A word from an old timer..
I suffered from GERD for ten years. During my last three years my GERD became worse. I was coughing constantly from the reflux getting into my lungs. I was losing my voice for weeks at a time. I was hoarse all of the time.
I tried the elevating of the head of the bed. I took 80mg of nexium and 300mg of zantac everyday. Nothing helped. 
Then I came here...
The wonderful people with were posting here (some are still hanging around 
) helped me in making an informed decision on going forward in having the surgery.
The testing wasn't that bad and I got through them with ease. I didn't like the manometry though (easy gag reflex). 
The surgery is not that hard to go through. Breezy gown. IV. Sleep. Wake up thirsty and some pain. Go home and drink liquids for two weeks. Baby-like food for two weeks. Soft foods two weeks. Then normal foods. Lifting restrictions for six weeks.
It's now been two years since the surgery and I've never been happier. The cough is gone. The burn is gone. I eat what I want, when I want with no trouble. 
I can't post too often now, because I've developed Lupus and I have pains in my hands when I type for long. But I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the surgery was for me.
Go for it!