Esophogeal Danger for Bandsters

[DeLarla 22]

I saw a diet doctor today, only my appointment got waylaid and focused on my sick esophagus. I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagitis during my last endoscopy (that also revealed band erosion.) Even with the Prilosec, my esophagus/throat/ghost-pouch haven't been feeling well lately; I have mild burning in my throat, and stomach acid is preventing me from getting over my cold.

Doc pulled out a model of the stomach and explained Barrett's, which is caused when stomach acid pumps back upward and into the esophagus. While stomach tissue is designed to accommodate stomach acid, the esophagus isn't, so mine has tightened up and has spots of erosion that aren't healing (because I'm not heeding dietary advice.)

Acid Reflux, also known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) can do quite a bit of damage to the esophagus. Barrett's is a precancerous condition that leads to cancer in about 25% of people who don't get it under control (don't quote 25% since my doc said she'll get a more accurate number with my next visit - this was her guestimate.)

The band is one thing that can cause GERD since it puts pressure on the stomach. When excess pressure is put on the stomach, the flap (sphincter) that usually holds food and liquids down can fail and allow stomach acid back upwards into the esophagus. Overeating, stretching the stomach, even tight pants or binding bras (and the Band) are things that can cause too much pressure.

I'm not saying my Band caused Barrett's, but I certainly didn't have this esophageal problem prior to being banded. This is a friendly warning to everybody who suffers any type of acid reflux, GERD, persistent sore throat/choking sensations, etc. If there's acid in the esophagus, it could lead to precancerous Barrett's Esophagitis, which can lead to esophogeal cancer.

My doc said this condition can be resolved by eliminating the acid and giving the esophagus plenty of time to heal. All the basic rules of avoiding acid reflux come into play, which is to eat small meals, never lie down after eating, prop your torso up at night or raise the head of your bed, avoid booze, caffeine, fatty food & meat, creamy stuff, and to my surprise, avoid mint, chewing gum and Soup. Soup? Yep, soup is too big in volume to fit in the belly. I always thought the liquid passed through quickly, but it stays in the stomach for a couple hours before exiting the bottom sphincter into the small intestine, so those of us who have been treating our reflux by eating soothing soup and chewing peppermint gum have been doing the opposite. DOH!

I realize this is stuff most of us know, and that we wouldn't be obese in the first place if we ate to avoid reflux, but I figured I'd share the warning to obey your band, and if you do have reflux, see your doctor as soon as possible and at least get some meds (like Prilosec, for example.)

P.S. Did I spell all that okay?

[Mita 2]

What dosage of the Prilosec are you on??

I was having some issues in regards to the burning in my throat again. I go for another scope in Dec and I pray that it is better or resolved. I also learned that chocolate plays a major role for some reason it causes the sphincter to be lazy and not close. I try really hard to stay away from it.

I am a chocoholic. I for one had reflux issues before the band but not to the extent after my sinus infection last Jan. I have changed my diet alot more so than the normal bandster just staying away from stuff that has a lot of acid.

I do wonder if the band led to this but I figure that watching what I eat and when will have an impact on getting better.

I take 40mg of Nexium twice daily and I now do my sinus spray at night before I go to sleep in hopes that the draining will be less during the night. So far i have been doing that for 3 days will great results. I am no longer tight in the mornings and my reflux has gotten alot better.

[DeLarla 22]

I don't know the dosage of my Prilosec offhand, but I only take it once a day. It's really interesting how you mentioned sinus, throat, chocolate... all things that relate to me in the same way. I can eat the spiciest Mexican food with no problems, but chocolate burns my throat, and my sinuses and sore throat won't get better.

I find it curious that we both got the Barrett's after being banded, don't you?

[paula 4]

Lisa, Ive thought about you all day today.

I figured you went to the doc for some good ole diet pills.

Phew, this stuff you just posted is giving me the shakies. Im glad you clarified what Barrett's is. A pre-cancerous thing? Im scared now.

And all they gave you is prilosec? Nothing stronger?

Im ready for a endoscope.

[JanetC 2]

Wow Lisa!! Thanks for the warnings! I had GERD pre-band... it was such a relief to have it disappear with the band. The thought of it coming back... augh! (Makes a note to herself to quit pushing the band.)

