Management of GERD in Patients With Obesity

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of the population in the Unites States. Lifestyle modifications and proton pump inhibitor therapy are effective for majority of patients, however, some patients cannot tolerate this treatment or find it ineffective requiring endoscopic or surgical management. Obese patients with GERD who pursue surgical management are at increased risk of developing recurrence of symptoms after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. Roux en Y gastric bypass remains the surgical procedure of choice for obese patients with GERD. Endoluminal weight loss interventions seek to offer minimally invasive options for obesity management, however, their efficacy for GERD management in patients with obesity remains to be determined.