Four years after my operation by Dr. Löhde, I would like to speak up again because I think that many are interested in what the long-term prognosis looks like.
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I have to say beforehand that I “suffered like a dog” for almost 50 years and that in our family history my father, uncle, grandpa and grandpa died of stomach and esophageal cancer in their early 70s. My esophagus also had signs of Barrett's syndrome (3rd stage - which has now completely healed again). After months of research and offers of operations, which were almost criminal for me, I found Dr. Löhde. His surgical method was logical for me and therefore I had decided to have this operation performed by Dr. Löhde.
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In the first year after the operation, I had doubts one or the other as to whether the operation was really successful, as I had a few relapses in the beginning, but these were decreasing from time to time and my health continued to improve over time.
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Now, after 4 years, I can really eat and drink ANYTHING. I can even afford to slip into a fast food restaurant today (just 4 years ago I would have loved to die after such a meal).
So I can say today that I am 100% cured and that Dr. Löhde has also returned 100% of my quality of life to me after 50 years of suffering. In fact, I am presumptuous to say that it is more than 100%, as I was already well on my way to following the male family history — today I am convinced that Dr. Löhde has extended my life by many years, for which I am infinitely grateful to him.

Long-term success
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In December 2011, I was operated on in Berlin by Dr. Löhde. This was preceded by severe symptoms and the presence of a Barrett mucous membrane due to reflux. In the last week, I had a gastroscopy performed for the second time after surgery. Two years ago, during the first scan, the mucosal change was significantly less; during the scan last week, there was ACTUALLY no Barrett mucous membrane left. It has completely regressed. So the good news for patients with this finding: The Barrett mucous membrane can obviously regress when no more acid gets into the esophagus.

HOORAY! With this in mind, I would like to thank Mr. D. Löhde and his team once again. My very experienced and competent gastroenterologist said literally: “If she hadn't told me you had had surgery, I wouldn't have seen it. A great result!”

Dear Dr. Löhde and team,
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I look at your website from time to time and I noticed today that it has been updated. So I thought I'd just take this opportunity to tell you that I found the new website very successful.
It's been a year since my surgery and I'm still doing well and the decision to have surgery was the best thing ever. My liver has also recovered from my hepatitis A. Well, it's all good.
I wish you all a great weekend and best regards from Münsterland
M.R.
P.S. Mrs. G. (whom I visited briefly on Wednesday) is also doing well

Dear Dr. Löhde and dear team,

Thank you very much, Dr. Löhde, for making my life worth living again.

It is unbelievable that after five days of surgery here at home, I am sitting at the computer completely without symptoms about my problem and can write these lines, I still can't really understand it. I would like to use this guestbook to briefly report on my experiences.

I am 39 years old, male, from Berlin and suffered from symptomatic occlusive cardia insufficiency with reflux, heartburn, weakness, tiredness, hoarseness and irritation to cough for about 20 years and I think that is how most patients will feel and the resulting emotional stress. Despite my adjusted lifestyle (e.g. adjusted diet, elevated upper body when sleeping), my symptoms have worsened dramatically over the last 2.5 years. I often had palpitations, severe upper abdominal pressure, morning sickness and severe sore throat with a “lump feeling” in my throat, which was very stressful. After numerous hospital stays (palpitations with elevated blood pressure and severe upper abdominal pressure) and visits to the family doctor, I underwent another gastroscopy in spring 2014 with the result of a “diaphragmatic hernia” with the option to continue taking medication with all the side effects for the rest of my life, or to undergo surgery. It was my family doctor who put me in touch.

Since I wanted to lead a healthy life again, I immediately contacted Dr. Löhde's very friendly secretariat and got a very quick appointment for a personal conversation. For me, there was no doubt that I wanted to have an operation so that I could finally live a life worth living again! In 2015, the time had finally come and I had a successful operation and I have to say that after just three hours of surgery, my body felt much, much better. It is certainly also the case that the very nervous tension has subsided. After a few hours of surgery, it was possible to go to the toilet with someone, drink (water or tea) and eat (crispbread and yogurt), in moderation, of course :-) and very slowly, as breathing and swallowing took a bit of getting used to at first. I had problems in the neck and shoulder area due to the gas used, but this subsided after a short time. The success of the operation was confirmed by a Breischluck control X-ray examination and since then I feel like I was “born again” :-).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again Dr. Löhde, your team and the nurses. I sincerely wish all those who read these lines: “Have the courage and determination to have surgery”, you will be able to live a life worth living again. Best regards Your overjoyed patient M.G. from Berlin

