What Causes Sudden Weight Loss While Treating Barrett's Esophagus?

Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016

Question: I have been healthy since I eat healthy food and exercise etc except I was told to take Prilosec for Barrett's esophagus daily with breakfast. I do not take any medications but only vitamins. I used to weigh about 110 lb and then down to 108lb and then to 102 lb although I eat pretty well. All of sudden I weigh 90lb which frightens me. I am 84 , What can be wrong with it??

I forget to mention that I have Prolia shots every six months which started two years ago. Left foot has arthritis although at certain places but it seems I have leg cramps lately.

Good lord! I forget to mention I have sore throats frequently although the doctor kept telling me my throat looks okay. I looked at my EGD report on October 26, 2015. The report says Esophagitis seen and Gastritis on duodenum, stomach and esophagus.

Can you recommend an excellent Gastroenterologist surgeon in Delray Beach, or Boca Raton, or Boynton Beach, Florida or should I go to Mayo Hospital?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Folow up for Barrett's esophagus is necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) Do you have any abdominal symptoms? difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation of swallowed food, jaundice, abdominal pain, occasional episode of blood in stool, constipation?
2) Sudden weight loss at your age give suspicion of malignancy and for that detail evaluation of any abdominal symptom is necessary.
3) As you mentioned you have been diagnosed and taking treatment for Barrett's esophagitis. Barrett's esophagitis since long duration itself is a risk factor for development of esophageal carcinoma.
4) I would suggest you to do follow-up EGD every 3rd month for evaluation of changes in Barrett's esophagitis.
5) You should do blood tests of some tumor markers also for pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and esophageal-stomach cancer.

Brief Answer:
no need for surgeon's opinion at present

Detailed Answer:
Well, Do not consult Surgeon at now. As per my knowledge, diagnostic work is done exclusively by medical gastroenterologist in USA (I am from India). But your local physician can refer you to a medical gastroenterologist. If physician would require surgeon's opinion then only get surgeon opinion. Till diagnosis there is no requirement for surgical opinion and may be you do not require at all.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T