Dilated Esophagus

Hi, i was having same issues with my dilated esophagus. My doctor removed all the fill and told me the esophagus needs to heal. After gaining 40 lbs back. I went back tried getting fills, but he refused after a while because when my band is too tight, I overeat/force food and cause the damages to my esophagus. So, a few more lbs later. I had my band removed 3/16 and will have sleeve in july. It sucks!

You say that when your band is too tight, you overeat/force food and cause damage to the esophagus. Do you think you overate out of hunger or habit? I have been studying and read that a lot of WLS patients tend to divert back to overeating out of the habit they once had within 5 years of surgery. I'm trying to pay close attention to my own habits to see if I can 'retrain' myself with band eating. Thoughts? (and good luck with the sleeve. I've heard a lot of good results with them.)

Hi. When I was at a good spot and I had good restriction, I didn't want to stop when I got the signal that im full. So I played the lap band game. Wait, force more in till im gagging, run to the bathroom and force it out or it would stay and back up into my esophagus causing dilation and inflammation. I was doing more damage than good and gaining weight. So its gone. First week after surgery not hungry. Second week went slow, eating soft, feeling a little better ( I had severe pain where they took out port). Third week I start eating regular again, hunger is coming back. But the funny thing is, I forget sometimes the band is gone, and I eat with band rules!! Like i still didnt drink while I ate, or ate bread, pasta, etc with my meal. One day, I went to lunch with a friend and saw these deliciuos fresh made bread sticks. I never touch the bread basket, because then I can't get anything else in, right!@? Hey wait, I said, I don't have my band. Well, let me tell you... the two of us went through 2 bread baskets. The feeling of eating and not having that stuck feeling was amazing. but, I realized that I CAN NOT do that again. So, im doing exactly like you said. Im eating how a bandster should eat. I am exercising after not being in a gym for 15 years. I try to do shakes, but I hate them. Cutting out carbs whenever I can. Eat lean and green! Trying to cut out the wine every weekend. I gained so much weight when my band was loose (I gained most of the 100 lb pound back, im back to 373). I can NOT blow up. I will be healthier, maybe thinner when I have sleeve surgery end of July. I have too many special occasions coming up for kids, so Im doing it after our trip for my daughter's 16th bday ! I prayed I would come our sleeved when he removed the band, but sadly, they couldn't do it. This device does a lot of damage to your stomach and esophagus. I wish I could do without an other surgery, but I can't. I dont eat because im hungry, I eat because I LOVE food and cant get enough when its something I love... I have to have it! Im trying, but it aint easy, good luck and let's support each other !

I had the same issue, I have been banded since 2003. I had no symptoms and only found out because I went to get a fill. The Dr. emptied my band to try to let my esophagus rest but I wasn't put on any kind of special diet.

Unfortunately, during the time I was resting my esophagus, I lost my job and haven't been able to return for a fill or follow-up so I can't comment on the restriction portion.

So sorry to hear this msmarrie. So how have you been doing with your weight control since then? Hope things are looking up soon for you.

Thanks for your kind words! I am doing terrible, LOL. It could be worse though, I still have a little restriction just from the band being there. I eat the same kinds of foods I ate before and while I do eat more than I did with my band it's a small increase (per my daughter and fiance) but it is still enough for me to have gained about 30 lbs since my last Dr's visit.

Unfortunately my band went bad after preganancy and I had to eventually revise to an rny. I have heard so people have had success with liquids only for a period. I believe a dr duc Vuong has a book called lap band rescue. You may want to check it out. Think you can get it on amazon

Travelher, this is so discouraging. I loved my lapland! Like I said it has been my best friend for weight loss and healthy living since day one. Of course I am so very thankful for my baby, but am totally bummed that the band isn't working. How did you know when it was time to revise? I'm sure the liquids only diet would work, but man it's a mental battle for sure. I'm going to have to just bite the bullet and do it. Now more than ever, I have to be healthy for my baby. I'm 45 and am going to need all the energy I can get to keep up with her, LOL.

It is discouraging mine worked for three years and then tortured me for 7. Honestly I should have revised 6 years sooner. I'm mad at myself for sticking my head in the sand in that one. I didn't revise until it actually broke. I should have revised once I started getting reflux. I have a friend who let it go on too long and now cannot revised because she did permanent damage to her esophagus.

All is well that ends well. I absolutely love the bypass. Feel normal,no stuck episodes, no reflux, no vomiting, no liquid diets, no more forking out $ on fils that don't do anything but cause health issues and then forking out $ on defills which lead to weight gain. I was 30'lbs heavier than my preband weight at the end of it all. But now , I can sleep without waking up choking from reflux. And I'm down 92lbs. Whatever route you take there is light at the end of the tunnel.