Stomach polyps found during endoscopy?

[Nanook 2]

Anyone found to have stomach polyps or know much about them? I finally had my endoscopy done and he found several polyps in my stomach. I guess it was something I didn't expect and really never had heard of them before. They're biopsying the tissue but don't think they're cancerous. Just wondered if anyone else has had this experience and what effect they have on you. I have read you can't get a gastric bypass if you have them and wasn't sure why. Anyway my band is gone but still have recurring probs with my esophagus. Thanks Nancy.

[Socialdot 0]

I had my endoscopy before my lap band surgery. I had one small polyp that the gastro doctor said was caused by reflux ( I have never felt like I had reflux). He had me wait 3 months before I had the lap band surgery. Did you have to have your band removed because of the polyp? I thought I could still have endocscopys after the band one of the reasons I chose it rather than bypass. Good luck.

[Nanook 2]

I never knew I had reflux until I started getting chest pains about 11 months after banding and it's complicated but I wasn't able to lose weight on the band so the combo made for a removal which I am fine with since it didn't work out anyway. I haven't heard that the reflux caused the polyps but read that the meds you take for the reflux, the proton pump inhibitors can cause the polyps. I saw pictures of mine and there were a lot so it kind of freaked me out. I just don't know much about them and don't meet with my gastro doc for a week or so. Thanks Nancy.

[Band_Groupie 3]

I don't know much...the only thing I have direct experience with is that there are several genetic things that can cause these (they can show up anywhere in the gastro-intestinal system, same as colon polyps), but I know there are many reasons/causes. I'm telling you this in case you haven't done a family history of polyps yet (asking your family)...I'd be surprised if they don't want this and it's good information to have regardless of your issue now. I've read that they're more rare in the stomach and as you know the far majority are benign. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Nanook 2]

Thanks Band_Groupie,

I know my dad and my maternal grandmother had colon polyps removed but as I don't turn 50 for a year and a few months I was kind of waiting till then to find out if I had those also. Didn't know if there would be a direct connection meaning if I had them in my stomach I may have them in my colon too. While banded I was pretty much constipated (tmi) most of the time so who knows what's going on down there! I know it's inevitable and the same doc will do my colonoscopy but most people are like me and aren't rushing out to do it. Thanks for your info, Nancy:smile:.

[jms462001 9]

Thanks Band_Groupie,

I know my dad and my maternal grandmother had colon polyps removed but as I don't turn 50 for a year and a few months I was kind of waiting till then to find out if I had those also. Didn't know if there would be a direct connection meaning if I had them in my stomach I may have them in my colon too. While banded I was pretty much constipated (tmi) most of the time so who knows what's going on down there! I know it's inevitable and the same doc will do my colonoscopy but most people are like me and aren't rushing out to do it. Thanks for your info, Nancy:smile:.

Normally if there is a close family history of polyps or colon cancer, you are advised to have screening before age 50 and more frequently than the normal schedule. This is something I didn't do after my Mom had colon cancer. Nobody is thrilled to get it done. I was fortunate that I had no problems, but the test is not that bad and everyone should have it done.

[Nanook 2]

Thanks,

I know I should get it done anyway but will in a year. The stomach ones are no big deal they are a different type than the kind you get in your colon, just saw the doc. I just don't feel like going through anymore medical procedures for a while as I'm been bombarded lately! take care Nancy.:thumbup:

[Nanastummy 0]

Anyone found to have stomach polyps or know much about them? I finally had my endoscopy done and he found several polyps in my stomach. I guess it was something I didn't expect and really never had heard of them before. They're biopsying the tissue but don't think they're cancerous. Just wondered if anyone else has had this experience and what effect they have on you. I have read you can't get a gastric bypass if you have them and wasn't sure why. Anyway my band is gone but still have recurring probs with my esophagus. Thanks Nancy.

Had mine biopsied and they are not cancer but was told they were not normal. I'll be seeing another doc. They make me sick and sometimes it hurts when I eat. Also stomach is swollen. Sometimes Carafate slurry helps and sometimes it gets worse. :crying:Thanks Nanastummy

[Nanook 2]

Nanastummy,

I'd be curious to hear what they tell you on your second opinion. Mine said that they were rare but not an issue so I just went with that. They said the meds I take for the acid reflux cause them but it could be just "me". Anyway hope you're doing better and let me know how you are, Nancy.

Also, I couldn't remember what they were called but searched them and they were fundic polyps found in the fundus of the stomach, don't know if yours were the same, thanks Nancy.

Edited January 7, 2009 by Nanook
additional comment

[Tooty 0]

Just wondering how everything turned out.

I just had my Upper GI on Thursday (2/12) and got a phone call the next day telling me it came back abnormal with a stomach polyp. My surgeon set me up with an appointment this Tues with the Gastro....

Can you still get the lap band? I guess I will be finding out more in a couple of days...

[Nanook 2]

I didn't even know I had the fundic gland polyps until my endoscopy, they were looking for acid reflux damage etc... As far as I know the type I had were nothing to worry about and they did a biopsy and it was benign.

Mine was removed due to it not working and the acid reflux and had nothing to do with the polyps. I don't know if it will affect your surgery or not. Maybe there are others who have had the same situation as you have and you can write a new post about stomach polyps and being able to get the band, good luck to you Nancy.

[privatedancer7 1]

Anyone found to have stomach polyps or know much about them? I finally had my endoscopy done and he found several polyps in my stomach. I guess it was something I didn't expect and really never had heard of them before. They're biopsying the tissue but don't think they're cancerous. Just wondered if anyone else has had this experience and what effect they have on you. I have read you can't get a gastric bypass if you have them and wasn't sure why. Anyway my band is gone but still have recurring probs with my esophagus. Thanks Nancy.:thumbup:

My band was removed in August and I still have recurring problems with my esophagus-difficulty swallowing. My doctor has placed me on a drug that lowers blood pressure and helps with muscle spasms. I am going back to see the doctor because the meds do not work consistently. I am also getting a second opinion because I feel that something was done that has damaged my insides even though the lap band is gone. If anyone has any suggestions, please respond.

Private Dancer7

Banded March 2008

Band removed August 2008

Moreno Valley California

Edited February 15, 2009 by privatedancer7

[Nanook 2]

Privatedancer,

After I had my lap band removed I intentionally picked a different gastro specialist to do my endoscopy and my surgeon is no longer in my life. He is a great surgeon when it comes to putting in lap bands and removing them but when it comes to having complications I think it can be a whole different ballgame. So I just discussed this with my primary and got a referred to a specialist. All these people do are endoscopies.

Prior to lap band removal I was put on protonix and am still on it. I don't know the relationship between that and high blood pressure but coincedentally I am on a med for that now too since lap banding.

The chest pains have gone away since I've been on the protonix, I don't know if it's the removal of the band or a combination with the medication. I was told that the polyps can be caused by the protonix but they're really not a big deal.

I don't have major esophagus issues. I do notice that since banding my espophagus is tighter, does that make sense. It is nothing I ever experience prior to banding and I suppose it would make sense that having a surgery like this and then removal would leave a few issues behind it. It's still difficult for me to eat something like chicken breast or something Protein and somewhat dry. It's not bad enough where I would consider having it treated right now. I suppose if my throat ends up closing up I'd so something but right now my problem doesn't sound as bad as yours.

To me it's a good idea to get a different person to handle these kinds of problems because I think the original surgeon who placed our lap band will probably be a bit paranoid if we have problems because they're affraid they'd get sued or something. So that's why I chose someone who would treat me more objectively.

Good luck to you hopefully there are others who can help by sharing their experiences with you too, Nancy.