What is it?

While the symptom of heartburn is often associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), this disease is more than an annoyance. GERD leads to injury to the esophagus caused by repetitive burning from stomach acid. It is a serious disease that can cause esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer. Excess body weight may weaken the valve at the top of the stomach, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus and burn it. This escape is known as gastroesophageal reflux.

How is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Obesity increases your risk of GERD. Bariatric surgery improves GERD by drastically reducing the amount of stomach acid produced.

What success have patients found through bariatric surgery?

A 2000 study of 500 patients showed resolution of GERD in 98% of patients. Though anti-reflux surgery is an option for treatment of GERD, it fails more often in people with morbid obesity. Also, it only addresses GERD and does not affect your other comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or osteoarthritis.