Question:
Will it ever go away? Will I always have it? Will it turn into cancer?

Last year, in April 2002, I had asked a question about Barrett's Mucosa (Esophagus) and the responses were great. Since checking the library, I didn't see any anything that would address this question: Will I ALWAYS have this disease called Barrett's Mucosa/Esophagus even though I have had WLS? I wonder if I should go back to the gastroenterologist to see if I still have it. I'm scared, and it's really on my mind that it will turn into cancer~I can't sleep some nights thinking about it. I've read everything like medical journals, various articles and even the internet. All of which make reference to this disease being a "pre-cancerous condition". That says only one thing to me...    — yourdivaness (posted on June 10, 2003)

June 10, 2003
Hi. I read recently that it can be cured if and when the cause is alleviated (acid reflux). Once the irritant (acid) is gone, the esophagus has a chance to heal. No, it does not automatically mean you have a death sentence of cancer. Best wishes to you.
   — artistmama

June 10, 2003
I am a cancer registrar, and while I am not a doctor, my understanding of this is as follows: Barrett's esophagus is not really a "pre-cancerous condition," but studies have shown that people with severe Barrett's are a at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Barrett's esophagus is caused by severe reflux, one of the conditions WLS usually corrects. So by taking care of the cause of the reflux, the tissue can have a chance to mend itself, thus reducing the risk of esophageal cancer. I certainly wouldn't let it keep me up at night. You have done what you needed to do to correct the problem! GET SOME SLEEP! :)
   — Carolyn I.

June 10, 2003
I have the same understanding as the previous 2 posters. My endoscopist told me I have the same condition, and that it's considered by some health care professionals to be a "pre-cancerous" condition. The biopsy was negative for cancel cells. He said, however, that fixing the problem (eliminating acid reflux) will most certainly correct the condition. He suggested (and so did my surgeon) another endoscopy/biopsy one year from the date of the first one. Should the condition have worsened, further action would have to be taken. However, I feel strongly that this condition will completely heal itself within a year. How do I know this? Well, I haven't had ONE case of heartburn since my WLS. Prior to my surgery, I swallowed antacids like they were candy, several times a week. I threw my Rolaids & Tums bottles away after April 9th! I was never so glad to be rid of them. We'll be fine...trust me....Amy LAP RNY 04-09-03
   — Amy A.

June 10, 2003
To ease your worry, why don't you see a gastroenterologist and let him/her tell you how your esophagus now looks and what, if anything, you should be doing. Having suffered from GERD for many, many years--even when thin--the endoscopy I had to see how I was doing was well worth the bother. Good luck.
   — Margaret S.