Dear Dr. Löhde,
I would like to thank you very much again today. After torturing myself for 10 years and taking pills, I have been absolutely symptom-free for 3 weeks after surgery. There is no food or drink that I can't stand, no work in the field, forest or brewery that I can't do and everything without pills, a wonderful feeling.
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Thanks and appreciation for your art. I can only advise anyone who is skeptical or anxious about diaphragmatic surgery to come to you in Berlin. The friendliness and helpfulness of your employees, your knowledge and the way of explaining things are extremely convincing, and pleasantly likeable.
Kind regards from the Taunus

I arrived at DRK Berlin quite early for surgery day, 5 hours before I should have been there. To my surprise, I received a very friendly welcome and, after some paperwork, was immediately given my room. I also quickly got to know the staff from Station 23. I have never been looked after as well as on ward 23. I would also like to thank you very much for your effort and also for meeting all my wishes and then always so quickly never had to wait long. Thanks to the entire crew at Station 23, you are a great team.
The real reason for my stay: 80% excitement and 20% confidence before the procedure. Here, too, I have to say I never felt left alone, there was always someone at hand when questions came up. Since I was very excited when I set off for the operating room, it was very nice that you always have the feeling that you are surrounded by professionals who are also good at talking to you. When I arrived at the surgical preparation room, my excitement was even visible, as I was rather shaky, even here always accompanied at no time was I left alone. I was given something to calm me down and off I went.

Now I'm coming to my hero in the whole story. He is surrounded by stars. Dr. Löhde and his team really touched me. I had the great honor to get to know almost all members and also to have a nice conversation with his irreplaceable helpers several times. Dr. Löhde is a calm person who immediately gives you the feeling of being in good hands. I visited him in his practice every day after the operation. An ultrasound was done here every time to check. Many people wonder what the pain is like after surgery. Well, after every procedure, you are tired and it squeezes and pulls a bit everywhere, but thanks to the painkillers you receive, this pain is pretty easy to bear. food? That is exactly what it is about. Very important! It's a bit difficult for the first 3 days, but it gets better day by day. Today, for example, 1 month after surgery, I can eat normally again without symptoms. No complaints before, during and after eating I am healed and that after 11 years of abstinence, unable to tolerate anything and helplessness! I think transparency is the right word. People who opt for this procedure should know that they will definitely be comprehensively informed that they are in excellent hands in the DRC. That they are in good hands with Dr. Löhde, that after one month after surgery, there is an end to belching stomach acid. At the very end, I decided to stay an extra day. I was supposed to fly on Saturday and stayed until Sunday instead.

A Sunday. At around 9:30 in the morning, there was a knock on the door of my room, Dr. Löhde stood there in private clothes and asked me how it was going and then said I just stopped by to say goodbye to you and wish you all the best!!! Which doctor still does something like that today? I would like to thank you all for your excellent work and for my now acid-free life.

Hello, I wanted to get back to you after 10 years. Back then, I had my diaphragmatic hernia done by Dr. Löhde. It was so big that you could wield a hand, with all the bad consequences. The whole thing took 3 days, then drove home again, still a bit shaky on my feet.

Swallowing problems were getting better day by day (learned to chew well... lol) and after about 3 months everything had healed just fine and settled down perfectly. I was probably the first to not fix the stomach, i.e. the 2-shift method instead of the 3-shift method. Since then, I've never had heartburn or stomach acid that had run into my mouth or lungs during the night. No more hiccups (it was really a nuisance back then). No more back pain, even with heavy lifting. The morning bad breath (breath of death... 1o1) gone. Remove the heart rhythm disturbances, discontinue appropriate medication as it is no longer necessary. I had to pay for everything myself back then, but I've never regretted the decision to have surgery! Once again, thanks to Dr. Löhde and his excellent team.