Keep us updated & take care of yourself!!!

[paula 4]

I thought about this yesterday afternoon. All of these bandsters have/had esophagus problems since banding (Im sure Ive forgotten some):

Mary (bubbame), Lisa (DeLarla), Geezer Sue, Leatha, KarenB, Alexandra

[Mita 2]

Yes Lisa I was very surprised it was Barrett's I thought the worse case scenario was a bad case of Gastritis or a slip. But I wonder if maybe the band did have something to do with it. I have been on a Barrett's support board and have not come across anyone else that is banded on there with Barretts so it seems that it it pretty common in the rest of the world. Just bewilders me on what I can eat and what bothers me. I just called this week to see if I could go down on the dosage of Meds and the office said no. I tried Prilosec back in Dec and had really good results so I thought the reflux was taken care of until I had that scope done and then WOW Shock.

I aslo read on line that with the Barretts it causes another problem. I believe it is called VCD (vocal cord Dysfunction) Now I have developed a problem that I can be eating or drinking something and all of sudden I am in choking mode. It is strange to describe but it seems for no reason that my airway opens up even though my mind knows it has someing in my mouth.

I hope that we can all get better from this.

[Alexandra 55]

I think it stands to reason that esophageal problems are more likely after banding, since our small pouches ensure that there will be food held up close to the sphincter for longer periods of time than before. It's virtually impossible to eat only small-enough amounts to prevent this from happening on a regular basis.

So I don't think it's surprising, but it's certainly something we should be aware of and guard against. These are for the most part minor problems, but if we ignore them they can indeed become more serious. (For the record, I disagree with my surgeon's assessment that there's anything wrong my my esophagus. I'll know more on April 5 when I have a barium swallow test.)

[NeenBand 7]

This is actually one of my major concerns. I had GERD pre-banding and was aware of the barrett's and cancer risk.

I was hoping with weight loss, my GERD would get better. But since banding, it's been horrible. Also reading on the boards here about bandsters actually getting Barrett's is more than a little disconcerting.

Being thin is not worth cancer.

If the reflux does not get better as the weight comes off I will have to make some hard decisions.I just hope it won't be "a day late and a dollar short".

[Mita 2]

Remember Barrett's is pre and having it does not mean that it is going to turn to Cancer. From what my Doc said only a minor percentage and usually if you are a white male your changes increase a whole lot. Now it could be Leener that if you have saline maybe a little needs to come out. Having a slight unfill makes alot of differance. Once you have barretts and take the prescibed meds there is a very good chance that it will heal up with out the acid coming up and irritating the eshopusgus further. Talk more with your doc and the only way to calm the not knowing is have a Scope done. I think that for us bandster that should be something that is done on a yearly basis just to rule out any other issues..

[NeenBand 7]

Hi bubbame, actually I'm only 2 1/2 weeks post op, so I have no fill. I'm just really tight because my stomach and esophagus is not liking the band so far. (I'm guessing)

[Mita 2]

oh so your tummy is still healing. You know that old saying? It will get better with time:) It rings True -

[NeenBand 7]

That's a relief to hear! GERD is no joke, as Decarla and you found out.

[paula 4]

Lisa,

Are you still on Prilosec? What about Nexium? Doc didnt want to change it?

[DeLarla 22]

I'm in sabotage mode. The burning & choking in my throat woke me up at 3 a.m. and I can't sleep. Yesterday I bought all the right soft, easy foods like cottage cheese and steamed veggies, but late at night the monster comes out.

I'm at my lowest weight right now (by miracle) yet I layed on the couch eating a box of crackers spread with butter, a huge bowl of sugar Cereal, a few popsicles and anything not nailed down. My pouch hurt, my throat burned, but every time I get to this low weight my mind plays games with me. People have been noticing my loss again (it comes in phases) so what do I do? I go crazy and eat till I hurt myself.

Paula, I've tried Nexium and Prilosec, but no meds can help me unless I'm willing to help mysef. So, will you move to Vegas and smack me around? The diet doc was so perplexed by my honesty about food addiction that she's referring me to their addiction specialist, who doesn't even deal with food issues. However, my problems are all in my head, and I really need some help.

I'm trying to go back to bed with this big, deep sigh... sighing off xo