GERD is serious. It can lead to cancerous changes in the tissues. I chose bypass because of my GERD and have not regretted it a bit. There might be a little malabsorption going on, mostly fat, but I don't think it is much. Most malabsorption starts resolving on its own as the jejunum takes on a more absorptive role. Another reason I chose bypass was BECAUSE of dumping. I wanted to have as strong of a deterrent possible to sweets. However, almost 2 years out and I have never dumped, even with sweets. From what I've read, the majority of bypass patients do NOT dump. IMHO, if you have GERD, go with bypass. I actually had Barretts esophagus from the GERD, along with a nice little, precancerous Barrett's polyp which was removed pre-op. Since surgery, the Barretts has completely resolved, which I think is pretty amazing. I'd take the risk of dumping anyday over the increased risk of cancer from unresolved GERD. I would not want to undergo a second surgery, either.
I also chose RNY b/c I had GERD. Happy to say that my GERD has been 100% gone since the day of surgery. I was shocked that it just went away like that!
I also haven't had dumping yet. I did get the "foamies" a few times in the first few months after surgery, but that's it. I actually wanted dumping as a deterrent! LOL!! I haven't gone crazy with sweets, but had a few pieces of halloween candy, a cookie here and there, etc, without any problems.
