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?

The diet doc was so perplexed by my honesty about food addiction that she's referring me to their addiction specialist

can you bring a friend?

Last night we went to Chilie's. I had been anticipating their chips and dip for a couple of hours (now if thats NOT addiction, not sure what it). Honest to God, when I put my first chip/dip in my mouth, I had a chill.

From what I understand, Prilosec deals more with the acid. Nexium targets the esophagus (heals). Thats why I was wondering if she kept you on Prilosec.

Cant wait to hear what this addict specialist is going to say/do.

Its 7am here. Ive got Mike in the back yard with a welding machine putting on the final touches on my cage.

Shall he make another one?

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Why did you change your name from DeCarla to DeLarla if you don't mind my asking. It took me awhile to realize you were you. I always knew you are DeCarla.

I'm sorry to hear about the Barrett's. :cry I'm so glad you shared this info so we can be on the lookout for similar symptoms and stay on top of things (even though I'm preband). It sounds like you have a very restrictive diet ahead of you.

How bizarre that our local newspaper had an article about this on Thurs?! They said that they are seeing more cases of Barrett's and don't know why. They also explained that when we have reflux, new cells form to take the place of the old ones killed by the acid. The new cells are more prone to cancer and it doesn't mean you will actually get it....thank goodness!!

Try your best to do what the doc says.....you are WORTH it!! Get the cravings out of the way, then take the straight & narrow. You'll be glad you did. I can understand where your coming from to a certain point b/c if someone tells me not to do something, I tend to want to do it. It's my nature and another reason why the band is for me.....I can't do without certain things. Hang in there kiddo!!

UGH! I have GERD but my reflux has been better since the band. Good luck to you! You certianly have been through enough.

Hi,

I was just diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus today after my endoscopy. My band doctor (Dr Spivak in Houston) told me that the band would help and relieve acid reflux, what a joke. I have been miserable for a long time and have not had a fill in about 9 months because I knew it would only make it worse. I saw Spivak several moths ago and he just said to incrase my Previcid to two a day and I should be fine. Why didn't he suggest a endoscopy then? They never tell you uall the stuff that can happen to you after the band. I also got a hiatial hernia and also have food remaining in my proximal (which I don't even knkow what that is but am assuming it is my stomach) I was given a medication to help with stomach emptying. Because of all these conditions I am now on3 new meds and take them all except one with each meal. It's hard to remember to do that, much less an hour before the meal.

I am very disappinted in this band and really would like to have it taken out. It's not worth cancer or anything just to be thin.The meds are expensive and no one likes to be taking a bunch more medications. None of the meds really helped at all but just got the one that will help in empting my stommach today so don't know if it will help or not but I am not optimistic at all. I choke and gag all night long and sometimes think I may choke to death. This has been going on for about 9 months and I am at my wits end, not to mention the toll it has taken on my job because I am not getting a full nights sleep. I've had such little sleep that I am sleeping through 2 alarms and have had about 7 tardies in the pat two weeks. (For the previous 2 years I only had 1 per year which was a pretty good record) Now my record is horrible at work and I am single and really need this job bad.

Golly, this is depressing me just writing about it so I think I will stop. Any replys would be nice, Thanks for listening.

Phyllis, I'm so sorry you're having this trouble! Did you have an unfill before or after your endoscopy? I'm only asking because if you're still suffering from reflux it would seem to be the first line of attack. I had a complete unfill about three months ago for similar reasons (reflux, not Barrett's) and it completely resolved the issue.

So if that hasn't been done, DO IT! There's no reason to fear an unfill and it beats having the band removed. Good luck!!

Phyllis, this sounds aweful. I agree with Alex. Maybe you should try the complete unfill first. A symptom of being a little too tight is the exact reflux that you're describing.

Proximal is a term to describe positioning. It means close to the center. Your doctor should have used it in conjunction with your body part such as your proximal stomach, your proximal duodenum, proximal colon, proximal tibia, you get the picture. If it's your proximal stomach, that means that food is staying in the top portion (the portion nearest the central you) of the stomach, which is more than likely your pouch. That would also mean that there's also a good possibility that you're a little too tight if food is staying there so long. It could also be a symptom of the Barrett's. My vague understanding of it is that the esophagus doesn't move things down the path the way it should. Either way, I'd definately try the unfill first and see if your suffering doesn't improve.

Although I'm sure you're probably already doing this: make sure you're not eating for at least 3 hours prior to going to bed. Drink a glass of water before going to bed (to flush anything that may be in the pouch, out). Try raising the head of your bed by putting blocks under the feet, not just by sleeping on pillows (this causes you to bend at the waist and may even create more reflux). Although this is not proven, try drinking 4 oz of aloe vera juice at night (it's been known to have healing properties and some bandsters swear by it).

Best wishes for feeling better

Phyllis, I am so sorry!! I can understand your fear. One of the main reason's I got this was to lose weight so my GERD would resolve and lower the risk of cancer.

I was just posting in another thread that I had GERD before banding and the banding did not relieve it, like it has for others.

I wish I could add something other than how sorry I am.