Well, just thought I'd send an update. I realize I haven't posted as much this past few months. Seems like there are lots of new folks with good answers, so us oldies get to rest.

This past year saw that I have completed losing 60% of my original excess weight - according to Dr Veninga, yesterday. I think that's good, considering I've not been the model bandster and I never really set out to reach any particular goal except to just LIVE longer than it appeared I might when I started this journey. I'm proud of that much, although I wished I could get my head back in the place I need lose a bit more. Somebody pray for me..

I spent yesterday seeing my sister-in-law through her own lapband surgery. She had a bit more pain and nausea than I did with either of mine. I was scared for her and I was even more scared she might blame me if her experience became a bad one. She's home now and seems to be better. Pray for her..

While I was there, my doctor informed me that the barium swallow I did last week wasn't as good as I thought. He informed me (with her lying in bed recovering) that my esophagus appeared to be very swollen and far too tight. He said it appeared that my opening at the band was about the size of a pencil lead and very little food was able to get through, which meant it was sitting above the band for extended periods and of course, causing great agitation to the esophagus. He then announced that I needed to run over to his office and he would take all my fill out for a few weeks. I'm sure it was the right thing to do because by yesterday it had gotten to where I could barely swallow at all from pain in my throat. I had several times in the past few weeks attempted to dine out only to find that I could barely get a drink down,much less the food I ordered once it came. Very frustrating, but as I've said all along, this band has never given me abrupt signs like the last. I've only felt like my esophagus just wasn't pushing it through. I guess I was right after all. Anyway, he's unfilled it for now, but says the pouch above it is not enlarged and the band is in place. That is good news. Sounds like I just have hellacious esophagitis.

Next week, I have an EGD scheduled for my own peace of mind. He laughs at me and assures me IF I had erosion, I would have NO restriction and I was OVERrestricted. I argued with him that that is not what I am hearing from other banded people and I just want to have a point of reference, so he says he'll be pleased to do an EGD for me if that's what I want. He feels it is not necessary, but joked he'd take the money if I wanted to give it to him. I dunno... what do ya'll think?

Anyway... I'm now on a carafate regimen and unrestricted for awhile. I hope I can maintain.

Hope everyone got just what they wanted for Christmas and has a wonderful New Year!

(((Leatha)))

So glad you got an unfill - did the doc say anything about prescribing something to increase your esophageal motility?

I do think it is odd that the medical professionals are convinced that no one could be eroded/eroding unless they have a lack of restriction. A lack of restriction would really only happen once enough of the band had made it through the stomach wall - meanwhile, it's still there, creating restriction

Glad you're having the endoscope done just to be sure. If nothing else it can reassure that there's nothing worse going on with your esophogus than mere irritation

Sending good thoughts your way!!

I am glad you went and had that fill taken out, sounds like you were almost closed off entirely! Hopefully that is the only problem and it will heal up now that the fill is out. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as always. Please keep up posted.

I am sure you will be fine for a couple of weeks. Your band will be waiting for you when you are ready again, good for us huh?

I guess with all the problems everyone has had lately, I would go ahead and have the test if nothing else to make you feel better.

Tell your sister-in-law we are thinking about her as well, and sending prayers to her too! Did your DB ever get approved for it? If I recall, he wanted to have it done too.

Don't stay away for so long, some of us older bansters need our big sister bandsters help too! :)

Good Luck!

Glad you are having the endo done also!!! Keep us posted! We will say a prayer for you!

Leatha, you are just fine and dandy. An unfill is not a tragedy and you will LOVE feeling better. Be very good to yourself and let everything heal up, and in a few weeks you may be able to get some fill put back. And then you'll find you don't need nearly as much as you did before to get the same restriction back.

Good on you for getting things taken care of!! That IS being a model bandster, lady, and you're a terrific inspiration to everyone.

He laughs at me and assures me IF I had erosion, I would have NO restriction

Leatha I had great restriction and had erosion. I lost 11 lbs in October, found out my band was eroded in November. My restriction was better then it ever was in September and OCtober. Have an endo for your own peace of mind, it is worth the money

I'm glad you are being the responsible bandster, having your band unfilled is wise. Glad you went to your Dr. and aretaking care of things.

As was stated in a thread a few days ago, know your band, if that's possible. Obviously, you knew there were problems. Good luck with the testing.

I hope that all goes well for you! I'm sending a prayer and hug your way.

Good luck with all your results. I too do not agree with the restriction thing. But both Docs I spoke w/said you'd lose restriction also, or at least some. I disagree b/c of everything all the lbt'ers tell us. I hope your esophagus feels better right away.

Congratulations on your weight loss. 60% is wonderful if I do say so myself lol

I'm glad your getting an unfill and if you feel you need the test then by golly get it. Go with your gut because doctors go with the "average" ya know.

Feel better soon.......... HUGS !!!

Letha, hope you get to feeling better soon!

Hi Leatha,

Sorry to hear you had problems with your esophagus. My band is too loose and I will probably get a fill in the near future. I am having trouble to maintain my weight loss since I quit smoking and they removed my fill during plastic surgery in August. I have not been able to lose the weight I have gained and sit somewhere in the 190's. Veninga is a great doc, but you must do what feels right to you.

Babs in TX

334/190/170

Hi girl. So sorry to hear of your esophagus problems. I pray that the unfill will do you a world of good, and that the EGD will show only positive things.

*gives you a pat on the back*

I bet the unfill is all you need. It's good to hear you are doing well otherwise and all of your accomplishments with the band is something I crave. Keep up the good work and your minor set back will be over soon enough!