Dr. Pleatman, I have a question...

GeezerSue · December 14, 2005

Can you, as a surgeon with experience in removing the LapBand, give me a ballpark on this?

I was dx'ed with esophageal dysmotility secondary to adjustable gastric banding. The band was removed two weeks ago and a BPD/DS was performed. Have you any idea--based on your experience or that of your colleagues--how long it takes for the esophagus to heal itself?

I'm having trouble getting in all my Water because once the esophagus "clamps down," there is no point in trying to drink anything.

Have you any wisdom to share?

Sue

GeezerSue · December 15, 2005

bumping my own message

Dody · December 16, 2005

Sue, I'm not yet banded but I have erosions in my esophagus and a peptic ulcer that need serious treatment before I can get lap banding. I'm hoping they will clear up so that I can have the surgery within a few mo. The dr. put me on Nexium for the esophageal problems and Prilosec for the ulcer, and within a week I'm feeling much better. I feel so sorry for you that you have had to go through so much. My dr. coated my ulcer with silver nitrate in endoscopy and said the erosion of the esophagus is unexplainable (considering I've never been banded or anything), but I do have esophageal reflux. He thinks the Nexium will take care of it, but wants to wait a couple more mo. before doing surgery. Probably a wise decision, but I'm getting antsy.

I hope you start feeling better really quickly. I'm sure not a dr., but I am a retired nurse of over 25 years. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery. Sounds like you have had quite a time of it.