Jerseygirl

Can someone explain to me just what this Upper GI actually is? I was filled a couple of weeks ago under floroscope ( 9cc's in an 11cc band) I don't feel any restriction so the doc says the my band is dialated. I asked for some kind of test to see just wast was wrong. The word I got back was that there was no need for a test. I was then asked if I wanted to replace the band or go to the sleeve. That means that I will have to undergo two more surgeries, one to remove the band and another to replace it or go to the sleeve. Needless to say I will think long and hard before making a decision. Right now I am seriously leaning toward living with the band I have. But, how will I know if there is really something wrong if I can't get a test to determing that. Feedback please.

I am 70 and was banded back in June of 2010. My experience has been wonderful up until this past June. I lost a total of 98 lbs. However in June I got stuck and against my wishes the doctor emptied my band. When I went back for my refill I got 6 1/2cc, but no restriction. I went in again and I am now at 9cc in an 11cc band. Still no restriction. The doc will not put any more in. They are talking band replacememt or the sleeve. I'm not sure I want to undergo two more surgeries to make that happen. I have gained about 15 lbs. so I am going to try to do everything in my power to keep it where it is. Although I don't have restriction, I am not hungry and I have learned to eat smaller portions. I have increased my activities and I'm praying to God to give me the strength to at least stay where I am. I intend to live with the band in place inless some other complications arrise that require its removal. What I need now is plenty of encouragement.

Thanks. I take it that the upper G/Fluroscopy is not the same thing as getting the fill under fouroscope. Am I right?

My unfill was in early June. At first my doctor's office said they were going to do a test to determin if there was band dialation. Then I got word the the doctor said there was no need to do the test because with 9cc's in an 11cc band and no restriction, there is something wrong with the band. they are asking me to make a decision to replace the band or go to the sleeve. Any suggestions??

Hi All, I hope someone here can give me some encouragement. I'll try to make this as concise as I possibly can. I was banded in June 2010, and lost a total of 98 lbs. I've had several fills and unfills and I know what restriction fells like. However, this past June I got stuck and I want to my doctor for a slight unfill. At that time I had about 7cc in the band. I was not able to schedule a refill untill the end of July and was given 61/2 c's. I had no restriction so when I finally got to see my doctor on Sept 13, he put in another 2 1/2 cc's. I still have no restriction and my doctor seems to think the there could be something wrong with the band. I am hopeing that the restriction will kick in soon, because I really don't want to have another surgery. I have an 11cc band and the doctor says he does not want to fill the band any further. Any advise would be appreciated. I think if the band had not been completely unfilled, this may not have happened.

I love this post. I have been banded since June, 2010 and reading this has greatly helped me. I thought I would never get restriction but I finally did, and in total I lost about 98 lbs. Then I started having episodes of getting stuck or too tight. I would be very uncomfortable, couldn't keep food down and developed acid reflux. A trip to the doc's office and a slight unfill would usually do the trick. But back in May It happened again and my doctor was out of town. So I agreed to see another doctor in the office. Over my strong objection, he completely unfilled the band. I had to wait six weeks to have it refilled again on June 19th. The doctor put in 6 1/2cc, but as of today, I have no restriction and have gained 20lbs. Now. I realize that unfilling the band, at that time, may have been a reasonably sound medical decision. What I am irritated about is that this doctor would not listen to anything I had to say. I have a medical history of 1) Hypothyroidism, and 2) Diabetes. Not to mention the fact that this decision was in the middle of the freaking summer when most of us are more challenged by the foods we encounter. I needed my tool, and it was taken away from me at the worst possible time, and without me being able to even mount a defence. I will see my regular doctor in about a week, at which time I will let him know of my dissatisfaction with the matter. I hope this nest fill will send me in the right direction. If I can lose 98 lbs. I can lose 20, and your post has made this unnecessary set back a bit easier to take. Thanks

I am so glad I found your post. I am having the same problem (extended esophagus). I too had a complete unfill. I was very upset at the time but read your post has helped me understand why it was neccessary. I will stop the diet sodas immediately and be more careful about drinking close to meals. Thank you so much.