Obesity and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as GERD, occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not working. Stomach acid splashes up into the esophagus, which can damage it and lead to painful conditions and cancer. You may want to compare bariatric surgery's high-resolution rates for acid reflux to the long-term effects of this condition.

People with acid reflux are at risk for developing:

• Esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing, ulcers, and scarring
• Barrett's esophagus occurs because the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid and can lead to esophageal cancer
• Esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma) is associated with a low survival rate: only 12% of esophageal cancer patients survive for more than five years