Question:
Swollen esophagus

I had my surgery in Aug 07 and had a second fill in Nov 07, since that time until now I never had another fill. On regular office visits since then I told them I felt full and did not need a fill. Recently I could keep down half of what I ate, nor keep down any liquids. I also at this time passed out at work, I was told I was dehydrated. I was sent for an upper G I and was told that my esophagus was working 100% properly but if I had a little of my fill removed things would be better. For over a week I couldnt get in touch with my dr and finally told his office that I would be going to the ER unless I get a calljfrom a dr because I was tired of feeling so bad. The end results was that I was told to come in and all of my fill was removed whick was only 2cc and was told that I was clogged up and my esophagus was swolledn and once my esophagus go down they will start again with the fill. All in all I lost 102 since Aug of 07 Have this happen to anyone else    — cajeal (posted on October 14, 2008)

October 14, 2008
rereading what I wrote there are some mistakes , i was told my esophagus WASN'T working 100%
   — cajeal

October 14, 2008
Dear Carolyn, I'm sorry you had to go through all this! I just had the lap band in Sept. 08, so I haven't had anything go wrong. I hope you feel better, and many *congratulations* on your 102 lb. weight loss!! Best, Barbara W. [aka, Oakroom]
   — oakroom

October 14, 2008
Oh sure, these things happen all of the time. It is challenging to find just the right amount of fluid in your band to hit the "sweet spot". If you get something stuck or are too full, everything irritates your stoma and pouch and it will be swollen for a period of time... especially if there is vomiting involved. Also, if you get a virus or gastroenteritis, you can get all of the fluid taken out until you are better. One of the perks of having the band. Once the swelling is better, get the fluid put back in in small amounts just to a point of being comfortably snug. If you are having a hard time getting things down and/or fluids are a challenge, you do not need a fill. If your surgeon suggests on a fill and you do not feel like you need one, refuse it... insist on waiting.. don't let anyone do anything to you that you know isn't right. Your surgeon should be able to be reached 24 hr/day for emergencies and it is absolutely unacceptable for you to have suffered for so long. When we have surgery, our surgeon gives us his cell, beeper and home phone number and we are enouraged to call him night or day. I have had to meet him twice on a Saturday night on a moment's notice with something stuck or when I was sick. Remember, if you do get something stuck or are uncomfortable, assume your stoma is swollen and do liquids for a day or so to let it heal. Congrats on your amazing weight loss, doing great, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

October 14, 2008
There are alot of things that cause what happened.....barimetric pressure.......sinus drainage.......stress.......but the main thing you did was get it checked out .....there is another site you might be interesyed in checking out.......it's also on Yahoo....just ype in Yahoo Groups and the type in Bandbuddies....one of the moderators is a Biaritic WLS Nurse ...it has alot of good info and you can get answers to all your quesions fast. Hope you are feeling better soon.
   — pphillips4720aol.com