Pouch Dilation

jwille · May 12, 2007

How do you know when your pouch has dilated?

jc

Carlene · May 12, 2007

Only way to know for sure is to take a look under fluoro. Is it your pouch you are concerned about, or your esophagus? Pouch dilation doesn't really have any symptoms, except you gradually are able to eat more than you could before.

jwille · May 12, 2007

Thanks Carlene for answering. I'm not concerned about me, just read it somewhere on this site and it just got me thinking.

Carlene · May 12, 2007

I am just getting over an esophageal dilation. Being too tight is the most frequent cause.

Ninajo · May 13, 2007

Hi Carlene,

I had the band done on 02/16/07. I have been complaining to the doctor that I am chocking. I feel like the food (solid foods, breads, etc) are getting stuck in my esophogus. I had a barium swallow. I don't understand the entire process but the doc said the esophagus and the band should creat pressure and the band will slide in place. With the espo surgery, the area may be too loose. Therefore my band isn't working properly. I am discouraged and scare. With your band, do you feel full? I have never felt full since my surgery date.

Thanks.

Nina

I am just getting over an esophageal dilation. Being too tight is the most frequent cause.

Carlene · May 13, 2007

Hi Carlene,
I had the band done on 02/16/07. I have been complaining to the doctor that I am chocking. I feel like the food (solid foods, breads, etc) are getting stuck in my esophogus. I had a barium swallow. I don't understand the entire process but the doc said the esophagus and the band should creat pressure and the band will slide in place. With the espo surgery, the area may be too loose. Therefore my band isn't working properly. I am discouraged and scare. With your band, do you feel full? I have never felt full since my surgery date.

Thanks.

Nina

How many fills have you had? You won't feel restriction until you have had several fills, as a rule. And you probably should think about giving up the bread. It isn't getting stuck in your esophagus; it's getting stuck in your stoma - the opening from your pouch to your stomach. I know it feels like a golf ball in the middle of your chest, but it's not really in your esophagus.

I have never heard anything about "pressure" and the band "sliding into place". The band is stitched in place.

Try to eat band friendly foods only for a week or two and see if this doesn't resolve itself. Band friendly foods are very tender, very moist chicken, tuna, salmon, soft veggies, low fat yogurt, cheese, etc. And chew everything until there is nothing left before you swallow.