GERD surgery; know anyone who had it / hiatal hernia?

Surgery for hiatal hernia is quite controversial. Plication is the term used for that kind of surgery. Some do well but there are also failures, so there's really no guarantee that it will work for you. So, unless your symptoms are debilitating, I would recommend that you try less invasive procedures or treatment first like raising the head of your bed when sleeping, taking antacids or anti-gas medications, avoiding gas producing foods, or anti-spasmodics. If, however, your symptoms are such that you are unable to function, then by all means consider having it done by one who has experience doing it. Good Luck.