DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery, Dr. Sachin Kukreja’s practice, posted this video on its YouTube channel on June 13, 2025.
From the video’s description on YouTube
Up to 20% of adults have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) – so what is it?
GERD is a chronic condition where you have ongoing reflux of acid from your stomach into your esophagus. This is different from gastritis and normal acid reflux, since GERD happens all the time regardless of what you eat.
What causes it? Top causes for GERD include obesity, hiatal hernias, or a weak muscle at the end of the esophagus. Lap bands and sleeve gastrectomies also have a higher risk of causing GERD. (This is not an exhaustive list.)
Untreated GERD can lead to damage to the esophagus which can lead to strictures, blockages, or even cancer. So, what do you do about it?
GERD can often be treated with medications but sometimes surgery is the best solution. If your BMI is 35+, a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is widely accepted as the standard procedure for patients with severe GERD, even if your GERD is caused by a previous surgery. If your BMI is less than 35, surgery can be performed to fix your hiatal hernia or to reinforce the muscles.
Easy steps to avoid GERD flare ups:
Avoiding spicy or acidic foods
Not eating right before bed
Sleeping on an incline
Avoiding smoking and drinking
Taking your prescribed medication
More videos from the practice are on Dr. Sachin Kukreja’s profile.
