Long-term esophogus issues

Sunta · October 25, 2005

Hi,

I am new to the board having just introduced myself in the introductions section, and I have been searching for information about the side effects involving the esophogus. I am having my first consultation with the surgeon this Thursday and have already completed a required seminar on the surgery. I am planning to get banded as soon as I am approved but don't know if my surgery will be this year or next as they seem to think it will take about three months from first consult to actual banding.

Anyway, my question is: with regard to "esophogial dilation" and "esophogial dysmotility"... are they reversible? In other words, if I were to suffer this side effect of esophogial failure, would it heal after the band was removed? Or do some people have to go through the rest of their lives with no working esophogus?

I have searched for information on the long-term implications of this and have not been able to find information on it. Would the esophogus eventually start working again?

Also, I would love to hear about people who have had this in for ten years or more and how they're doing and if they've had any complications.

Thank you very much.

Alexandra · October 25, 2005

Hi Sunta,

That's a good question. Not being a medical person I don't have any real answers, but MY guess is that the answer depends on a) how severe the dysfunction is, and how long it's been allowed to continue. Dysfunction probably accumulates over time--that is, the effectiveness of the esophagus in moving food along may diminish over time--rather than happening all at once. But once it's diagnosed I'd imagine taking action quickly could restore function, again, over time. Just a guess.

As for hearing from people who have been banded more than ten years, I don't think you will. We don't many European bandsters here and as you may know, the band was only approved for use in the U.S. in 2001.

fun4matt · October 25, 2005

please keep us informed on your investigation. I would love to know the answer to that also.

the best me · October 26, 2005

I'm thinking GeezerSue needs to show up here...if she doesn't soon, maybe someone can scare her up? Okay, I will. Let's give her a day or two. Keep this bumped so we see it!