Esphogus Problems

lapbandlifer · February 4, 2008

I have had my lapband for five years and never had a problem. I reached my goal weight early in 2007 and was just a happy camper. However, I failed to notice (or chose not to) that I was choking at night, throwing up after every meal and generally not getting anything down. I finally drug myself (well my husband drug me) to our doctor and he did a upper gi on me and found that my esphogus was three times it's normal size and about to explode. Well, needless to say I had to have all my restriction taken out and have been restriction free since the first of October. I am getting ready to get a fill this week and I am a little nervous. Has anyone else ever had this problem and then gotten filled back up?

sweetviolet · February 4, 2008

yes--suffered!! on Nov 27th had band out and rny instead...happy camper!! don't be surprised if you lose your band...had double pnuemonia twice from aspirating food into my lungs...now perfect! and perfectly happy with the outcome!! ddown 140# and still losing. good luck and don't put off going to the doc if necessary...

darlingthree · April 15, 2008

OMG you have just described what I am going thru. What should I do?

Apples2 · April 15, 2008

OMG you have just described what I am going thru. What should I do?

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

juliegeraci · April 16, 2008

A friend of mine had to deal with that. After about 12 weeks she is pain free and back to normal with good restriction. The doctor couldn't believe how big her esophogus was. Glad you are okay. Good luck with the fill.

slimstacy31 · April 16, 2008

I am in the same situation! I have had my band for 5 years My upper GI revealed that nothing will go through the esophougus. I am having the Fluid removed today. It almost seemed like my band had moved up though. Let me know what happens with you. Did you get relief from the unfill?

gellergirl · April 19, 2008

i just responded to another bander with segment below who referred me to the website below...

Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

...thank you, i came looking to see if anyone else has the same problem and your web site is exactly what im looking for...i am already on prilosac once a day and my doctor said 4 days liquids, 4 days mushies, 4 days lapband foods and come back and i could have a tight fill.

i went in there feeling wide open and thought i had lost my fill (apparatus problems?) but turns out i only had .08 as had a unfill for a gallbadder op and had esophagus inflammation and have EVIDENTLY STRETCHED IT TO TWICE ITS SIZE!

my surgery will be three years old in dec, have lost 70 pounds, gained back 14 just now with open pouch but whatever the case ive been PACKING THE POUCH for years now if i am honest. I havent been able to have a fill 3 times in a row with many months inbetween because i cant get the inflammation down as my food disorder is still so rampant that i find it impossible (so far) to keep to fluids etc for long. SHAME!

And i want to lose my 14 plus another 30 - 40 so i can get a Tummy Tuck not counting the fact that i dont want to lose the band!

so...any feedback is welcome!

Teresa

...now i hear this from you all above. ONly thing i can add is my doctor said the band, catheter and port were fine, i just had to get the inflammation down and reaquaint myself with my fill! ie begin again like a newbie (fluids, mushies etc) and get inflamation down and SEE WHAT BEING FULL FEELS LIKE AGAIN! Then she will give me a proper fill.

I have been on fluids now for 4 days (this is a miracle!) and when i had a big pull on the straw of my daughters smoothie (have to make her one too) - very THICK (unlike mine), i ACTUALLY FELT FILL UP TO THE BRIM! Same now with a thick Tomato Soup, thinned down pea Soup (you can tell im looking for substance!!!!)

final point being, if only i can remember to stop (and virtually have to...), then i can get on track again...

ANY COMMENTS!!!!!