(man, we are keeping the good doctor busy!)

My question pertains to the pouch. I've been having some troubles lately, mostly that it feels like I have hardly any restriction but then at that monthly time I'm PB'ing.

A doctor who filled in while my regular surgeon was out suggested that it might be that after a year of being banded, the pouch has relaxed or he said it may even have stretched.

He asked me to get an esophagram which I have and I go in in a couple days for the doctor to look.

My question is...tell me about the dialation of the pouch. Is this something that is reversable? How is it treated? I would say I'm guilty of eating too much so it's quite plausible. I'm just curious what this means for me long term?

Thanks in advance.

Karen

Sometimes cases of pouch dilation will resolve by leaving the band unfilled for awhile, sometimes not. It's really important for bandsters to recognize that feeling of fullness and stop early so as not to put major stress on the band position. If it's not really pouch dilation but what's known as a concentric slip, it probably requires repositioning (meaning surgery).

Good luck,

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

Dr C, thanks for the info. I was of course looking to be a little educated before talking to my surgeon. He can be very difficult to talk with so a little info goes a long way.

Much appreciated!!

Karen

Dr C. Not sure if you can answer my question or not. But you seem to be very helpful to others so I'll try. I had my band placed 4/26/05. I have had many fills approximately have had 14.5cc placed in my VG band. I have never been restricted. I can eat anything I want. I had ugi this week and it looks as though my band has slipped. I don't know that I have ever had any symptoms of a problem. I know I have a pretty high tolerance to pain maybe I have ignored problems. I was getting frustrated because I have really been working on it. Exercising and eating good. Not to say that I have never made a bad food choice. Did I miss something I should have noticed. Will it hurt me if my insurance will not cover for a revision to just leave the band wherever it is? I am just confused and frustrated. I would appreciate any info you can give me.

Without seeing Xrays and such, it's hard to speculate on what's going on specific to your situation. The only thing I would say is that I wouldn't really recommend leaving a slipped band in place unless it was unfilled.

Good luck,

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

Dr C. Not sure if you can answer my question or not. But you seem to be very helpful to others so I'll try. I had my band placed 4/26/05. I have had many fills approximately have had 14.5cc placed in my VG band. I have never been restricted. I can eat anything I want. I had ugi this week and it looks as though my band has slipped. I don't know that I have ever had any symptoms of a problem. I know I have a pretty high tolerance to pain maybe I have ignored problems. I was getting frustrated because I have really been working on it. Exercising and eating good. Not to say that I have never made a bad food choice. Did I miss something I should have noticed. Will it hurt me if my insurance will not cover for a revision to just leave the band wherever it is? I am just confused and frustrated. I would appreciate any info you can give me.

Dr C. Thanks for the input my Surgeon and I are talking I'm just curious and anxious . I appreciate your time.

I've been reading through several of the discussions and it seems that once banded, you will vomit at one time or another. This has me concerned. What is the best way to avoid vomitting at all? My biggest fear is band slippage.

My surgery date is July 3rd (scared but excited at the same time).