After more than 20 years of suffering with heartburn, cough and epigastric pain, some of which radiated into the back, I decided to use the Löhde method (after 5 years of research in this area). Surgery is equivalent to real diaphragm repair and Dr. Löhde and Dr. Thomas are very experienced when it comes to reflux disease. The operation was carried out in Berlin at the beginning of December 2019 by Dr. Thomas. Care was provided by Dr. Löhde before and after surgery. Immediately symptom-free after surgery. No heartburn, no epigastric pain and the cough was immediately gone. During surgery, a 5 cm diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed, some of which was already stuck in the hernia gap. That also explained my pain behind my sternum, which radiated into my back.
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I'm very thankful. Thankful that this surgical procedure exists and that a long ordeal is now coming to an end for me. Thanks to the entire Löhde team!
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I am happy to answer any kind of patient questions in writing.

Now 7 weeks after my diaphragmatic hernia surgery, I can say that everything is fine. I can eat just about anything again and have been without pantoprazole since the operation (which I had previously taken for a whole year). I can only recommend Dr. Löhde's surgery because it does the only sensible thing, which is to bring the organs back into their anatomically natural position. The first few weeks after surgery was a bit unpleasant that the stomach “closed” again and again when eating or drinking - others have described this as an esophageal spasm. Here's a little tip: Don't drink water right after the operation, but rather drink warm tea. And later, prefer dishes with lots of sauce (although strangely enough crispbread is also good).
Many thanks to Dr. Löhde and his team for their excellent care! (Where else is it that the surgeon calls home right after the operation to promise that everything went well?)

The first year is over. It was a wonderful year... no heartburn, no nocturnal reflux, no esophageal burn, no PPIs, no pills. I am very happy about this and I would do it again today and I recommend it to everyone who deals with reflux and pain on a daily basis. Since this year I have been a different person, I am allowed to eat and drink everything - without thinking about the consequences - a different quality of life has been created, I am no longer on the sidelines but now in the middle of it. I would like to thank Dr. Löhde from the bottom of my heart and wish him a great deal of strength for the next few years. Thank you very much to his team for the “great” support before and during the treatment days in Berlin and the always friendly discussions. Very warm greetings to Berlin Your W.L.

I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Löhde and his practice team; in the 15 minute telephone conversation with Mr. Dr. Löhde today, I was explained more to me in a simple way than various so-called specialists have explained to me in recent years.
I would also like to thank the practice team for the smooth process. Greetings from Vienna to Berlin

Dear Dr. Löhde and team,
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your surgery has made my life more livable. I can now eat and drink everything again and don't have to worry about whether it will damage me or my esophagus. I am sorry that I did not have the operation done earlier or that I cancelled an appointment due to some concerns. I often think back to my stay in Berlin and can't find a single negative aspect. I sincerely wish you all the best and good health. Greetings from Munich, S.B.

Dear Dr. Löhde, dear practice team, dear former, current and future patients,
My operation by Dr. Löhde was already 2.5 years ago and I am deliberately only writing my report today. I did not simply want to join the praises of other patients in an initial euphoria, but to wait for the medium-term result of the operation. The following is a summary of my “gastronomic career”, in key words due to lack of space:

Massive symptoms since 2001/2002: reflux, heartburn. HP gastritis, Helicobacter pylori eradication with antibiotics, then symptom-free for months, from then on PPIs. From then on, try to take as little medication as possible, every 2-3 days when symptoms start (reflux down to the throat, burning, especially at night, often only 4 hours after a meal). Don't restrict my lifestyle, but sleep with your upper body elevated.

2009 Gastroscopy No. 4: Severe grade 2-3 reflux esophagitis in axial hernia, no Barrett. All doctors advise against surgery and continued use of PPIs, as they are well tolerated. A doctor even advises you to wait until swallowing problems and weight loss occur (!!). Don't settle for that and keep researching until I come across Dr. Löhde's method on the Internet, a real alternative. 2014 consultation appointment with Dr. Löhde, which convinces me professionally and personally. Don't immediately advise surgery, but want to clarify the current situation first. Gastroenterologist recommends continuing to take PPIs during a preliminary discussion, as I do not suit the type of patient with great suffering (I am robust and tough!). (...)

