"My heartburn was killing me; it was controlling my life," said Brett, a 45-year-old train conductor. He started experiencing heartburn symptoms in his early 30's, but his condition worsened in the seven years prior to his antireflux surgery. He was resigned to eating only small, bland meals throughout the day, but was still awakened every night by heartburn.

Brett tried to limit his intake of medication because it made him feel lethargic, which was, for him, an occupational hazard.

Brett's gastroenterologist referred him to a surgeon, and Brett had minimally invasive antireflux surgery in 1997.

"I wish I had known about this procedure years ago," said Brett. "I feel like a new man."