Weight gain after oesopagectomy

[Herder]

Hi I had an oesophagectomy 4 years ago, struggle with chest infections and coughing, also weigh more than I should, is this due to the high dose of acid inhibitors? I would like to know if someone else has the same

[Alan_M]

This is unqualified speculation, but the chest infections and coughing might be to do with reflux. This might be acid (but it depends on how much of your original stomach you still have to generate the acid) or potentially bile (in which case acid suppressant medication would not work). I think this is a relatively common complication after the surgery, and it sounds like you might have to review the medication, or perhaps how you sleep at night, if it is tends to occur when you are lying down.

So I think that the answer to your question is that it is probably due to reflux, but the dose may not be right, might need to be raised/changed to be more effective, or it might need a different medication.

Eating enough to put on weight is a sign that other things are going well. If you need to lose weight then it is probably a matter of adjusting the amount you eat accordingly, but ensuring that you keep a good balance of nutrition, minerals and vitamins. It is feasible that extra weight might contribute to the reflux, but this depends on your own situation and body weight.

[monikaf in reply to Alan_M]

Hi Herder, I also take acid inhibitors. So far I've not heard of them directly influencing weight. Perhaps indirectly: When I suffer from acid reflux I soon get an inflammation of the rest of my oesophagus which more or less prevents me from eating. From this perspective acid inhibitors could contribute to improve the appetite, but this should be good sign since many here fight against losing weight.

Another thing is that I sometimes crave for food I shouldn't eat or I eat too much, although I know I won't feel fine afterwards. Sort of eating disorder, since there are too many 'no go's' on the menu?

In any case I think it's better gaining weight than losing it, and most important is that cancer doesn't come back.

Best wishes,

Monika