartburn Is Actually Acid Reflux Disease
Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is normal, but if you have burning chest pain, regurgitation, or a sour taste more than twice a week, that pattern points to GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, rather than everyday indigestion. GERD also frequently shows up as a chronic cough, hoarseness, or a lump-in-the-throat feeling that many people never…
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Laparoscopic Fundoplication: What the Anti-Reflux Surgery Involves and Who Needs It
Laparoscopic fundoplication is keyhole surgery that wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus to rebuild the valve that stops acid from rising. It is recommended for patients with confirmed GERD who have not been helped enough by medication, or who have a hiatal hernia weakening their natural reflux barrier. Your doctor…
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GERD Surgery: When Medication Stops Working and What the Surgical Options Are
GERD surgery becomes an option when medication no longer controls acid reflux, or when a patient cannot or does not want to stay on medication for life. The main surgical options are laparoscopic fundoplication, which wraps part of the stomach around the lower oesophagus to rebuild the valve that keeps acid down, and, for patients…
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Intragastric Balloon vs Just Dieting: Is the Procedure Actually Worth It?
An honest comparison between the intragastric balloon and dieting alone, what the balloon genuinely adds, and how to know which approach fits your history.
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How Long Does an Intragastric Balloon Stay In and What Happens When It Comes Out?
How long an intragastric balloon stays in place, what the removal procedure involves, recovery afterward, and what happens to your weight once it’s out.
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Intragastric Balloon Side Effects: Nausea, Discomfort, and What Is Normal
What side effects are normal after intragastric balloon placement, why nausea and cramping happen, how long they last, and when to seek medical attention.
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Intragastric Balloon: How Much Weight Do People Actually Lose and Is It Worth It?
How much weight people actually lose with an intragastric balloon, the six-month timeline, what affects results, and whether it’s genuinely worth it.
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Converting From Gastric Band to Sleeve: Why People Switch and What to Expect
Why patients convert from gastric band to gastric sleeve, whether it’s done in one step or two, what recovery involves, and what results to expect afterward.