 Specific Hypothesis: The preliminary findings suggest a physiological mechanism between dietary intake and GERD that may be related to type of dietary carbohydrate intake complex vs simple carbohydrate. The investigators hypothesize that modifying the type of dietary carbohydrate consumed - by reducing the proportion of simple carbohydrate sugars consumed - will reduce or resolve GERD symptoms and medication use in obese Veterans with chronic GERD. The investigators further hypothesize that the mechanistic effects of reducing simple carbohydrate intake is related to either: a improved dietary fiber intake andor glycemic load, and thus, reduced amount and duration of esophageal acid exposure; andor b improved insulin sensitivity which would positively influence the function of key gastrointestinal hormones ie, gastrin, glucagon, GLP-1, ghrelin11 that regulate gastric motility andor lower esophageal sphincter function. 