I had a barium swallow today and it showed that my pouch was hugely dilated. I couldn't believe it. I haven't been able to keep anything down for quite a while in spite of being totally unfilled and I have terrible heartburn. My surgeon wants to do a revision with a new band. My question is how do I avoid getting dilated again? This is a real drag and I'm not even losing that much weight with not being able to eat.

I have my surgery scheduled for the 18th. I will just be in heartburn hell until then.

Annie:

I hope you feel better soon. Does your doctor have you on any medication for your heartburn? I take prilosec and it does a pretty good job. I've heard that Protonix is the best medicine for gerd. If you're not taking anything ask your doctor if there's something he can prescribe for the heartburn.

Sue

Thank you sue. I take a heartburn medicine, but with the dilated pouch, it wasn't enough.

I had my surgery on Friday and now am in the liquid phase of recovery. I will have to do the 2 week liquids, 2 week mushies as if I am starting over. No heartburn and I can drink comfortably now without fear of PBing.

One warning, my insurance would not cover my operation because I was self pay for my first band. No one told me when I got my first band that any complications would not be covered.

Annie:

Good luck with your new start. Sounds like you're off to a good start.

Sorry about the insurance thing. That definitely stinks!

Keep us posted on your progress.

Take care.

Sue

Well, I have had my band for 3+ years, and I was telling my doctor about the reflux, we did and upper GI and he said my band has slipped. Other than the reflux, I feel fine, I looked at the x-ray and it looks like the pouch is dilated, but he is the doctor, so he is checking with our insurance to see if they will cover the revision,or if not at least to remove the band. He is worried about erosion of the band on the stomach. (We have a different insurance now than we did before) I am worried that they will consider this a pre-existing condition. Bummers, so until then its just a waiting game.