ABP

Jack- You are brilliant! :clap2:ABP

Hello, all. I'm a 3 year band veteran and new to this site...judging from my current prediciment, I would've done well to find this site years ago. Hold on to your hats...this is going to take a while... I was banded by Dr. Santiago Horgan in Chicago in Feb. 2004. I have not kept vigilant track of my loss, or my fills/unfills as most people seem to on this site. I did however, have amazing results of weight loss in the first year or so. I began somewhere around 308 and was down to 209 within a year. Couldn't ever make it past the 100 mark. (I am now 29 years old and have lost and gained significant amounts of weight prior to the band. Numerous times. In fact, I had an abdominoplasty and lipo in various areas following a significant loss. I proceeded to gain over 100 lbs. over the course of the next year. Just to give you an idea of my classic yo-yo syndrome.) I was extremely faithful in my exercise program and in my eating habits for about a year and a half following being banded; however, I threw up ALL THE TIME, on a very regular basis, even with just liquids and I don't mean literal vomiting, but "PB'ing" as I've come to learn it is called on this site. My weight loss was going so well, I chose to just accept it. My weight loss slowed after about 18 months...and at this point, I'm positive the scale is going in the wrong direction, I'm just too ashamed to look. I've only had about 3 or 4 adjustments over the course of the now 3 years of having the lap band, but have no idea as to how many ccs, I don't even know what band I have, specifically. I suppose these are things I should be more aware of. The last time, (which I'm estimating was 6 months ago if not longer) I saw my surgeon, I had an "un-fill", because I had completely stopped losing weight and finally owned up to the truth about my "PB'ing" and evidently my pouch had stretched out? (I don't know that that is the correct terminology). I went back in 2 wks later for an adjustment. I have not been back since. (Let me clarify, I was a self-pay and every time I walk in the door of my surgeon's office I'm spending $250). Since then I have not had the problem with the PB'ing barring a few exceptions, like when I tried to eat more than I should. The truth is, I eat soup and soft foods. And I most definitely, on a regular basis exceed the 4 oz. that my pouch should sufficiently hold. I don't even try to eat things like meat or bread. They don't even exist in my vocabulary. I have for at least 3 months lived with pretty acute pain in my upper abdominal region. I have chosen not to address it, because I am so ashamed, as I, at one time, was a "star patient" and now I have failed, yet again. (Unfotunately the shame goes far deeper than that). I am beginning to rapidly gain weight again at this point. I just decided to start researching and found this web site. I have finally called my surgeon and admitted my failure and told him what has been going on, in particular, the pain I've consistently had now for quite some time. Now that I have admitted this, the pain is quite more apparent. I will be seeing my surgeon (actally, Dr. Horgan has left the practice, however, he had a team of surgeons with him who have continued the practice). I spoke to him yesterday and he seems confident that I simply need to have the band deflated for a few weeks. I, however, after perusing many of the threads on this site fear major complications such as erosion or slippage. I don't have the reflux, as I have taken nexium for about 10 years (but if I don't take it, the reflux is constant and unrelenting). I am extremely frightened and am feeling so, so utterly ashamed of my failure and neglect and I hate that I know I will be made to feel even worse when I do go in on Wednesday, but I fear my health may be in jeopardy at this point, so I have no choice. I'm curious what you would do in my situation. I feel like an Upper GI is necessary, but I know that my doctor is simply going to do a barium swallow under fluoroscopy, deflate the band and send me on my way, to return for an adjustment in a few weeks. Should I be demanding an Upper GI? I have also requested a referral to a psychiatrist and will soon be seeing one who is also a patient himself. (I was req'd to see a therapist for 6 months prior to my surgery, and continued for about a year). I apologize, as brevity is not my stong suit, but would greatly appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks very much. ABP