2014: Operation by Dr. Löhde. (...) On the day of surgery, I run a bit, eat ice cream and pudding. Just mild pain. On the 2nd day of surgery, walks in the clinic park, visit an exhibition at the clinics. Dismissal on the 3rd day. I'm overjoyed: No pain, sleeping lying down, swallowing, eating and drinking normally, the voice is fine, no more reflux, no more PPIs. 2 weeks of light food at home, compliance with post-operative recommendations. Initially a bit sluggish digestion, some upper abdominal pressure, bloating and loss of 4 kg (which will be gained again later!). From then on, no restrictions. The only complaint: esophageal cramps, which are gradually becoming less frequent. Belching/bloating/air in the abdomen is currently present in different ways, but probably not a result of surgery.

2015: Control gastroscopy: Everything is fine, but mini mini Barrett is still detectable. The next investigation should only be 4 years later, but will have it carried out earlier. Possibility of healing Barrett's mucosa.

Conclusion: Having undergone surgery by Dr. Löhde is one of the best decisions I've ever made at an advanced age. For example, the ferritin deficiency has been resolved. But the most important thing is: I can completely do without PPIs, have virtually no complaints and do not have to continue to restrict my lifestyle. My quality of life has improved significantly. The support provided by the secretariat was exemplary. The DRK Clinic even reimbursed me the single room supplement without being asked after I had pointed out deficiencies in the room in my review. The costs that my health insurance did not reimburse me are among my best investments. Thanks to everyone and my best wishes for the future from Dr. Löhde and team!

I write this supplement 10 weeks after surgery.
I can now eat normally again; the esophagus only reacts to very few foods with a “jam” (it seems to me that only very hot spices associated with dry meat can trigger something like this). If that happens, it's enough to wait a few minutes and not eat anything; then you can continue as normal. Otherwise, eating and drinking is completely normal again and possible without restrictions. What other patients also wrote is true: after the operation, it simply takes a little time and patience until everything gets back to normal and the organs get used to their changed position and task. In any case, all the effort (operation and time after that) was really worth it: finally a life without constant heartburn, without reflux and without PPI!

In 2016 I had a diaphragmatic hernia operation. I suffered from heartburn, hoarseness, belching, coughing, and sore throat for 6 years. Years of treatment with PPI showed only a slight improvement. My pharmacist told me to check out Dr. Löhde's website. Thank you very much to my pharmacy for this information. The operation went smoothly. The esophagus was returned to the network of organs. All organs are as they should be. This operation was a complete success for me. I can eat anything, but I avoid carbonated drinks. In October, I had an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which has subsided again.
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I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Löhde's medical team and the always friendly and competent staff in the private secretariat. Even after months of surgery, I always received friendly and very good medical advice. I felt that I was in very good hands during my stay at the clinic. Thanks also to the nursing staff at the ward. This entire team offers medical and friendly care even months after the operation. Thank you very much

Severe reflux since 2004. Treatment with up to 120 mg PPIs and various side effects. 2008 Evidence of histological Barrett esophagus. Decision to have surgery after Internet research and (excellent) advice from Dr. Löhde. Complication-free surgery, followed by freedom of symptoms for 3 years. Then mild heartburn again, treated with 20 mg PPIs. After atlas correction (upper cervical vertebra) due to malpositions and neck pain, these “residual” symptoms have also completely disappeared. The cause was probably the affected (jammed) vagus nerve. Control gastroscopy now also confirms complete healing of Barrett's esophagus. Great result of the operation, which I would do again at any time. Absolute recommendation for surgery. Greetings and thanks to Dr. Löhde.

Dear Dr. Löhde, it's been almost a year since you operated on me so successfully. I'm just doing super well. I can eat and eat anything. I'm always on the go. Have a coffee here, go there to a flower market. I'm just having a good time. Everyone in my circle of friends says: “How good do you look. You've never looked so good.” I'm really happy about that. I only owe my new life to you. Thank you again Dr. Löhde. All the best for you and for Mr. Thomas, best regards

After many years of suffering, I underwent surgery. Since then, the world has changed suddenly. The problems known to all sufferers were blown away. However, I still felt cramps in my back and esophagus for a few weeks. Now that's history too. I am happy that I have taken this step and would like to sincerely thank Dr. Löhde and his team for their competent advice and treatment as well as the care team at the hospital for their extremely friendly and loving care. I can only recommend Dr. Löhde to all sufferers.

