GERD must have a few different symptoms, causes, and remedies. It think the term is a general diagnosis for a few stomach illnesses. I had heartburn whenever I ate anything. The doctor explained there is a one-way flap at the top of your stomach and when you eat and the food goes in, the flap is then supposed to shut. In my case the flap isn't there. I might have "burned" it off. So he gave me perscription Prilosec. I was in the Air Force then and they went to some stuff called Aciphex. It neutalizes the stomach acid so the contents don't bubble and splash so much. That was about '98 I started it. I've been taking one a day since then and don't see any side effects. I really don't care about a drug company conspiracy or whatever I just know it works. I hope you can find something that works for you Bob, it sounds like a real hassle. Good luck. Cheers.