Woman Overcomes Rare Condition with Life-Changing Surgery

A 26-year-old woman from Dover has undergone significant surgery to address a rare condition that severely restricted her ability to eat and drink. Elise Banyard suffered from type one achalasia, which narrows the oesophagus, making swallowing a painful challenge. This condition led her to stand while eating and resulted in her vomiting as many as 60 times a day, causing her weight to drop to just over six stone.

After enduring four years of misdiagnosis and deteriorating health, Banyard finally received the correct diagnosis in November 2024. Her symptoms began in January 2020, manifesting as difficulty swallowing and a tightness in her chest. Local doctors did not refer her to specialists in London until much later, prolonging her suffering.

In August 2025, Banyard underwent a minimally invasive procedure known as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This surgery aimed to open her digestive tract, allowing her to eat and drink more comfortably. Following the operation, she gained two and a half stone, but complications arose as she developed another condition called superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA), attributed to her significant weight loss.

Although her surgery resolved severe pain and regurgitation issues, she now experiences delayed pain after meals, particularly with heavy foods. She is currently consulting specialists in London to manage this new challenge without further surgical intervention.

Banyard recalls the emotional experience of her first sip of water after the surgery. She stated, “The first tiny sip of water that I felt go all the way into my stomach, I just started crying because I hadn’t experienced that in so long.”

Despite her ongoing struggles, including aiming to consume 3,000 calories daily and never waiting more than 30 minutes between snacks, Elise is determined to lead a fulfilling life. She has returned to enjoying her favorite foods, such as pizza and pasta, even celebrating her birthday with a steak.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I’m really doing things to make my life worth it. When I thought I was going to die, I realized I needed to stop worrying and start taking life by the horns.”

Now, as she learns to drive and studies business administration, Banyard’s outlook has transformed. While she still faces challenges related to her health, her ability to enjoy food again marks a significant milestone in her recovery.

As her story illustrates, resilience and determination can lead to meaningful change, even in the face of daunting health issues.