Hi! I am just beginning my weight loss journey, but have been doing research and have decided that I would like to do the gastric sleeve surgery. However, I have a friend who told me I may not be a candidate for it because I have GERD and severe esophagitis. I believe my GERD is caused by the medium sized hiatal hernia I have and was hoping the surgeon may fix that during my WLS procedure. Is that something the surgeon may do? Anyone have a surgeon approve the gastric sleeve surgery, even though you have GERD? I am hoping to avoid gastric by-pass because of the absorption issues that can occur. Thanks!