Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

What is it?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is injury to the esophagus caused by chronic exposure to stomach acid. Excess body weight weakens the valve at the top of the stomach, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus. This escape is known as gastroesophageal reflux. Though heartburn is often associated with this disease, GERD, or acid reflux, is a serious disease that can cause esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

A five- to 10-year follow-up study that included 16,191 participants showed that there is a relationship between obesity, nighttime acid reflux and habitual snoring, and the onset of asthma and respiratory symptoms in adults. Another patient study found that people who suffer from acid reflux had experienced a worsening of symptoms as their weight increased.

How does bariatric surgery improve GERD?
Bariatric surgery improves acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the valve at the top of the stomach, and by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced.

What success have patients found through bariatric surgery?
A study of 500 patients showed complete resolution of acid reflux in 98 percent of patients. One study revealed that all participants who had gastric bypass surgery reported an improvement in or no symptoms of GERD.