I found out today that my esophagus has dilated so my lap band is useless and will need to be removed. I have had an ongoing battle - when I had it 8 years ago, I lost 100 lbs, then put 40 back on. I have yo-yo dieted ever since...filling, unfilling. I can't lose the weight now because of the dilation. I am horrified at the thought that I'm stuck here. My partner - who I wasn't with when I got my band - is furious that I would consider conversion and we had a huge fight tonight. I'm so fed up and so depressed. If I could lose my last 50 lbs on my own I would, but I'm useless at that. I just don't know what to do.

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Your "partner" says no? Do you not have autonomy over your life, your body and your health?

Apart from that, I've had dilation. My band was loosened quite a bit -- not completely emptied -- for a while, perhaps up to two months to that the dilation would correct. Then I started tightening and found the band in working order. It's been said that, once loosened dramatically due to such a mishap, the band never works quite as well again, but that doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't renew the partnership with its owner. If you and your surgeon haven't discussed giving it a chance before discussing revision surgery, you may want to bring it up.

I never said I don't have autonomy. But the potential of destroying a relationship makes it a little more challenging. Why did you put partner in quotes?

I will check with the surgeon. I have read of people being unfilled for a few months then refilled. I am filled very tight right now but with the dilation - nothing.

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How do you know when your esophagus is dilated? Do you need test to see that? I'm new to the band and have no restriction really so I'm just curious.

LapBand ~ November 1, 2016

My band was filled and filled - I have a large band - but no restriction. I did an upper GI test and they could see it on the scan.

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Ok so you didn't have symptoms just no restriction. My band is a 10cc band and I have 4cc now but no restriction and fear that I'm eating to much or not chewing good enough by accident.

Your restriction may take time to kick in. It took me a good two months before I felt any and then it went really fast. As you get filled more, you'll find what works. It will be a lifetime of adjustments.

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I've only had my band for a little over a month now so I figured that was why. I'm anxious to feel restriction and feel like I have a band. My weight loss hasn't budged in almost 2 weeks now. Time and patience I suppose. I hope all goes well with your band and you don't have to have it removed

LapBand ~ November 1, 2016

Same issue. Esophagus dilated and band slipped. Revision surgery to correct slip on June 26th. Been tightened to capacity and no restriction. Surgeon says it should be removed and I should try the sleeve. Need opinions. Can you reset your band to work with your body again?????

Also, Same spouse issue. They do have a right to have an opinion and be upset though. Major surgery and expense. As well as the fact that, if they aren't as concerned with our weight as we are, they don't feel the risk of surgery is worth potentially losing their loved one.

I've had a similar issue - banded 10 years ago and had great success with it. I put weight back on due to hypothyroidism and pregnancy...but once I had my son I went back to the doctor to get back on board with my fills. I was told that I was outside the window of success for a band, and that it was unlikely it would work anymore.

I sought a second opinion and right around that time I started having horrible reflux...even Water gave me acid reflux. Upper GI showed a dilation and hiatal hernia, and also showed that even with only 1cc in a 10cc band it was waaaaaaaay too tight.

I've opted for removal because I don't trust that the current issues I've had won't lead to other issues like slippage and erosion down the road. So, it's coming out and I'm hoping to be revised to an RNY so I can continue my bariatric journey.