KOH

I had my lap band surgery about 4 years ago. I lost 40-50 pounds in the first year, then things slowed for me. I went in for several adjustments. It seemed as though I was super sensitive to the slightest adjustment. I would feel like I could eat anything I wanted with no restriction. I would go in for a fill and adding just the smallest amount would restrict me so much I couldn't even swallow Water. I fought with this sensitivity for over two years, never really finding the right set point. Then about a year ago, I began gaining all my weight back. The Doc I was using no longer does the surgury or adjustments. I went to a new clinic and did a barium swallow under the xray. He was shocked to see that my esophagus was 3 times the size it should be. He opened my band completely and I had to wait 6 months for my esophagus to go back to normal size. Then we started over, adding a little at a time and the super sensitivity begins again. We finally find a good spot and I begin loosing a little and my esophagus dialates again. Back to square one, with no fill. This has been my life with the lap band. It has been at least 6 months since I have been back to the doc. not loosing any weight and not feeling much constriction. He said if I came back again with a dialated esophagus he would have to take the band out. I have looked and researched and am unable to find much information about this problem. Don't know if it is my fault, or my bodies reaction to the band. Anyone ever heard of this? I am soooooo disappointed.

Michelle, I understand your frustration. My Doc also indicate that I was somewhat responsible and sent me to the diatition. . . over a year ago! My argu ment is this ... with esophagus dilation, you don't feel any restriction, because you esophagus basically becomes your new stomach. A dietition is not the answer. This problem exists because our bands were too tight. the answer is to loosen your band and allow your esophagus to go back to normal size. Mine did twice! the problem is that when they begin to tighten enough for me to feel restriction, my esophagus begins to dilate again. I feel as though it is a no win situation. The answer I am looking for is .... "would a repositioning of the band help?" Don't let the doc get away with making you feel like this is your fault. Remember, if we were able to eat small amounts of food with no feelings of restriction, why would we have needed a lap band? Keep your chin up and keep searching for the answer. Someone knows! It is not our fault. This is a fluke in the proceedure. Do you know if there are any website where you can actually talk or ask questions to a lap band doc? Kathy

Thanks for your note. I have had no other symptons or pain. It just seems as though my esophogus has become my new stomach.