At the bottom of your throat, there is a circular band of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

• Normal Function:

  It acts like a one-way trapdoor, opening to let food into the stomach and closing tight to keep it there.

• With GERD:

  This muscle relaxes abnormally or weakens. This allows stomach acid which is designed to break down food to climb back up into the esophagus, where the tissue is much more sensitive.

While everyone experiences it differently, the "classic" signs include:

• Heartburn:

  A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down.

• Regurgitation:

  Feeling sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth.

• Chest Pain:

  Sometimes sharp enough to be mistaken for a heart problem.

• Dysphagia:

  Difficulty swallowing or the sensation of a "lump" in your throat.

• Chronic Cough:

  Acid irritation can lead to a persistent cough or even symptoms resembling asthma.

Certain habits and foods can relax the LES valve or cause the stomach to produce excess acid:

• Dietary Choices:

  Fatty or fried foods, caffeine (coffee and tea), alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onions, and spicy dishes.

• Acidic Foods:

  Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges) and tomato-based products like pasta sauce or salsa.

• Meal Habits:

  Eating very large meals or lying down flat too soon after eating (within 2–3 hours).

• Lifestyle Factors:

  Smoking and tobacco use, which can weaken the esophageal muscle over time.

• Physical Pressures:

  Obesity and pregnancy, both of which put extra pressure on the abdomen and stomach.

• Anatomical Issues:

  A hiatal hernia, which occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity.

If the acid continues to burn the esophagus for years, the body tries to heal itself, which can cause:

• Esophageal Strictures:

  Scar tissue builds up and narrows the "pipe," making it feel like food is getting stuck or making it difficult to swallow (dysphagia).

• Esophageal Ulcers:

  Deep, open sores can form, which may bleed. If you ever notice very dark or "tarry" stools, this is a sign of internal bleeding that needs immediate attention.

Most people manage GERD through a combination of lifestyle tweaks and medication:

• Lifestyle Changes:

  Losing weight, eating smaller meals, and elevating the head of your bed.

• Over-the-Counter (OTC):

  Antacids for quick relief, or H2 blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production.

• Medical Intervention:

  In severe cases where meds don't help, doctors may suggest minimally invasive surgery to reinforce that weak LES valve.

These are the most common issues that affect your day-to-day life:

• Esophagitis:

  Inflammation and painful swelling of the lining of the esophagus.

• Respiratory Issues:

  Small amounts of acid can be inhaled into the lungs, causing a chronic cough, chest congestion, or worsening asthma.

• Dental Erosion:

  If acid reaches the mouth, it can wear away tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and cavities.

The Hospital Stay (1–2 Days)

While some are performed as outpatient procedures, most patients stay overnight to ensure they can swallow liquids without chest pain.

• The "Tight" Feeling

  : You will likely feel a sensation of fullness or "tightness" in your chest. This is normal internal swelling at the wrap site.
  

• Gas Bloat

  : Similar to gallbladder surgery, you’ll have "referred pain" in your shoulders from the CO2 gas used in surgery. Walking is your best friend here.
  

• No Straws

  : You’ll be told to avoid straws and carbonated drinks. Swallowing extra air can cause painful pressure against the new wrap that your body can't easily "burp" out yet.
  

The Multi-Phase Diet (Weeks 1–6)

This is the most critical and challenging part of GERD surgery recovery. If you eat solid food too early, it can get stuck or put tension on the surgical wrap.

• Phase 1

  : Full Liquids (Weeks 1–2): Protein shakes, strained soups, yogurt, and milkshakes. If it can’t run through a sieve, don’t eat it.
  

• Phase 2

  : Soft Foods (Weeks 3–4): "Fork-mashable" foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, flaky fish, or well-cooked pasta.
  

• Phase 3

  : Standard Diet (Week 6+): Gradually reintroducing bread and tough meats (the hardest things to swallow).

A Key Correction: Many patients expect their reflux to vanish, but they forget they can't vomit or burp easily anymore. For the first few months, you have to be very careful not to overeat, as your stomach cannot "vent" the pressure like it used to.

Lifestyle Adjustments

The surgery changes the mechanics of your upper digestive tract permanently.

• Small Bites, Slow Chewing

  : You must chew your food to the consistency of applesauce. Gulping down large chunks of food can lead to "dysphagia" (food getting stuck), which is painful and scary.
  

• The "Gas-Bloat" Syndrome

  : Because the new valve is so effective, gas can get trapped in the stomach. You may find you are flatulent more often because the air can only go "downstairs" instead of "up."
  

• Lifting Restrictions

  : To prevent the wrap from slipping or a hiatal hernia from recurring, you’ll usually have a 10-to-15-pound lifting limit for 6 weeks.

If you are suffering from chronic GERD, seeing a specialist like Dr. Anthony Pozzessere is a logical next step because he specializes in the exact anatomical "plumbing" issues that cause the disease.

While lifestyle changes and medications (like PPIs) manage the symptoms, Dr. Pozzessere focuses on the cause through advanced surgical intervention.

Philosophy of Care

The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach. Dr. Pozzessere views surgery as a "calling" rather than just a career, focusing on:

• Building strong patient-doctor relationships.
  
• Ensuring accessibility and attentiveness, even in emergency surgical situations.
  
• Providing thorough post-operative care to ensure long-term recovery goals are met.

Locations

Dr. Pozzessere operates out of several major medical centers in New Jersey, including:

• The Valley Hospital
  

• Pascack Medical Center
  

• Chilton Medical Center