I've had my lapband 12 years and about 5 years ago I was getting really bad heartburn, but I was already taking prescription Omeprazole. By accident I found out I have Barrett's Esophagus caused by the lapband. Apparently the tightness of it causes acids to change the lining of your esophagus. Well, I had all the Fluid removed from the band and the heartburn got somewhat better. I had a repeat EGD done this past summer and I still have the Barret's, but it hasnt gotten any worse. My gastro said the lapband has to come out. I havent seen my bariatric doctor in a while but I plan to see him soon. I was wondering if anyone had the band removed because of Barrett's, and if they had another type of weight loss surgery and how it is working. I've almost gained all my weight back after having all the fluid removed.

I’m a band to SIPS DS revision (8/8/17) I did not have Barrett’s but I was getting terrible reflux with my band. I was also getting stuck on water! I’m so glad to have my torture band removed. It is so nice eating solid food without struggle.

I had also gained all my weight back plus some. Since my revision though, I’ve passed my lowest band weight. And definitely couldn’t be happier.

Good luck, I hope your next journey goes smoothly!

I didn't have Barrett's exactly, but I was found to have esophageal dysmotility due to the band. This was even with the fluid completely removed for years. Good thing is, once I had the band removed, my esophagus got better within a month.

On 12/14/2017 at 8:42 PM, kath17 said:

I've had my lapband 12 years and about 5 years ago I was getting really bad heartburn, but I was already taking prescription Omeprazole. By accident I found out I have Barrett's Esophagus caused by the lapband. Apparently the tightness of it causes acids to change the lining of your esophagus. Well, I had all the Fluid removed from the band and the heartburn got somewhat better. I had a repeat EGD done this past summer and I still have the Barret's, but it hasnt gotten any worse. My gastro said the lapband has to come out. I havent seen my bariatric doctor in a while but I plan to see him soon. I was wondering if anyone had the band removed because of Barrett's, and if they had another type of weight loss surgery and how it is working. I've almost gained all my weight back after having all the Fluid removed.

I've found that Barrett's is extremely common in Lap-Band patients! I'm personally very worried about it myself. I've had a few esophagrams over the years and some have shown very low dysplasia. It concerns me greatly! I used to have major acid reflux and had to remove a lot of fluid from my band until I figured out my sweet spot. Everything has been really good for the last year or so. I went off all my reflux meds. In the future, if I have further complications with my Lap-band, I think I'm going to revise to a Mini Gastric Bypass.

My suggestion is to definitely follow your gastro's advice. I would highly consider revising to another procedure if you're worried about your weight regain.