Anyone have Barrett's?

[BiggerInTexas 5]

Hello there! I was wandering if anyone has been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus and, if so, what impact it had on your choice of procedures. I have GERD and a hiatal hernia and during a scope prior to gallbladder surgery, it was discovered I also had Barrett's Esophagus (a pre-malignant condition where the cells of the esophagus begin to change and become more like the cells in your stomach). I have chosen to have the sleeve even though the bypass is still considered the preferable treatment when you have Barrett's. I was just wandering if anyone has been faced with Barrett's and what, if any, information you might be willing to share about your experience. I feel alone in this regard but I know that can't possibly be the case. I'm fairly new to this site, but I have learned so much from everyone already! Anything you can add would be greatly appreciated!

[mooncat 106]

I have GERD (20+ years even when normal weight) and Barrett's Esophagus. I also had a hiatal hernia which was repaired during surgery. Surgeon first said the only procedure for me was bypass because the sleeve can make GERD worse. I explained I was not interested in bypass or the band. If I could not have the sleeve, I was not having surgery. He sent me for an endoscopy which showed many polyps in my stomach. With this report the ONLY procedure surgeon was willing to do was the sleeve, so I got what I wanted. This was because bypass or a bad would not allow my GI doctor to keep watch on the polyps later.

While in the hospital I had no pain, but did have nausea. A medication took care of that immediately. I was given no special instructions due to having a hernia repair, and I have had no issues at all. I see on here that many have pain and restrictions due to the hernia surgery. The only adjustment we had to make after the surgery was to move from OTC meds for GERD to a prescription drug. I am very happy with my decision to have the sleeve.

[BiggerInTexas 5]

Thank you Mooncat! Sounds like we are very similar. I already take Nexium so I guess that won't change! My doc thinks bypass is the way to go, but he said it is my choice and I choose the sleeve. My surgery is on the 19th and I'm ready. The hernia has become quite painful and I am SO ready to have that fixed. It sounds like you're doing well and that's encouraging to me!

[JanetPRN 496]

I was diagnosed with severe Barrett's on my preop work up . None of my docs tried to talk me out of my surgery. In fact the bariatric surgeon explained that he would be working on that portion of my lower esophagus to improve the Barrett's situation. I will tell you , pre-op , I snored freakishly loud . From the first day post-op , no more snoring! That was not promised or even suggested, what a great surprise ! Almost 6 months later, still no snoring and my reflux is under much better control than before, almost no symptoms whatsoever . Lots of luck to you.

Edited March 11, 2014 by JanetPRN