Obesity is known to play a role in the occurrence of GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Research shows that increasing BMI contributes to the poor functioning of the gastroesophageal junction and that lifestyle modifications and weight loss can mitigate the symptoms of GERD. 
Bariatric surgery can play a vital role in the treatment of obesity. Gastric bypass surgery is considered an effective way to alleviate symptoms of GERD.
Perceptive and standout bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides weight loss procedures to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and surrounding locations in The Sunshine State.
Why GERD Affects Obese Individuals?
According to researchers, GERD is more of a problem for obese individuals because:
- Obese individuals have a higher sensitivity to the presence of acid in the esophagus.
- Hiatal hernia occurs more commonly among the obese.
- Obese individuals have a higher intra-abdominal pressure, which increases the gastroesophageal gradient.
- Abnormalities of the vagal nerve function relate to obesity may lead to a higher production of bile and pancreatic enzymes. This can make the refluxed stomach acid more toxic to the lining of the esophagus.
Research Studies
The relationship between GERD and obesity is now well-established. A Norwegian study involving 45,000 subjects between 2006 and 2009 showed that weight loss led to the diminishing of GERD symptoms in a dose dependent manner.
Another study of 332 obese people who achieved a mean weight loss of 13 kg in a weight loss program at the University of Kansas Medical Center showed that the occurrence of GERD dropped from 37 percent to 15 percent and 81 percent of the patients experienced diminished GERD symptom scores.
With the high prevalence of obesity in the US, bariatric surgery has come up as a common procedure that has been shown to be effective for a vast majority of patients with GERD. Gastric bypass surgery is usually seen as the preferred procedure to reduce GERD symptoms in obese patients.
Bariatric Surgery and GERD
Among obese and morbidly obese patients with GERD symptoms, bariatric surgery is proving to be a better intervention than other traditional surgical procedures targeted to improve GERD problem. Research has shown that gastric bypass works well to control, and even eliminate GERD.
A study conducted at the University Of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showed that gastric bypass is effective in treating GERD in patients that previously had anti-reflux surgery but have subsequently gained weight. It also found effective results in obese patients who previously had previous anti-reflux surgery but continued to experience problems with GERD.
This is encouraging news for morbidly obese patients who are choosing a gastric bypass surgery to help reduce their weight. Up to 55 percent of the morbidly obese patients seeking gastric bypass surgery show symptoms of chronic GERD.
A 1999 study published in Obesity Surgery showed that the gastric banding procedure is also effective in controlling GERD symptoms in morbidly obese patients. Dedicated and perspicacious bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other suburbs and communities in this glorious state for weight loss surgery.
Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.
To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.
