Oh my, I did not know you can stretch your pouch. But first I am happy you have that positive thinking and you are loosing that weight. Now, regarding the stretching of the pouch. I thought they can just tighten it up. I know if you have the other operation you can stretch that and then there is nothing they can do for ya but like I said I thought they just tighten the band. I am just going into this. I had my first appointment last Friday and now I have to go to a 4 hour group meeting which I can not believe someone could talk to a group of fat people for 4 hours and then the nut doctor and then the diet person and then I don't know what they will want me to do. Sounds like a long journey before I get banded. So, could you explain to me about stretching the pouch. Thanks, Judy

Hi Judy! Well my doc had me take a barium test. That's when you have to drink a chalky tasting liquid and they x-ray it going down, so that's how it was confirmed.

This is some information I found on this site that I copied to better explain the basics of it:

What is esophageal dilation?

This is when the esophagus enlarges over time, and is probably related to either too tight a Band, or possibly improper placement of the Band around the junction of the esophagus and stomach. This requires loosening or removal of the Band.

What happens if my Band has to be removed because of complications or failure to lose weight?

One option, of course, is to give up on weight loss surgery. Another option is to convert to another procedure such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This can be done at the same time the Band is removed, and is generally done laparoscopically.

I do have some concerns but because I still have restriction I don't want to get an unfill. I'm afraid I'd gain some weight back. And right now I'm on my way down!!! I don't think I'd be a candidate for gastric now that my BMI is below 38. I'm at 32BMI.

It's something to ask about in your group. And the fact that you're going to group is excellent! Keep that up after surgery too. I wished I had but I thought I could do it all on my own.

I had some personal problems for about a year and although I didn't gain any weight back I didn't eat well. When I become stressed I over it and clearly lost that full feeling. Now I've got control back, it's all in the mind! But my stretched pouch is not. lol I've got to get it under control... soon enough when I'm ready to go see the doc. Just not interested in seeing him till after Aug/Sept.

Best of luck to you!!!

It's unfortunate but you're positive and doing well. But thank you for your candor on this topic. I had NO clue it was this serious that the "stretched pouch" was just something they said to try to make sure we're eating right. I had no clue in all the 5 yrs of research I did, that this was a real and true possibility. Thank you for sharing and hopefully preventing others from going through this.

Hi and thank you Ms. Jackson! ((That's my man's last name btw. lol)) It def is something to keep in the back of your mind. There's are several open topics in the forums section on it for anyone interested in finding out more information. I only heard of it myself because of this very site. But if you or anyone ever have any concerns you should consult your doctor.

Often times it can be corrected with a simple partial unfill and be on liquids and/or mushies for a few weeks to a month. When I happened to go see the doc it was not the one that performed my surgery. He's since moved a bit farther out so I opted to see someone else. That also has a lot to do with why I'm unhappy with what he said. I def want to make an appointment with my own doc and see what he says about it. It could be a totally diff out come but I won't know until I see him.

In any case I'm staying optimistic about it all. Learning to eat cleanER, portion control and making working out a part of my life. I'm not gong to let this keep me from achieving my ultimate goals.

Thanks again and be blessed!

I am 3 years this month, went to Dr. last week, my pouch is strected, removed fluid, now I am waiting 2 weeks to refill. I am just praying that I don't gain weight!!! I am going to do this alot better in the future. I had lost almost 100lbs then started stressing and climbing upward, +30 now.