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Heartburn Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, is a progressive condition that is characterized by acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn. It is estimated that approximately 20% of people in the U.S. have GERD, although it can be difficult to determine the exact number of people affected by GERD because many may not realize they have it or may not seek treatment1. The initial stages of the disease may present as common heartburn or indigestion, but if left untreated, GERD can lead to serious health complications, including Esophageal cancer and respiratory problems.
Is It Heartburn, Acid Reflux, or GERD?
Heartburn and acid reflux are often used interchangeably and they are symptoms of GERD, so it can be confusing to differentiate them. If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux and you think you may have GERD, it can be helpful to understand the differences between these conditions:
- Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation in the throat or chest. It is not caused by the heart, but is actually a digestive issue and it is a symptom of acid reflux. Many people experience occasional heartburn after indulging in spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
- Acid Reflux causes heartburn and can also result in a sore throat or a cough. Acid reflux occurs when the muscle in the opening of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), fails to tighten, allowing stomach acid to splash back into the esophagus. Chronic acid reflux is a primary symptom of GERD.
- GERD People who experience chronic heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week may be diagnosed with GERD. Over-the-counter antacids and medications may fail to ease GERD symptoms and the progressive symptoms can damage long-term health.
What Causes GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle that works to open and close the esophagus. When we eat or drink, the LES relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach. If the LES is weakened or abnormal, it can relax intermittently and allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This causes acid reflux symptoms, and frequent or severe acid reflux indicates GERD.
GERD Symptoms
- Frequent heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Acidic or sour taste in the mouth
- Dry cough or need to clear throat
- Upper abdominal discomfort or nausea
Patients suffering from GERD may notice that symptoms are frequent after eating or worsen at night.
Do You Suffer From Heartburn Symptoms Relating to GERD?
Take our GERD self-assessment quiz to learn if treatment at DFW Bariatric Institute could help you find long-term relief from acid reflux and heartburn.
Lifestyle Changes To Prevent GERD Symptoms
If you experience heartburn or acid reflux, there are lifestyle changes that can curb discomfort, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications that may ease symptoms. Recommended lifestyle changes include:
- Weight loss if BMI is over 25
- Quitting smoking
- Eliminating alcohol consumption
- Avoiding foods that are spicy, acidic, or fatty
- Refraining from eating before lying down
Gastric Bypass Surgery to Treat GERD
What do you do when lifestyle changes or medication no longer provide relief from acid reflux? GERD is a progressive disease and as it accelerates, medicines may become less effective. The experienced bariatric surgeons at DFW Bariatric Institute specialize in Gastric Bypass surgery, which can treat or prevent GERD.
How Does Gastric Bypass Work for GERD Patients?
Gastric Bypass, also known as Roux en-Y surgery, is a bariatric surgery that has been proven very effective for weight loss2. In this procedure, which our surgeons typically perform laparoscopically to minimize incisions and recovery time, the stomach is reduced in size and the digestive tract is rerouted. In addition to treating obesity, studies have found that gastric bypass can also significantly improve acid reflux and GERD symptoms, with results that are comparable to anti-reflux surgeries such as Nissen fundoplication3. Learn more about gastric bypass surgery.
Contact DFW Bariatric Institute
If acid reflux is interfering with your quality of life, we may be able to help. Contact the GERD specialists at DFW Bariatric Institute to learn more or schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Colleyville, Frisco, or Rockwall, Texas.
1 El-Serag HB, Petersen NJ, Carter J, et al. Gastroesophageal reflux among different racial groups in the United States. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1692–1699
2 Journal of the American Medical Associations. 2004;292(14):1724-1737. doi:10.1001/jama.292.14.1724
3 Canadian Journal of Surgery. 2014 Apr; 57(2): 139–144. doi: [10.1503/cjs.030612]
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
