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DR. MICHAEL BREEN: Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD 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, paraesophagus, and esophageal cancer.

A five to 10 year follow up study that included over 16,000 participants showed that there is an independent relationship between obesity, nighttime acid reflux, and habitual snoring. And the onset of asthma in respiratory symptoms in adults. Another patient study found that people who suffer from acid reflux had experienced a worsening of system as their weight increased.

Bariatric surgery improves acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the value at the top of the stomach and by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced. A study of 500 patients showed complete resolution of acid reflux in 98% of patients. One study revealed that all participants who had Gastric Bypass surgery reported an improvement in or no symptoms of acid reflux.