Question:
What is GERD?

I see people refer to GERD. What is it?    — Betty M. (posted on May 2, 2001)

May 2, 2001
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder/Disease. It's when the stomach acid regurgitates back up. For me, I had to sleep elevated on 2-3 pillows and relied on medication until my surgery. With the RNY, it's eliminated immediately.
   — T.L. S.

May 2, 2001
Its acid reflux. GERD is the intials for a long disease, that most of us spell wrong.
   — Crystal B.

May 2, 2001
Mine was also totally eliminated with the RNY. Its that burning indigestion feeling from stomach acid backing up from the stomach into the esophagus. What a relief!
   — Cindy H.

May 2, 2001
I am still pre-op and I have it bad. I take Prevacid every day to control the acid production in my stomach. Not only did I have heartburn after EVERYTHING that I ate (or thought about eating) I had it so bad that I would literally wake up in the middle of the night choking from aspirating the acid into my lungs while I was asleep! If you have it or think you do, ask your doc for something like Prevacid or Pilosec to control it until after your surgery.
   — Donna H.

May 2, 2001
For me, GERD was bringing on asthma attacks....I couldn't believe it!! I was not suffering terrible from the heartburn portion...but my asthma was just awful....I went to my PCP after reading something on asthma & Gerd here...and asked him "What if GERD was inducing my asthma attacks?" He put me on Prevacid and now I only use my inhaler in the a.m. & p.m.....instead of throughout the day and I am no longer taking pills for asthma...Just thought I would share my experience with everyone!! Now once I get to the otherside....and loose the extra "me" I will no huff and puff up stairs...or walking long distances!! Good Luck all, Lots of Prayers & Luv, Karan
   — chance2lv