michel_jt

I had my band placed over 6 years ago. I lost about 80 pounds in the first 18 months. I was thrilled! I thought that I was finished having kids, but had a "surprise" pregnancy 2 yrs later. I was so afraid that I would gain the weight back that I never even told my surgeon that I was pregnant or had my band loosened during my whole pregnancy. I remember sitting down to frequent small but nutritious meals and forcing myself to relax and keep the food down that my growing baby needed. I succeeded in having a very healthy baby and maintaining my weight. (Looking back on this it's obvious to me how idiotic this approach was, but I was operating out of fear and hormones.) After the baby I gained 10 lbs. and went back to my Dr. for another fill to get back on track. After the fill, I sipped my little cup of water at the office and was on my way. Long story short, my fill was waaaay too tight. I began having horrible coughing fits that kept me up at night, but had no idea this was a common sign of an over fill. I felt like crap and slimed often, but just blamed myself for eating too much or not chewing well enough. Eventually, I went back 6 months later (too long I know) and the doc watched me drink while under xray. He seemed a little freaked out. He immediately loosened my band and told me I had esophageal dilation. He didn't even explain what it was. Online research said that it is a nasty complication where the "rigid" esophagus is stretched to basically become part of your pouch. It's not reversible. It's been 9 months since that appt. I've gained back 30 lbs with my low level of restriction. I feel like crap physically and am getting depressed. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD SEE 200 POUNDS AGAIN IN MY LIFE. i now weigh 216. I'm so ashamed that I'm avoiding friends and family. Today, I'm trying to work up the courage to see my surgeon. I'm even ashamed to see him. I don't know if he can even help me anymore. I hate the way I feel now. It's even worse because I know how much better it felt to be thinner. I have to do something. HAS ANYONE OUT THERE HAD SUCCESS AFTER ESOPHAGEAL DILATION?