My esphogus was almost completely closed so they dilated it to a 20 and I felt great afterwards, could eat again...couple months after I had trouble at just the bottom of esphogus so they dilated it to a 30...and so far so good...that's been 2mos now...if I have any more problems, then they will have to cut the muscles in lower esophagus but it's worth it..have more heartburn at times but no pain so definitely a improvement on quality of life

Dr. Google said that it's common to have 3-5 dilations over time to achieve stability. This is of course if you take measures to stop the reflux. I have had three. I think that may be enough for me, I am better at keeping to a low acid diet, whole food diet now. Still taking an h2 blocker, will not do PPIs again (effective but I got hit with the side effects, which doesn't happen to everyone).

Thank you for your response.
I just had 2 within 2 wks apart. They want me to have another one in 2 weeks to achieve desired circumference (? For lack of a better term.)
Dr is also wanting me to take PPI/Prilosec but I'm very concerned about the side effects.

I have had my esophagus opened about six times over about 20 years. I have found Mayo Clinic very good at doing that. I am cautious about what I eat to avoid having the thing close up again. I am not sure all the mechanics that causes mine to close, I have schlotzsky's ring, but I find avoiding fatty meals and delicious tasting hot Mexican, Thai, and Indian foods I do very well. I avoid taking any kind of medication to reduce indigestion pain. I have tried different homegrown remedies but find avoiding foods that cause indigestion keeps my esophagus open the longest. And, that is a journey in itself.