GERD (Acid Reflux Disease)

Acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when the muscle (that acts like a valve) between your stomach and your esophagus does not properly close, and as a result the acid in your stomach moves into your esophagus. For some people it is nothing more than a fleeting pain. In extreme cases, however, GERD could eventually lead to cancer of the esophagus.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, recently conducted a review of nine research papers. They found that in eight of the nine studies the higher the BMI (body mass index) of the subjects, the greater the likelihood of experiencing GERD symptoms. They also found that by being overweight the odds of having GERD increased by as much as 50 per cent when compared to subjects with a lower BMI. The trend continued through to obese people who actually doubled their chances of suffering from acid reflux.

If you are experiencing many of these symptoms, you may have acid reflux disease. Although many people turn to over-the-counter antacid medications to alleviate their symptoms, changing certain lifestyle habits can help alleviate this condition.

Untreated acid reflux can become worse with time and can cause serious complications.

• Ulcers – Acid from the stomach back up into the esophagus, literally burning the lining of the esophagus. The ulcers become inflamed and this can lead to bleeding
• Strictures – Ulcers heal and form scar tissue, called strictures, which shrink and narrow the size of the esophagus resulting in food becoming stuck
• Coughing and asthma – Reflux can stimulate nerves that lead to coughing. The nerves connected to the lungs can be also be damaged, causing breathing tubes to narrow and triggering asthma attacks
• Barrett's esophagus – Long-term GERD can increase the risk for changes in the cells of the esophagus, leading to cancer

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes upward through your diaphragm. Many times the hole is small and no symptoms are present. However, when large enough, it can allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus, causing symptoms of heartburn accompanied by chest pain. A large majority of our patients have hiatal hernias that we repair at the time of their Slimband procedure. Many of them experience an immediate relief of their symptoms and finally are able to sleep comfortably through the night without experiencing painful heartburn.

The risk of GERD, hiatal hernia, erosive esophagitis and in turn cancer of the esophagus is raised with being obese. Finding a way to reach and maintain a healthy weight is an important first step in alleviating GERD. If you would like to learn more about how the Slimband procedure can help you, please schedule a free consultation by filling out the Find Out More form to the right of this page and we get back to you right away.