I had a lap band surgery about 4 1/2 years ago and went from 330 lbs to 220 lbs since then. I am pretty happy with my weight loss. Although I have had some issues with eating certain foods I have managed until maybe 3-4 months ago, perhaps it started before but I did not realize it.

I was having more and more problems eating and even drinking. In the morning or during the day (several hours after last meal) I could not eat anything. Sometimes even a few sips of Water would not go down and I had to go and purge (?). I would also sometimes drink a couple sips of water before going to bed and then I could feel it trying to go through and some air bubbling up and it always felt like it was stuck in my throat so I would have to go purge it in order to be able to sleep.

At other times I could eat almost 'normal' within reason and small portions (much smaller than before the band).

Since I had the surgery done overseas, I did not do any follow-ups for almost 4 years. I initially had two fills of 2 ml (cc) each for a total of 4 ml.

I finally went to see a doctor last week and he did a fluoroscopy with barium and it showed nothing was passing through as well as an enlarged esophagus. He unfilled the band completely, although only got about 3 cc's out. He also told me that I needed to have the band removed and should have a conversion to a gastric bypass done.

Besides the fact that my insurance probably won't pay for a conversion since I am no longer obese per their definition (BMI > 35) I really do not want to have surgery and especially not a bypass. I had opted for the band as it seemed to be the least invasive procedure and would not require Vitamins and other supplements for the rest of my life.

Since I was skeptical the doctor said we would do another x-ray in a week and I should eat (drink) only liquids. That was tough and I have eaten a few regular meals. The food seems to go down easier now that the band was unfilled but after talking to the doctor and seeing the x-ray for myself I may just be filling up my esophagus again.

The 2nd x-ray will be on Thursday afternoon and I am planning to switch to all liquid today (Tuesday).

When I had the first x-ray I asked them if I should come with an empty stomach and was told it was not necessary but I suspect that some of my lunch (noon) may have still been in my esophagus at 3 pm and may have been blocking the opening of the band. Even though they unfilled it I am sure it would take a little while for the opening to widen, perhaps hours, days or even weeks.

I know this is short notice and I have not see a lot of activity on these boards but I hope I can get some feedback and advise from you.

I had my band 4 years and my journey ended having it removed and revised to sleeve 4 months ago. My issue was also a stretched esophagus. With my esophagus working as a 2nd stomach, I could eat more and I gradually started gaining weight was my first symptom. When my esophagus issue was discovered my band was emptied and I put on even more weight very quickly. With the weight gain I qualified on the BMI requirement for revision. In addition, I was still on medications for high blood pressure, which also helped me qualify. Getting the band removed was a very tough and sad decision for me and revision was even tougher.

Four months out and my feelings have completely changed about my revision. 30 pounds down, no more stuck episodes, no more slime, no more puking, night coughs etc. and the very best is that "feeling full" is really "feeling full"! No more measuring meals, I can now do my own push aways very easily.

I understand how you are feeling and the unknowns. Hang in there. If band removal is in your future, don’t let revision surgery scare you. Of course, I’m going to say that sleeve is the way to go, but, then I would be saying different had I had the by-pass done. One thing I do know is that I still need my weight loss tool! Having my band emptied a few months, I started gaining weight and started to fall back into my old habits of overeating.

Much luck to you and please do keep me informed of what happens. jake

Jake,

thank you for your reply. After doing some more research I also tend more towards the sleeve instead of the bypass since the digestive system is not rearranged and there are no foreign objects implanted in your body as with the lap band.

It is much less complicated than a gastric bypass and has a reduced risk of malnutrition or Vitamin deficiency.

The only negative and possible complication appears to be the long staple line which presents an increased risk of staple line leaks and bleeding.