If you've been living with chronic acid reflux, you know how much it can affect your daily life. The burning sensation in your chest, the regurgitation, the disrupted sleep — over time, these symptoms stop being a minor inconvenience and become a serious quality-of-life issue. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, occurs when the valve between the esophagus and stomach weakens or relaxes incorrectly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up repeatedly. Left untreated, GERD can cause lasting damage to the esophagus and significantly impact your overall health.
For many patients, lifestyle changes and medications provide some relief, but they are not a permanent fix. If you've tried those approaches without lasting success, surgical treatment may be the right next step. At Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, our board-certified acid reflux surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures that treat the root cause of GERD, not just the symptoms. Our MBSA and AAAHC-accredited facility in Johns Creek offers expert care in a comfortable, outpatient setting, with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio and a team that is with you from your initial consultation through your full recovery.
Don't let acid reflux control your life any longer. Request a consultation with our team today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
The most common and well-established surgical treatment for GERD is a procedure called fundoplication. During a laparoscopic fundoplication, the surgeon wraps the upper portion of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus. This reinforces the valve between the two structures, preventing stomach acid from backing up and causing reflux.
Because the procedure is performed laparoscopically, it involves only a few small incisions in the abdomen, through which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and specialized instruments. This minimally invasive approach offers several important advantages over traditional open surgery:
Our surgeons at Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center have extensive experience performing laparoscopic fundoplication and are committed to delivering precise, effective results. We accept most major insurance plans for acid reflux surgery, and self-pay options are available. Our team will help you understand your coverage and walk you through the financial side of your care before your procedure.
Common acid reflux symptoms include persistent heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, and a sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat. Patients with GERD may also experience regurgitation of food or liquid, difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough or hoarseness, and the feeling of a lump in the throat. Symptoms often worsen after eating, when lying down, or when bending over. If you experience these symptoms frequently, more than twice a week, it may indicate GERD, and you should speak with an acid reflux specialist. Our team can evaluate your symptoms, review your history, and help determine whether surgical treatment is the right option for you.
Surgery is typically considered when acid reflux symptoms are not adequately controlled by medications or lifestyle changes, or when a patient prefers a long-term solution over ongoing medication use. You may be a candidate for acid reflux repair surgery if you have been diagnosed with GERD, if your symptoms significantly affect your quality of life, or if you have developed complications such as esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, or strictures. Our acid reflux doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether fundoplication or another surgical approach is appropriate for your specific situation. The first step is scheduling a consultation with our team.
The cost of acid reflux surgery depends on several factors, including your insurance coverage, your individual surgical plan, and whether any pre-operative testing is required. Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center accepts most major insurance plans, and because we are a free-standing outpatient surgery center rather than a hospital, our costs are often significantly lower than hospital-based care. Self-pay options are also available at competitive rates. We encourage you to contact our office so our team can help verify your coverage and give you a clearer picture of what to expect financially before you commit to moving forward.
If you're looking for an experienced acid reflux specialist in the Atlanta area, Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center in Johns Creek is here to help. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in minimally invasive GERD surgery and are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient.
Scheduling a consultation is easy — you can call our office at (678) 691-6257 or request an appointment online. We serve patients throughout Metro Atlanta and welcome those traveling from across the Southeast. We look forward to helping you find lasting relief from acid reflux.