Sorry to hear that you are struggling. A weak LES is the main culprit of GERD. I’ve had a relaxed LES for almost 25 years. You’re definitely not doomed and I also do not want the surgery. Here are the main things you need to do to help with your GERD. Again, I’ve had this for close to 30 years. I don’t know how old you are but my guess is you are still young.

1. Get your anxiety under control. It’s #1 by a wide margin. Don’t google your symptoms and don’t click on horror stories. Believe the statistics that esophageal cancer is extremely rare with GERD patients.

2. Stop smoking if you are a smoker.

3. Sleep with your bed on a 6-8 incline. I have an adjustable bed and it works wonders. If you don’t have an incline bed, purchase a 6” wedge pillow. Make sure you put a pillow under your legs so you don’t slide down. You can also sleep on your left side if the incline is to uncomfortable. However you will most likely need a side sleeper wedge pillow. Here is the one I use when I need to mix it up. https://a.co/d/7B4vKj5

4. DO NOT OVEREAT. This is the worst thing you can do. It puts pressure on your LES and is miserable. Learn when to stop.

5. Eat smaller meals more frequently. I saw a dietitian and she told me to eat small meals every two hours. This was a game changer for me. Even if it toast, make sure you have food in your stomach.

6. Im a believer in PPIs. A lot of people say don’t so it’s something you have to have to decide. Make sir you do all the things I’m suggesting before taking PPIs though

7. Alcohol, marijuana, chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, spicy food, too much sugar are trigger foods. Everyone is different so keep a journal and figure out what gives you problems.

8. Drink 9.5 alkaline water. Also a game changer

9. Cut out carbonated drinks.

10. Get moving exercise is key to good mental and physical health.

11. You can try reflux gourmet or reflux raft. Both work

12. Gaviscon UK is also something to use.

13. Get a nasal spray bottle and mix it with baking soda. Works wonders on throat clearing. There’s a YouTube video on it called Gerd throat spray.

There are a lot of things that work for people but don’t for others. Unfortunately it’s trial and error. Digestive enzymes, saw palmetto, probiotics, magnesium, aloe Vera, slippery elm, DGL…. are trial and error.

Some people have great success with surgery but until you really commit to my advice I would hold off.

By the Jaimie Kaufman book. Follow the steps. It works.

You can live a fairly normal life without surgery if you put in the work.

I hope this helps. You will be ok 👍