Barrett's Esophagus

[Crazy4MyK9 0]

I've located some old threads on the topic of Barrett's Esophagus, but I wanted to start something fresh.

I was diagnosed with B.E. in 2004. I honestly don't remember if I brought this to my surgeon's attention before being banded. I'm wondering if anyone else had B.E. before banding. If so, are there any concerns? Are there any foods to avoid?

I'm currently being treated with Nexium. I'm having an upper endoscopy this Thursday. I'm seeing my band surgeon this Friday.

I hope I'm worrying for nothing. I'll probably worry all week. :mad2:

[tonya66 13]

Hello, I have stage 4 esophagitus, which is the last stage before Barretts. My doctor removed a hernia during the lapband procedure, he also stretched my esophagus. I have lived with heartburn for years, and horrible night reflux. I am so happy to say that I no longer have any of these. I was so worried that I would since so many do, but I don't.

I would make sure to discuss this with your doctor. He probably can see it when they do all the test.

[Crazy4MyK9 0]

Hi Tonya,

Thank you for replying! I'm happy to hear that your symptoms have gone away. Can your stage 4 esophagitis heal and improve now?

My EGD went well. My GI doc and my lap-band surgeon both said that they don't see the Barrett's! I have some esophagitis. My GI doc took 2 biopsies. I also have some gastritis in the stomach. Overall, great findings as far as I'm concerned. I was thrilled to see one section of the esophagus looking very pink and healthy.

I'll keep you posted on the biopsy results, if you're interested.

Anne

[tonya66 13]

Anne - good news about the Barretts not being there! Yes, I am very interested to hear how the biobsy goes!

I think the Esophogitus can heal, but not completely. I get a burning senstaion if I eat anything very spicey - I used to eat a Jalopeno pepper with every meal, not just 1 pepper, but 4 or 5. I noticed now that I can only maybe eat 1/2 one. It burns too bad and gets it irritated if I eat a lot of spicey food. - I love spicey food too, so its somehting I hate that I can't eat it like I used to. But oh well, I do love not having heartburn 24/7!

I do think my esophagus has gotten better, its just not completly gone.

Best wishes!

[snowbird 2]

I was diagnosed with BE prior to banding last year. I need to schedule another endoscopy within the next couple months.

I'm on nexium too. i still get some reflux every night, but it's not as bad as it was before I was banded.