I would like to briefly report on my experience with Dr. Thomas and Dr. Löhde. The surgery was 4 weeks ago. I'm getting better day by day. My current symptoms are: difficulty breathing (easy) and cramps or congestion when swallowing too quickly. After getting up in the morning, the stomach is a bit sensitive (noticeable). I have to admit that I didn't stick to the light diet so closely and strained my stomach/diaphragm from time to time. I ate normal food again after the first week (too much from time to time). I recovered quite well for that. There is still a burning sensation from time to time, but it is so easy that I might even imagine it. Acid reflux when lying down is completely gone. No more continuous regurgitation. I was operated on by Dr. Thomas. Diaphragmatic hernia was 3.5 cm in size. The team (Mrs. Gattermann, Dr. Löhde, Dr. Thomas and ward 23) was really great, by the way, you can read that in every patient's voice. Follow the recommendations and advice from Dr. Thomas and Dr. Löhde and you will recover faster. A lot of walking and cross trainers are important.

A diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed during gastroscopy at the beginning of 2015. At that time, I had had heartburn for a few weeks. This was preceded by over 20 years with increasingly severe coughing attacks and clearing throat. During numerous previous doctor visits, there were no findings. I did not want to take the prescribed pantoprazole over a long period of time. So I set out to find a suitable surgical method. A fundoplication was out of the question due to the many negative reports. After further searching, I came across Dr. Löhde's website. I got in touch with the practice and got on the waiting list after a phone call with Mr. Thomas. About 7 months later, the operation took place. On the first night or the day after surgery, I had back and rib pain, which improved after taking a pain reliever. Over the next few days, I still had a few bowel problems. I was released three days after the operation. When switching from a light diet to a normal diet, there was a burning sensation in the throat. After being discharged from hospital, I contacted Mr. Thomas and the secretaries of the practice Dr. Löhde several times. It's been three months now and I still occasionally have a slight burning in my throat. In summary, I can say that the operation was a complete success. My coughing and constantly clearing my throat are a thing of the past. The care provided by Dr. Löhde's practice and ward 23 at the DRK Clinic throughout the entire period was exemplary.

If further information is required, the secretariat will be happy to contact me.

I had severe heartburn about a year ago. A gastroscopy and a CT revealed a diaphragmatic hernia approximately 2.8 cm in diameter. My doctors' recommendation: A high-dose PPI therapy. I was advised against surgery because success was not guaranteed. In addition, taking Pantropazole was safe, but I couldn't imagine that. Heartburn disappeared as a result of taking Pantropazole. Other complaints increased massively as a result. Upper abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, nocturnal coughing, hoarseness, etc... Physical exertion, such as climbing stairs or riding up slight hills by bicycle, was hardly possible anymore.
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I did some research on the Internet and found Dr. Löhde there by chance. The description of his process quickly convinced me. After talking to Dr. Thomas, I decided to have surgery. I was hoping for approval from my doctors. Unfortunately, they still dissuaded me. On October 12th, the time had come. The operation revealed that the diaphragmatic hernia was now 4.5 cm in size and the stomach was stuck there.
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Well, about 5 weeks after surgery, almost all of my previous complaints are gone with the wind. Climbing stairs is normal again. My digestion has resumed its work. However, dietary intake has changed somewhat. I now eat very slowly and chew everything thoroughly. I think I will soon be able to go back to my sporting activities normally and bike rides or hikes won't be a problem next year.
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What I found very pleasant during my stay in Berlin was the friendliness and humanity of the doctors, the team and ward 23. I have never experienced anything like this before. Thank you very much for that.
In conclusion, I can only recommend this operation to all those affected. I am happy that I have taken this path, against all medical resistance.

I suffered from reflux disease due to a diaphragmatic hernia for eight years. As the suffering increased more and more, I decided to have diaphragmatic surgery at Dr. Löhde's practice. It's now been two months since the operation. A resounding success! I'm absolutely thrilled. No more complaints or heartburn since the operation. I can now eat everything again and can fully exercise again. The problems and pain after surgery were much less than I had expected. You can endure anything. You also have to follow the doctors' guidelines and stick to the diet plan for the first few weeks and eat slowly! What I really liked is the friendliness and humanity of the doctors, the team and ward 23. That doesn't often come in this form. I would like to sincerely thank you for that and for my healing.
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I can only recommend this operation to those affected and I am very happy that I took this step.