I was reading some post online that say that the lap band might increase your risk or even cause esophageal dilation and esophageal cancer. Has anyone every heard this before? Also, has anyone experience difficulty swallowing because of the lap band.

This is actually something I tried to find out before banding, because I saw so many posts here about reflux (I wasn't all that concerned about reflux, but I was about Cancer) but I've never found a study done on this. I'm no doc, so ask your doctor...I do know that reflux is very common after banding, probably the most common side effect (you'll see tons of posts here on it, but banding does cure some people's reflux they had before banding as well). I've been effected by the reflux too (never had it before) and while researching it I found out that some with reflux don't get the burning, but rather just a 'lump in the throat' feeling (called the globus sensation- you'll also see lots of post here about trouble swallowing or a lump in throat). I had both.

Reflux over time can cause Barretts (sp?) esophagus which changes the cells in the lining of your esophagus into a precancerous condition and this can develop into cancer.

The info. I read said that if you're having any problems with reflux during the night (burning, coughing, even vomiting) or if your band suddenly becomes tighter with reflux then you need to go in immediately for a slight unfill (luckily I had neither). Taking a PPI (like Nexium) long term is not recommended as they shut down the normal stomach acids completely.

Esophageal dilation can happen if you repeatedly overfill your pouch and food stays backed up into the esophagus.

Just being aware of these things and knowing what to do if they happen helps a lot, but it seems none of us were given this information. Like I said, I'm no expert, but this is what I've read. -BG

I have esophogeal dilation as well as a father who had colon cancer, a mother who had stomach cancer, and a grandmother who died of stomach cancer. Given that, I have researched this question extensively, and consulted with numerous doctors, including oncologists.

It basically comes down to this: damage to the tissue of the esophagus increases your risk of developing cancer. The rest is basically just nuances and issues of magnitude.

Band Groupie explained it very well.

Constant Reflux causes damage to the esophagus and over time that can cause changes to the cells in the esophagus. My older brother is not banded but he's had horrible reflux for years now. He now has Barrett's Esophagus. He has to watch his diet closely, he takes prescription acid meds daily and he has to have an endoscopy once a year.