Another "Old Timer" With Issues

[Carlene 12]

I had a barium swallow test today, under fluoro. The good news is, my band is perfect - no slip, no erosion, etc.

The bad news is, my esophagus is not. It is dilated "all the way up", to quote my doctor.

I was prepared for the worst because I can't eat a lot, so I didn't think it was esophageal dilation. But I have a very tempermental band. Say the wrong thing to me at dinner and it closes up like a virgin on prom night. The net results of that happening a lot would be esophageal dilation, of course.

Dr S took out most of my fill and made me swear to eat only liquids and mushies for the next 3 weeks (almost 3 weeks - May 7th). Then we check it again.

I was banded 11/29/04 and this did not become an issue until a few months ago. My symptoms were on again/off again PBs and some reflux. But some days I could eat "normal" stuff - even ribs, chicken, etc. When the reflux became more frequent and I began to experience an irritated esophagus, I decided to have it checked out.

This is probably an issue that will resolve itself. At least I hope so. But 3 weeks on liquids/mushies is gonna be TOUGH. Everyone, please send me good vibes and words of encouragement.

[NataliesMommy 1]

Wow, that sounds scary. What is the cause for the dilated esophagus? Is it because of the reflux?

BEST OF LUCK W/ THE MUSHIES! :nervous You can do it!

[Carlene 12]

Wow, that sounds scary. What is the cause for the dilated esophagus? Is it because of the reflux?

No, the reflux is a symptom of the dilated esophagus.

There are several ways you can cause esophageal dilation. One way is to simply "pouch pack": over-eat until the food fills your pouch and then backs up into your esophagus.

A too-tight band, over a period of months, will cause esophageal dilation. The food simply cannot go down fast enough and, therefore, it backs up into the esophagus and stretches it out.

In my case, the band was always tight, but sometimes totally closed, due to stress. Same effect as a too-tight band, but an intermittent thing instead of constant.

I have the 4cc band and it had 3cc in it. For some people, that might be just right. I thought it was for me, too, but if it causes reflux and/or esophageal dilation, it's obviously too tight. Just because you can get a decent amount of food down most of the time does not mean you aren't over-filled. Over-filled is not a measure of saline. It just means your gut isn't working right and you need to have it fixed. I am hoping I remember that the next time around.

[Alexandra 55]

Carlene, it's good news indeed that you don't have a slip! I hope your treatment works beautifully and you your esophagus goes completely back to normal.

Good luck and good vibes comin' atcha, babe!!

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

Carlene

I am sorry you are having this problem, but you are one tough cookie, so have no doubt you are going to get through this with flying colors!

Big hugs to you babe!

[TerriDoodle 6]

Carlene - I'm sorry for your problem Can you tell me, what will you be doing differently next time? I don't really see how this could have been avoided, can you?

[edieparks 2]

Carlene,

We are here for you and keep us posted. We all need the education.

Carlene , can you work on getting your stress level down?

your band sister,

edie

[Carlene 12]

Carlene - I'm sorry for your problem Can you tell me, what will you be doing differently next time? I don't really see how this could have been avoided, can you?

I will have to learn to work with less fill in my band. Some people can co-exist with a tight fill, and even some degree of Reflux, but I cannot. Probably 2 or 2.5cc in my 4cc band will be my max.

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi Carlene,

I am so sorry to hear what you have been going through, and it scares me at the same time. I have the 4cc band as well. In January, I went from 2.5 to 3.0 cc and was majorly overfilled. I couldn't eat or get fluids down for over a week. It resulted in a small slip of my band and he took my fill back down to 2.0. I still had on and off problems with pb's and for the first time in my life, a bit of reflux. I went in a week ago Monday and he took all my fill out. I am scheduled to go in for a floro myself next Thursday. I am nervous and am wondering if I might have the same problem as you.

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

I am sorry Carlene. What were you filled at before? I am sorry if I missed it!

[Carlene 12]

I am sorry Carlene. What were you filled at before? I am sorry if I missed it!

I had at least 3cc in a 4cc band. Some people can handle a big fill like that, but evidently I'm not one of them.

Today is my first full day on liquids/mushies. Only 18 more to go!

[DrewsLou 3]

Sending you happy thoughts Carlene!

[MarcyD 0]

Happy thoughts and good vibes coming your way, Carlene! You can do this. Come here to vent (and keep us posted because we are concerned!)

[Marimaru 7]

Carlene, I hope things are all good when you get checked out again... keep us posted please :eek:

Also, you'll do fine on the mushy diet, you can do it!

[Carlene 12]

You know what's scary? The HUNGRY MONSTER. I had forgotten what it felt like. Being unfilled sucks!