burning in esophagus

I am 5 years post op band surgery this May. A couple of months ago I started experiencing burning in my esophagus there are certain food/drinks that agitate it more then others and I try to  keep my diet bland. I have been taking tums ant acid and it provides some relief but I am also getting acid reflux. Has anyone else had this what is it cause from. I haven't seen my doctor in about 3 years because my insurance changed and my new insurance no longer covers visits to him and he is expensive. 

I strongly urge you to get your band removed as soon as possible.

I've been doing a teeny tiny bit of digging regarding post op long term lapband related esophageal damage, and it's link to esophageal cancer. I have absolutely NOTHING conclusive to back up this suspicion that I have, HOWEVER I have serious concerns about long term lap band reflux and what all that acid is doing to our esophagus.

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition:.

Obesity. A number of studies suggest that obesity contributes to GERD, and it may increase the risk for erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation in the esophagus) in GERD patients. Having a large amount of fat in the abdomen may be the most important risk factor for the development of acid reflux and associated complications such as Barrett's esophagus and cancer of the esophagus, studies indicate. Researchers have also reported that increased BMI is associated with more severe GERD symptoms. Losing weight appears to help reduce GERD symptoms. However, gastric banding surgery to combat obesity may actually increase the risk for, or worsen symptoms of GERD.

www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_3-145. html

GERD, often known as acid reflux disease, occurs when stomach contents regularly back up into the esophagus. When the stomach acid irritates the esophagus, it often causes heartburn. Some individuals who suffer from GERD develop a condition called Barrett's esophagus, when the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid, which can also increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234982.php

I know that seeing a dr is expensive, but please practice safety first.  You should not be having that burning feeling.  The dr needs to remove some from your band before you damage yourself.   Acid reflux can cause a lot of problems.

Good luck to you!!

You are worth the expense!  I had the same symptoms 3 years post op.  I have developed a sensitivity to all sorts of foods, not just the obvious like caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods and acidic food choices.  I had an upper GI, and endoscopy to rule out gastritis/ulcers, etc.  I do have mild gastritis and am treating it with Prilosec or Omeprozole 20mg daily.  It makes a huge difference so please start that regime a.s.a.p and then consult your physician.  I have slight esophogeal dilation which is fairly common, but can get worse over time if you over fill your pouch, pb often and don't chew well enough.  The irritation (burning) can come from food sitting above your pouch for too long.  I also have somewhat slow motility so I keep my band fairly loose so my esophagus can push the food through without too much trouble.  Some esophagus are stronger than others, but motility issues can be a side effect of a too tight band as well.

Avoid the foods that bother you most and don't eat just before bed.  For me, that knocked out any reflux I was suffering.  I hate to rely on Prilosec and prefer to adjust the behaviors to hopefully aleveate trouble down the road.  I had become very slack in my good bandster habits after time passed so now I'm working on being compliant again.

Take care of yourself!

Lisa O.

Thank you, It's not that I don't think I am worth it, I really just do not have the money. 1 visit is between 200-350 which I think is absolutely crazy. Maybe that is my fault for not looking into that prior to getting the operation, but at the time I never though I would be in the situation that I am now. I mean it has been almost 5 years.

It definitely sounds like a band problem.    Too tight, slipped, eating too much so that it is backing up into your espohagus.

Some times insurance covers complications when it doesn't cover routine visits to him.  You could start with your primary care professional.

You have to see a doctor to prevent significant damage.

Maybe your PCP can do a UGI, that may be what your WLS suggests anyway. If your insurance pays for it, it can diagnose a lot of problems. Yes, when I was first banded I thought after one year I would have lost all my weight and never have to go back to my WLS. I don't know why I thought that, It is a lifetime thing, that will need lifetime follow ups. You really should have it checked out, you don't want it too lead to something worse. Good luck!!

You could also see a Gastroenterologist for and upper GI and your insurance may very well cover that. At least that will be able to tell you if you have any damage from the reflux.

Just because you have reflux does not immediately mean you have a slipped band or you are too tight.  I was going through this last year and posting on the boards and got totally freaked out and was convinced I had a slip! 

I had a complete unfill to let the reflux calm down...it helped a little but not entirely, had a barium swallow and upper  GI and everything checked out.  I went back for a fill and stayed more loose than before I had my unfill.

I still have reflux, which my surgeon knows about and confirmed many post op band people do.   Per his recommendation, I take prevacid 24hr everyday.  I used to take protonix but it stopped working.  If I miss a dose, I will know it! It's something I will have to  keep an eye on butI  try not to let it consume me that I'll eventually get cancer or something.