Anyone experience Achalasia?

Doc looked at Upper GI and decided that I have Alchalsia.  Has anyone else had this and what did your doc do?  They are going to remove all the fluid from my band for three months, see how my pouch is doing then start from there. 
If this does not work then they will do an EGD.  Since I don't have insurance they are not doing the EGD first.  The expense can be great and it will give me time to get finances in order. 
I would appreciate any information, positive or negative about your experience or someone you know that's been throught it.  I didn't have a clue anything serious was going on. 
Thanks,
Z

What is Alchalsia?

Achalasia is a disorder of the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus), which affects the ability of the esophagus to move food toward the stomach.
Z

It's achalasia... and it's somewhat common with bandsters, yes. The esophagus has to work really hard to get the food down because the band impedes the natural progress of food passing through.

I am very sorry you're experiencing this. I've had several friends with the same problem.

Hopefully the unfill will help, but chances are that when you get the band filled again, the problem will reoccur.  I hope you can find a way to avoid it happening again.

Take care. I'm really sorry you're having a hard time.

Thanks.
Z

Hi, I'm pre-op and my achalasia was discovered when I first looked into WLS a couple of years ago. At the time I was interested in the lap band and was told that I wasn't a candidate for it because the band would exacerbate the condition.

The doc at the time was, well let's say he didn't have the best bedside manner, and the gastric bypass was not a certainty either, so I was rejected altogether.  But I'm looking into WLS again and there appears to be a lot more data than the last time around. Or maybe my new doctor is just more knowledgeable (and much, much nicer!).  I had a barium test this week and next I'm scheduled for a manometry. Once they get this data, he and the gastro-enterologist will decide what's the best option. First, which treatment to address the achalasia. My previous gastro-enterologist tried me with botox injections, which "freezes" the muscle at the base of the esophagus and alleviates symptoms like reflux and choking. But it's temporary, lasts only 6 mos. or so. I went twice. It helped but I didn't want to deal with that over and over.

My new gastroenterologist isn't big on the botox. Plus it's of no real help for someone also contemplating bariatric surgery. Once my test results are in, he's going to weigh whether either a balloon dilaton or heller myotomy would be the best choice. The balloon dialation is non-invasive, a balloon is inserted and expanded to stretch the muscle at the bottom of esphoagus. The myotomy is actual surgery, they go in and cut the muscle.

These cases are quite rare but I was told there have been instances of someone getting a mytomy at the same time as a gastric bypass. My doc hasn't decided yet which bariatric surgery is best for me, but chances are they'll address the achalasia first and separately, then follow with bariatric surgery -- either gastric bypass or a VSG.

My gastro-enterologist also told me that he sees a lot of referrals, bariatric post-ops who didn't have achalasia before surgery, but developed it afterwards.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for your information.  It is very helpful.  I'm just taking omeprezole right now and hoping things settle down.  Scheduled for another upper GI in a month and then we go from there.  I hope all goes well for you and me.
Z

You're welcome. I just had my barium swallow and a manometry. I've got an endoscopy scheduled for Oct. 17th.

I hope it all goes well for us too!

I will see the doc again next month to get another upper GI seem to feel better now that band is emptied but really didn't know I wasn't feeling well.  Please keep me informed with your progress.  I will do the same.
Take care,