For the last two days, I have had trouble swallowing food. Why might this be?

Question

I am 12 years post op. In the last two days I have been having troubles. Food is getting stuck easily, despite chewing thoroughly and stopping frequently. I don’t feel any pain but there is some discomfort at the band area. Did have a productive burp but it almost feels like there is a blockage. What could the issue be?

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

Hello Re1958, I hope you are feeling better.
There could be different answers to your discomfort and would have to look at it to give a precise evaluation, however it is very common for Lap Band Patients to have those symptoms when the lap band is misshaping your esophagus-stomach area into an 'Hourglass" shape, this is common for patients that have had the lap band from more than 5 years. Your digestive system is always in motion and slippage from the original placing becomes a very common issue. Most of my patients have that same ailments as you, choose to have the Lap Band removed before it becomes a painful and unmanageable situation.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I’m sorry to read about your recent difficulties.
It is certainly possible your symptoms are being caused by band slippage. Symptoms of gastric band slippage include:
1. Heartburn/reflux aka gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD) 
2. Pain with eating 
3. Vomiting after eating 
4. Nighttime cough 
5. Chest pain/pressure
Band slippage is diagnosed by x-ray imaging. It is also possible your band has become too tight. In either case, sometimes removing fluid from the band will allow the stomach to adjust and the symptoms to resolve. If fluid adjustment does not resolve the symptoms, conversion to the sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass is usually recommended.
Evaluation by your surgeon will help you determine the underlying cause.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

For the last two days, I have had trouble swallowing food. Why might this be?

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For the last two days, I have had trouble swallowing food. Why might this be?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lap Band

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.