Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Esophageal Dilation?? And no more fills?



Recommended Posts

Okay I have a question.

My last fill was like 6 weeks ago. After that I was fine. Got full on small amounts and was having a hard time even getting 1000 calories in every day. I also couldn't eat chicken or bread.

For about the past 10 days I'm hungrier than usual, more often and eating more. I've been doing good to stay below 1300 calories. So today I saw my surgeon. He said that the fact that I can eat pizza and chicken now when I couldn't a month ago means that I most likely have stretched my esophagus. He said he isn't too worried about it though since I'm almost at his goal. He put in .1 cc and told me that whatever weight I lose after this will be all me doing it and not my band.

Isn't just possible that I can eat those things b/c my band has gotten looser and not from dilation? I've lost 12 pounds since my last fill. Also, his goal for me is 150 and he said today no more fills after this because I weigh 158 now. So hmm, I want to be 138 and I will get there either way with or without more fills but why is my fill level dependent on what he thinks I should weigh? Does that make since? I'm not trying to starve myself I'm just curious.

Once you hit your goal do you not need any more fills to maintain? I mean will your band just permanently stay at 7 cc's forever or what?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What he should do is not guess as to why but do a scan and know for sure. Unfortunately or fortunately whichever way you look at it they hold all the cards here and we are at the mercy or the benefit of their expertise. I have been told that if you do liquids for a few days to a week that the dilation will subside. I also read it on one of the posts here as well. I'm sure someone will have a better answer for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

He said he could do a scan to see but he didn't think it was worth it since I'm so close to goal. So since I'm close to goal and won't be getting more fills does that mean it won't get any worse?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh and I should mention, I have no nausea, vomiting, reflux or heartburn. He just thinks because I can eat more my esophagus is dilated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think I would find another doctor if possible. What an ass (excuse my french). The goal should be yours and not his. I don't have a lot of faith in doctors a lot of times because I have seen so many family member's butchered by quacks. If it doesn't feel right to you and if he won't give you any more fills and you think you need them, go elsewhere. What an arrogant doctor. I can't find it right now but I believe when I originally read the lap band book that it said that fills may be needed over time as some of the Fluid can leak out. What then? Sorry to get so mad but I don't get the arrogance of some of the doctors. What will your BMI be at "his" goal? Good luck to you. I'm glad my doctor let me set my own goal, he even said I could change it any time I felt like it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would go for a second opionion....I am new to this however have freinds that are 2-3 and 4years since banded and do go in for fills occasionaly to keep on track ..the Fluid will evaporate over time

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I believe diagnosis is through an upper GI and treatment is an unfill.

But he is the expert. My surgeon wants to do an upper GI once a year to be sure all is well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

what is Esophageal Dilation? I have almost constant problems with my throat. It always feels like I have a lump in my throat or that something is pushing up on it. They do the x-rays and tell me that I am not too tight that everything is moving thru fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would question why he would fill if he suspected a dilation. Typical protocol would be partial or full unfilled to allow it go go back. Adding Fluid can exasperated the problem

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you guys think it's even possible that's it a dilation? I'm not sure it even is. I mean from looking at the symptoms I have none of the typical symptoms, I'm just able to eat thicker/chewier foods when I'm 4 to 5 weeks out from a fill. It's like this every time though. At my last fill in May it was the same thing. I was able to eat chicken and bread and then I got a fill and couldn't eat those anymore. Then starting about 2 weeks ago I was able to eat them again. Now that I got a tiny fill yesterday I suspect that I won't be able to eat those foods for several weeks.

I don't overeat and I keep my portions small.

If it's possible that it is a dilation then I should go for a second opinion, the only problem is where I live at, the only other Lap Band doctor that takes my insurance is 100 miles away and since I have small kids at home it's hard to see a doctor that far away on a regular basis, you know?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Amanda,

To my knowledge, an esophageal dilation cannot be diagnosed solely on ability to eat certain foods. I think it is much more likely that with weight loss the band has become looser around the stomach, thus enabling you to tolerate denser foods.

However, now that your surgeon has brought this up, it will likely bug you till you determine whether or not you really do have something going on.

I'm not sure if dilation is diagnosed via an UGI or an Endoscopy. An UGI isn't too bad, just drink or eat some barium and they take some xrays. An endoscopy is a bit more trouble, they usually give you some sedation, but don't put you all the way asleep and then a tube with a camera is put down the throat to look at the esophagus and sometimes even the stomach.

If your surgeon isn't willing to send you for an UGI and another bariatric surgeon is difficult to get to.. how's your relationship with your PCP? I think I could talk to my PCP and explain to him that I had some concerns and see if he would agree to order an UGI. An endoscopy I'd have to think about a bit. While a dilation is of some concern, an endoscopy doesn't sound like fun either.

Good luck on figuring out what to do.

BTW.. a Wise person once told me "When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras". Meaning consider the most likely explanation before you consider the more unusual. I guess the saying would be in reverse in Africa. ::grin::

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A dilation should be able to be diagnosed via barium swallow and xray

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This Dr sounds lazy and full of himself. If you are having any complication at all with the band, and you have any fears that something has happened with it, you should have an endoscopy or ex-ray with barium or whatever it is they do to be able to see it. It's not worth your health just so your dr doesn't have to do a bit more paperwork and/or save the insurance companies some money. It's also not worth all the time, effort, and money you spent on getting the band placed. You have to take care of yourself, don't just listen to the doctor and go on your merry way, sometimes doctors are wrong. You have to listen to your own body and demand what you need from the medical people..stand up for yourself!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sounds like typical band progression to me... We get a fill b/c we become loose & are able to consume larger quantities & don't have a feeling of fullness for 3 to 4 hrs. I'm rather confused as to why ur doc would contribute u being able to eat more to esophageal dialation this time. . What about when u went in for previoss fills? Wasn't it the same circumstance?

Confronting ur doc is scary & we all want to believe our docs r truthful & care about their pts... Fact is sometimes they don't tell the truth! I personally drive 130 miles one way to see my docb/c I trust him & he's the best in the state. If I were u I'd seriously cosider getting a second opinion. @ least get a barium swallow study done to not only check for dialation but also to see how restricted u r.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×