I had an upper GI series last week for pre-op testing and the radiologist commented to me that he hoped I wasn't having lap band because he sees so many patients come in with problems related to that.    I'm sorry that you are one of those that are having trouble and I hope you feel better very soon!

Dilations are possible with the band. They can be caused by over-eating or even by disorders that slow down peristalsis. I think there is a test you can have done to see what your esophageal motility is, so maybe it would be a good idea to have that done and see what the problem is. Most of the time dilations resolve with a period of being unfilled and some time on a liquid diet. There aren't a whole lot of band folks on this board, so you might have better luck getting answers to questions like this on the lap band board.

I wouldn't call mine a horror story but it is definitely a longer term complication than I would have liked.  At 5 months out, I can still hardly eat anything dense or thick (no chicken, fish, eggs, refried beans, tuna, meat, cereal, toast etc...) without getting a big STUCK feeling where my esophagus and stomach meet. That then often leads to foamies and then throwing up.  Happens to me 2-3 times a week, when I try to revisit something after a week off as has been recommended by my nut and also my surgeon.  I am having an endoscopy soon so hopefully they can see/address what's going on in my personal case, as I NEVER had trouble swallowing before surgery.  (Obviously or I couldn't have eaten my way up to 256#!)

I also, I think, experience "rapid gastric emptying" (which is like dumping for RnYers altho our anatomy is different) more often than anyone else I see post about this.  I can never predict what will trigger it either -- it can be and often is something I've eaten with no problems or side effects before.  Very frustrating, because if it's unpredictable, I can't avoid it by not eating the food that triggers it.

While I am in a state of watchful waiting to see if these issues calm down, I do not regret my decision at all.  I have lost alot of weight and inches, my diabetes has been reversed, I have no more asthma attacks, I've dropped several sizes of clothing, can cross my legs comfortably, don't suffer from hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) anymore, can wear high heels again, I am much more physically and socially active because my stamina has increased 10 fold, I have dropped 8 medications, and I am overall a happier healthier person, despite my challenges.  I chose this surgery; it is elective.  Just make sure you choose wisely and choose well, and then be at peace with your decision.  Best of luck whatever is decided.

I am scheduled for surgery on May 14th and am wanting to hear any and all complications that might arrise and how you dealt with it.  I just want to be as informed as possible.  Thanks so much!

Connie S.

Lisa, usually if the lap band is not working or giving you problems MOST surgeons will push for a conversion to rny.  all I can say is stay informed about the possibilities of side effects with the rny, especially the neurological ones. I know you have to do what;s best for you and I do pray you get to feeling better so you don't have to have any kind of other surgery
grace