So, after losing 114 pounds, I found myself hungry all the time, gaining weight and suffering from the worst heartburn ever. I had gotten complacent in my diet, I will admit that, but I still felt like something else was wrong. Went back and had a barium swallow done. Turns out i am dilated. I have has all of my fluid removed for the next three weeks. I have had my band for two years and decided that now is the time to "restart" my band. I am going to do the presurgery diet until I get fills again, and just start over.

Has anyone else done this? Has it worked? I hope this will reset my thinking back to being newly banded and help to lose the pounds I have gained. Please give me your opinions.

I never had to have my band un-filled, but whenever I feel I can eat more than usual with little effort...I go straight liquids for 2-3 days....some call this the 5 day pouch test..why I will never know...

Pouches will dilate..it is normal due to over use....just as the stomach will stretch....drinking while eating will do it also....too much in pouch at one time...

I have friends in your situation, and yes, the Dr. completely unfilled their band to give it a rest....then started all over again....

I think stretching(dialating) our esophogus or pouch is always on most bandsters mind? Especially for those of us who find it hard to slow down and take small bites. You could help those of us on the forum if you could expound on how this happened so that we don't make the same mistake?

I don't have any advice for you since it's never happened to me. I have heard that the unfill is one technique that is used to shrink the pouch back to it's original size. I think there's also a video in youtube where a doctor surgically repairs a dilation.

tmf

I am really not sure exactly how or when it happened. I would guess I just overate a couple of times and that did it? But I always try not to eat once I begin to feel full. I really can't say what did it.

I am really not sure exactly how or when it happened. I would guess I just overate a couple of times and that did it? But I always try not to eat once I begin to feel full. I really can't say what did it.

I also did the same think back in November had everything takin out then waited 4 weeks. I went back in everything looked good so started refill. So far has been ok but I did go back and refresh my eating habits.

I'm experiencing heartburn, too. I don't have any other symptoms. I'm going on liquids beginning tomorrow. Do you do clear liquids or full liquids when trying to reduce the pouch? Any protein shakes?

I did full liquids with protien shakes. I drank 5 shakes a day with a lot of water in between. I was refilled Friday and so far, I feel great!! Doing Mushies now.

Google 5 day pouch test to know more.