carrieg

Great Job!

I just had to have my original band replaced after 3 years. I wanted the new Realize band but my doc discouraged me due to the possibility of the band "kinking" thus making it difficult to fill. I do like the idea of online support though Good Luck!

Please register me for the seminar

Hi Jen, I was banded 3 years ago and about a year out I started having occasional, out of the blue episodes of "heart attack like" pain that would radiate into my jaw. Very scary, but it turned out to be esophageal spasms. I also have been having lots of heartburn. Recent tests (upper GI with barium) show that I have a slip. Having a revision tomorrow a.m. Not happy about it but I look at it as a new start. Try not to worry, just do what you have to do to be healthy and pain free!

Hello! I too have been having issues with esophageal spasms. The main reason why they happen is because your band is too tight. Have you been tested/treated for GERD? I have less then 1 cc in my band because I have so much discomfort with anything more then that. I find that drinking a few gulps of cold Water really helps to eliviate the spasms. The research I've done suggests treatment with acid relief meds (Nexium, Zantac, Prilosec) and they find that low dose anti depressants seem to help as well. I know these spasms are horribly painful and scary as mine feel like what I think feels like a heart attack. Please consider leaving your band a little looser and dont suffer for the sake of losing a little slower!

It sounds like you definately are overfilled. You should be able to get down well chewed, moist protein solids. I went thru the same thing in January and ended up borderline anemic. Dont be afraid of getting fluid removed. I actually started losing weight again once I could eat regularly. You'll know when you've reached your sweet spot. You'll be full but you wont feel sick. It's taken quite a few try's with me but I am just under 1cc (16 months post op) and its just right.

Im 16 months post op and I will have occasional episodes of shoulder pain that last from hours to days. My doctor told me that the band can lay on your diaphragm and cause a spasm. I noticed it if I eat broccolli or apples (Ive given up broccolli because of it). I take Gas-X and it really helps.

My port was very sore for several months. I was told to expect that, Its not unusual. Try not to lay on that side and dont overdue your lifting or housework. It will get better, not to worry! Men seem to bounce back a little faster then we do!