I am 65 years old and have had GERD for about 18 months. I am a research scientist with a Ph.D., but not a physician. Before getting an endoscopy, I got a second opinion from a physician who was a professor of Gastroenterology at Stanford University. 

I asked, What do you expect to find?

Answer: We look for things like Barret's esophagus but very likely we will find nothing.

I then asked, What implications will your findings have for my treatment?

Answer: None at all.

I think it would be extremely worthwhile to at least ask these 2 simple questions.

Per my earlier post, I decided to skip the endoscopy, follow Dr. Andrew Weil's advice on GERD posted on his web page (www.drweil.com), and get into good physical condition.

Per my previous post, I now eat and drink what I want (in moderation), avoid all food at least 3 hrs.before bedtime, and have been SYMPTOM FREE ever since.

This is not a cure, but far superior to being on proton pump inhibitors long term. My personal physician advises againt long term use of such medication.

I hope you find this advice helpful.