My surgeon thinks I have esophageal dilation but he doesn't think its a big deal. My family dr disagrees so she ordered an upper GI. I drank 2 oz of super thin barium. After 15 minutes most of it was still sitting in my esophagus and hadn't gone through my band yet. The radiologist was concerned about that. With a band it's supposed to take longer to go through right?? I asked the assistant if esophageal dilation would cause that and she said she wasn't sure. Thoughts? I should have official results tomorrow. I'm trying to see a surgeon who specializes in bariatrics but he requires you do the upper GI first.

You posted the same topic yesterday and the correct answer is talk to your bariatric surgeon. This is a complicated diagnosis and I seriously doubt anyone here would have your entire medical history to offer any better advice than your bariatric surgeon.

BTW-You mention "your surgeon" but then go on to say you're seeking a bariatric surgeon? What kind of surgeon is "your surgeon"?

You posted the same topic yesterday and the correct answer is talk to your bariatric surgeon. This is a complicated diagnosis and I seriously doubt anyone here would have your entire medical history to offer any better advice than your bariatric surgeon.

BTW-You mention "your surgeon" but then go on to say you're seeking a bariatric surgeon? What kind of surgeon is "your surgeon"?

Just thought I might get different opinions here. It will likely be weeks before I can see any surgeon. Mine only sees patients on Mondays and I have no idea what the wait is for the new one.

My surgeon is a general surgeon that also does Lap Bands. The surgeon I'm trying to see does only bariatric surgery and nothing else.

def a question only your doctor can answer and fix.

hope you feel better soon.

I lean more towards your PCP recommendations but would definitely seek the advice of a bariatric surgeon.

tmf

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/169256-just-had-an-upper-gi-confused-now/

I was confused when I logged on and saw this as a new post today. Any bariatric surgeon who thinks esophageal dilation is no big deal, is incompetent. SOC for this is a complete unfill to rest the esophagus, with a trial fill (very small amt) after about6 weeks.

As I stated in your earlier post; you got 2 oz of barium, the pouch is about 2 oz capacity. IF your stoma was tight, a bit of the barium could be in the esophagus, but certainly not most of it. You might be having early signs of damage to the EGJ.

A manometry test is required if this persists after an unfill and 6 week rest.

Our PCPs, GI specialists aren't familiar with the band and the effect it can have on the esophagus. They will, for the most part take a dilated esophagus very seriously.

Well the radiology report ended up being normal, completely normal so I'm not sure why

He was so concerned with the remaining barium. I had the upper GI done because the bariatric surgeon's office said I had to do it before he would see me. Now they are telling me he won't see me at all because he doesn't see band patients unless he placed the band himself.

Why is it so hard to get a second opinion? I realize most doctors do not want other doctors mistakes/problems but that shouldn't be the patients fault.

Turns out I was told the wrong thing. My upper GI did indeed show a problem with my esophagus:(

The report shows that my pouch looks good but after 30 minutes there was still way too much barium stuck in my esophagus.

I'm getting a total unfill tomorrow and then I'm not sure what's next.

I'm sad:(

I really am.

Don't be sad I'm right there with you. I have dilation. I had a slight unfill and liquids 3 days then mushy 3 days. The tech at my fill center says thid will give the esphogas time to heel .The only thing is we are going to have to rely on will power and lots of wster and exercise to stay on track. You will be able to make it.

One thing I learned with the band is that I actually do like vegetables and I love to run.

I'm hoping those two things keep me on track!

Also my husband has decided to do it with me this time. He needs to lose weight and wants us to start riding bikes together.