So I saw my surgeon this afternoon. Evidently I have been even more lax with the band than I realized. It has actually been a year, exactly since the last time I was in for any kind of adjustment. I did a barium swallow under fluoroscopy, during which my surgeon fielded a phone call leaving me standing there freaking out for about 15 minutes. Let me also explain that English is not his first language and I kind of have a difficult time understanding him and communicating with him, for that matter. Following his phone call he returned to inform me that he sees no slip, no pouch dilation, no problems whatsoever and inquires as to what I would like him to do. We discussed the pain I have had for months now and he explained (I think, again, language barriers) that the pain I am having could not be the band because the band is closer to the back than to the front of the body, and it looks fine under fluoro. My pain is distinctly sharp and in my stomach and pretty much constant. He is ordering an endoscopy and will be there to deflate the fill prior to the procedure. I'm still in pain but now more confused than scared. I guess at least my fears have been abated for now, as far as slippage is concerned. Although I do plan to get a second opinion. I've actually found a Chicago thread on this site and am getting some suggestions from others on another doctor who would see me, despite not having placed my band. I have gained 7 lbs since my last visit a year ago, by the way, which thankfully is much less than I had feared. I did get an adjustment today and am on liquids now. The doctor said liquids for a few days, but on my own account I think I will start over entirely with clear liquids, then full liquids on to puree, etc. It's spring time and I need a re-birth. Thanks to all of you for your concern and support and I will be sure to keep you updated. Best to all. ABP

HI, Ashwood and welcome! I'm right there with you. I'm 3 years out as of Feb. 25th. I'm actually going to see my surgeon in an hour and I suspect I will be starting over, as well. I just hope that everything is alright with the band. I have had a lot of pain lately and pretty much no restriction. My surgeon seems confident that I will just need to be un-filled for a while to heal the irritation and then start all over. I, however, am fearing major complications such as catastrophic slippage. The pain is very real, and I have let it go on for about 3 or 4 months. I'm now on my way to face the music and learn what is going on. I'm very nervous, but ready to find out and get myself back on track. Best, ABP

For my pre-op diet I was advised to have ONLY liquid 14 days prior to surgery. The purpose is to deplete your glycogen stores, which in turn makes laparoscopic placement easier. You can have any liquids NOT containing sugar, such as sugar free kool-aid, propel, coffee, tea, broth soups (all varieties) sugar-free popsicles and sugar-free jello. :hungry:

Teachlady- That is part of the beauty of this process, it is MINIMALLY INVASIVE. I had my surgery as an out-patient on a Friday and was back up rolling in no time. I think I even went to work the following Monday. I play guitar, so the flute may be a bit different, as it requires the use of your stomach muscles, I'd imagine. But I'd imagine that within 3 days at the very most, you'll be fine. Good Luck and best wishes!

JubJub- I definitely would not smoke the next day! I'm 3 yrs out, big puffer for like 15 yrs. and I gotta tell you I waited at least a week...if I recall correctly! It's good to take a break now and then anyway and clear your head...send me a private message if you really want to talk about this....I'm doubting that many on this forum would even touch this subject. I'm quite new to this forum, though Ive been banded for 3 years. ABP:)

In all of these threads that I have been reading I am finding that a lot of people have adjustments without the barium swallow under fluoroscopy. How is that done? How, without the swallow can it be determined how much or how little restriction one has? My surgeons require it every time I walk in the door. You can't get any sort of adjustment without it. Do some surgeons just enter blindly, fishing around for the port and hope they hit it with the right amount?

Thanks, again, everyone for replying with all of your encouragement. I have a question- Is a barium swallow under fluoroscopy the same thing as an Upper GI? Each time I have gone to see my surgeon, I do a barium swallow under fluoroscopy to determine whether or not I need an adjustment (and if you read my earlier novel, you know that over the course of 3 years I think I've only had maybe 3 or 4 adjustments). I'm definitely thinking the pain I've been experiencing over the past few months warrants a little further exploration. Is it an endoscopy that I should ask for that could determine whether or not there has truly been a slip or erosion? I'm just concerned that I will just quietly acquiesce and let them do what they do, and that is adjust the band and I'm on my own again... Thanks, again and best to all. ABP:)

Betterlife- I'm in Chicago and am wondering the same thing. I don't know if my surgeons take "outside patients" for adjustments, but I'm going in Wednesday and will find out. I'm interested to find out if there is somewhere less expensive that I could go in Chicago, so I'm looking into this. I did come across a site today regarding the same subject. Go to this link... http://www.fillcentersusa.com/ Cheers, ABP

