Esophageal Problems

[shlyle 2]

Been a few years since I have been on these boards, but have just run into a pretty big problem. Got banded in 2012. Fills and weight loss went great. Seemed effortless for the first year and a half. Never really reached my goal weight but was at a weight that I was happy with and was only about 15 pounds from goal. Last fill was probably 3 year ago...?? I haven't had any major problems. Occasional stuck or close to stuck episodes but nothing that didn't resolve. Last year I was to the doctor twice for what was diagnosed as bronchitis. Was given meds and inhalers. Seemed to resolve. For about six months though I have been having increasing episodes of trouble breathing when I went to bed. Felt like I was breathing through a straw in my chest. Finally decided to see my doctor about getting tested for asthma. To me, everything pointed to something respiratory related. Ended up getting chest xray and then chest CT and a few hours of worry that they were going to tell me I had lung cancer. CT showed a massively dilated esophagus - normal diameter is 2 cm, mine measures 6 cm. It is pressing on my trachea, thus causing the breathing problems. Not sure if my food has been backing up into my esophagus or what, but I would think that I would have been experiencing some sort of pain or throwing up???

[summerset 5,261]

I had the same problem with a massively dilated esophagus. Got the fill removed and it got better. Unfortunately I had to have a revision anyway because of ongoing reflux problems.

[shlyle 2]

I had all fill removed on Friday. Yesterday I battled heartburn all day...Zantac, Gaviscon, lots of Water. Hoping it's not as bad today. But I feel better overall. Seems like I am sleeping better. You don't realize how tight you are until there is no restriction.