Hello all, first post ever. Was banded in 2006, lost 110 pounds effortlessly, gained 30 back the last two years drinking too much milk and not exercising for two hours a day like a nut. Still love my band and would like to keep it. Started having throat pain and coughing/phlegm upchuck at night, so went to doc. He ordered a fluoroscopy and found a slightly dilated esophagus, but band had not slipped. Will remove all fill next week. I have begun two weeks of liquids then six of mushies to see if this will resolve itself.

My questions: shouldn't I be avoiding the repeated fluoroscopies because of the quite alarming amount of radiation exposure from each (equal to 300 chest xrays!)??

Also, have any of you experienced esophageal dilation, and had it successfully revert itself (and stay reverted) after an unfill and rest period of liquids and mushies?

Thanks in advance for your reply. I hope to become a contributing member of this supportive community.

I've had 2 dilations this year, but it hasnt worked for me. I was told that I have esophageal dysmobility and I will be having my band removed and a revision to a gastric sleeve on Nov 1st. I wish you have better luck with dilation then I did.

Yeah, it looks like about 2/3 of those with esophageal dilation do not experience normalization. Did you do liquids then mushies for a LONG time? I might do liquids one month, mushies one month, then have a teeny tiny fill per month till I feel restriction. Thankfully right now I have no hunger, but expect it back once the swelling goes down. Not looking forward to bandster hell :-(

Ive been on liquids since I lost the ability of swallow and keep solid foods down back in mid July. The only mushey food I seem to be able to keep down for the most part is mashed potatoes, but they have to be very wet. Ive tried other foods and its a hit and miss kind of experience. The only good thing is that I lost 22 lbs in 6 weeks. I would give up the lbs lost for the ability to swallow normally again, thats why I decided to get the revision to a sleeve. Keep me updated on your progress.