Thanks very much, Jack and Tigger for your replies. I'm actually quite encouraged just having found this site! I should have done it LONG ago, as clearly I could've used the support all along! I know that there are so many people who have gone through and are going through the same feelings of despair, self-loathing and fear that I am and it's great to have a forum like this. I absolutely, without a doubt, plan to rededicate myself...to myself. Cheers to you both. ABP

Thank you for the advice and encouragement, Dr. C. I really appreciate it. I am certainly hoping that there is not a serious problem. I will be finding out soon enough, I guess. Thanks again. ABP

Hello, all. I'm a 3 year band veteran and new to this site...judging from my current prediciment, I would've done well to find this site a years ago. Hold on to your hats...this is going to take a while... I was banded by Dr. Santiago Horgan in Chicago in Feb. 2004. I have not kept vigilant track of my loss, or my fills/unfills as most people seem to on this site. I did however, have amazing results of weight loss in the first year or so. I began somewhere around 308 and was down to 209 within a year. Couldn't ever make it past the 100 mark. (I am now 29 years old and have lost and gained significant amounts of weight prior to the band. Numerous times. In fact, I had an abdominoplasty and lipo in various areas following a significant loss. I proceeded to gain over 100 lbs. over the course of the next year. Just to give you an idea of my classic yo-yo syndrome.) I was extremely faithful in my exercise program and in my eating habits for about a year and a half following being banded; however, I threw up ALL THE TIME, on a very regular basis, even with just liquids and I don't mean literal vomiting, but "PB'ing" as I've come to learn it is called on this site. My weight loss was going so well, I chose to just accept it. My weight loss slowed after about 18 months...and at this point, I'm positive the scale is going in the wrong direction, I'm just too ashamed to look. I've only had about 3 or 4 adjustments over the course of the now 3 years of having the lap band, but have no idea as to how many ccs, I don't even know what band I have, specifically. I suppose these are things I should be more aware of. The last time, (which I'm estimating was 6 months ago if not longer) I saw my surgeon, I had an "un-fill", because I had completely stopped losing weight and finally owned up to the truth about my "PB'ing" and evidently my pouch had stretched out? (I don't know that that is the correct terminology). I went back in 2 wks later for an adjustment. I have not been back since. (Let me clarify, I was a self-pay and every time I walk in the door of my surgeon's office I'm spending $250). Since then I have not had the problem with the PB'ing barring a few exceptions, like when I tried to eat more than I should. The truth is, I eat soup and soft foods. And I most definitely, on a regular basis exceed the 4 oz. that my pouch should sufficiently hold. I don't even try to eat things like meat or bread. They don't even exist in my vocabulary. I have for at least 3 months lived with pretty acute pain in my upper abdominal region. I have chosen not to address it, because I am so ashamed, as I, at one time, was a "star patient" and now I have failed, yet again. (Unfotunately she shame goes far deeper than that). I am beginning to rapidly gain weight again at this point. I just decided to start researching and found this web site. I have finally called my surgeon and admitted my failure and told him what has been going on, in particular, the pain I've consistently had now for quite some time. Now that I have admitted this, the pain is quite more apparent. I will be seeing my surgeon (actally, Dr. Horgan has left the practice, however, he had a team of surgeons with him who have continued the practice). I spoke to him yesterday and he seems confident that I simply need to have the band deflated for a few weeks. I, however, after perusing many of the threads on this site fear major complications such as erosion or slippage. I don't have the reflux, as I have taken nexium for about 10 years (but if I don't take it, the reflux is constant and unrelenting). I am extremely frightened and am feeling so, so utterly ashamed of my failure and neglect and I hate that I know I will be made to feel even worse when I do go in on Wednesday, but I fear my health may be in jeopardy at this point, so I have no choice. I'm curious what you would do in my situation. I feel like an Upper GI is necessary, but I know that my doctor is simply going to do a barium swallow under fluoroscopy, deflate the band and send me on my way, to return for an adjustment in a few weeks. Should I be demanding an Upper GI? I have also requested a referral to a psychiatrist and will soon be seeing one who is also a patient himself. (I was req'd to see a therapist for 6 months prior to my surgery, and continued for about a year). I apologize, as brevity is not my stong suit, but would greatly appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks very much. ABP