How does bariatric surgery affect Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a disorder characterized by heartburn and regurgitation of food. It is a serious disease caused by reflux of stomach acid and ingested food into esophagus. It can be associated with esophagitis (injury to the esophagus caused be chronic exposure to stomach acid), Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous change in the lining of esophagus), and esophageal cancer. Occasional heartburn does not indicate GERD. Excess body weight may weaken the valve at the top of the stomach, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus, and causing GERD. While GERD may occur regardless of someone’s age, gender, or body mass, the disease tends to be more severe in the obese.
