Well, it's been a year and I've lost 7 lbs., and I have a dilated esophagas. Let me be a example of what not to do!! I have a history of an eating disorder, (obviously), and I am paying for it. For some reason In my backword mind I used the band as a challenge to see how much I could still eat. SICK,SICK,SICK!! Therefore I got a dilated esophagas and had to have most of my fluid taken out of my band while it heals. I had it taken out about 6 weeks ago and I go back to have fluid put in a week from today. Hopefully it's fully healed. So basically I will be starting over and this is the reason I am starting this blog. I would love to have your feedback, and encouragement, as well as your questions and comments. Keep your fingers crossed for me that my esophagas has healed so I can continue my journey the RIGHT way!:biggrin:

Hi there. OK...questions: How did you know you had a dialated esophagus? Does it just need to shrink again?

Be proud that you didn't give up. I think starting over is very admirable!

Thanks so much for your encouragement! I found out my esophagus was dilated because I wasn't feeling a lot of restriction so they did a barrium swallow and found out that my esophagus was big. They have taken almost all of my fluid out of my band for 6 weeks. I go in on Tuesday to hopefully get it refilled.

It's hard for me to understand this, since I'm pre-band. I'm probably stating the obvious, but...You'd think if you didn't feel much restriction that the band must have been too open and if it was tight enough to back up into your esophagus and stretch it that you would have felt super full? Maybe it's more a matter of getting in touch with knowing when you're actually full?...I know now I can eat until I hurt at times...way past just 'full'...maybe it's like that? I'm a little nervous about being able to feel all these actual physical triggers (not just the hunger in your head). When you're used to not ever feeling hungry and eating way too much...it's going to be like learning how to eat all over again.

Tuesday- that's great! Not much longer. Let me know how you're doing after. Have a great weekend! -BG

Oh I actually just sent you a PM about this....my doctor thinks that I may have the same thing!! There are times where I've eaten passed full. However, if I fix myself a protein shake for example I can only take a few sips before I get that clogged feeling. I guess my question to you is did you feel? I've got to make an appt for my barrium test. Man, I wished I would have done that earlier in the week. If they are not open on Friday then it will have to wait until next week. Wish me luck! And I wish you the best of luck too!!!