Everyone was so nice when I posted about 2 months ago with my complications from Gastric Segmentation in the 80's, I thought I would update. I finally was able to see a Gastroenterologist, who was very nice by the way. Little things like having a doctor be nice mean a lot sometimes! Anyway, he is going to do an endoscopy on Wednesday and go a balloon type procedue to try and enlarge the stricture at the bottom of my esophagus. He isn't sure at this point if it is a structural problem or functional problem with my stomach. For those who don't remember, I'm throwing up about 5-8 times a week from food getting stuck at the bottom of my esophagus. An upper GI showed that a barium pill could not be swallowed. So, the end result is that he said the endoscopy/balloon thing could either help me permanently, help me temporarily, or not help at all but its a good alternative to surgery. If that doesn't work, I'll probably have my band taken off. I was trying to avoid surgery. I'm hoping for the best

susan!!! so glad to see you back. and delighted that you've found someone who can help you.

please don't go away again. hang out... keep us posted. let us know.

Susan! Thanks for the update!!!! Keep us posted!!!

peach

We are all interested in the outcome,...and in you. Hang around, we are a great group!

Susan Glad to see you back! Good Luck, you will be in my prayers

Had the endoscopy today with a dilation. The doc says to come back to him in 6 weeks and evaluate over this period of time whether or not it worked. I'm hopeful! Thanks for all your kind words.

Susan

wait!!!! that's not quite enough info!!!!! was it easy for you?? did he tell you what he found and what he did???

how are you feeling? any restrictions? do you get to stay home from work..

come on susan.. dish the dirt!!!!!!!

The endoscopy wasn't too bad. They just use conscious sedation, so you still sort of feel it. I could feel when they did the dilation and it wasn't comfortable, but not terrible. They found Stage II esophagitis (not sure when that means exactly) and the narrowing caused by the band. To be honest, I'm still not sure what it all means. I don't know if my band was up too high or what. The GI showed that the stricture was at the base of the esophagus, but he said today it was actually on my stomach. He said I may need to think about getting it reversed based on the problems I've had over the last 15 years. He said there is a gastric surgeon who also does WLS and reverses them that he could refer me to. I'm trying to avoid surgery if possible, so I'm hopeful this will do the trick. He didn't seem quite so hopeful after the endoscopy, but I was still a little groggy. I'll have to see what he says at my follow up appointment.

Actually, I was already on vacation this week, so I didn't miss any additional work. I got there at 10 am , the procedure was at 11 and I walked out at 12:15, so as far as procedures go, it was pretty easy. The best part was that when I got home my husband tried to entertain my kids and give me some peace and quiet. Something almost unheard of in my house! My throat is sore and my chest hurts a little bit tonight.

Susan

Susan, Take it easy, and get some rest tonight. On your followup ask more questions, and please inform us. I hope everything turns out ok for you