MASON CITY, Iowa – For north Iowa residents suffering from GERD and acid reflux, help and relief may be closer than you think.

“I used to take TUMS by the handfuls and I don’t have to do that anymore,” said Deb Rickard.

It’s all thanks to a new procedure offered at the Mason City Clinic.

“The procedure is a laparoscopic surgery which means minimally invasive surgery, or surgery through little incisions in the abdomen,” said Doctor Matthew Fabian

Dr. Fabian tells KIMT the operation is the implantation of a device providing relief to those who suffer from GERD and reflux.

“There’s a device that is a bracelet of magnets like a necklace or bracelet,” said Dr. Fabian. “It is fitted around the lower-sphincter area surgically and it is buckled into place.

Deb Rickard is one of Dr. Fabian’s patients.

“I had years of reflux and came to Dr. Fabian and he had told me about the procedure,” said Rickard.

She’s surprised with the easy recovery process.

“Very little incisional pain. I t was just five or six small incisions and probably a little bit of shoulder pain for the first few days. Eating every hour or two sometimes takes some thoughtfulness,” said Rickard.

But she’s amazed with the relief it has brought her.

“I now can lay flat on my back and sleep and I have not been able to do that for a long time,” said Rickard. I don’t wake up coughing, I’m not clearing my throat all the time, less heartburn, and so I feel a lot better I’m not taking the medications anymore.”

For those interested in learning about this procedure, there will be a seminar held in the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa lobby on Nov. 14 at 5:30 PM.