Yes he's a reptile vet., no it isn't defecating except for urates (white) and the X-ray shows dark 1" plus above the vent and doesn't appear to be egg follicles. The Gila has stopped eating and the vet. feels like it is about time to operate. He says the area that he feels is the impaction is hard. Have you had one operated on before and what was the outcome? Thanks for the response. TDK