jigglypuff

Hi Everyone-- Calling on anyone who can help me out. I am seriously wondering if I am developing some type of auto immune rejection thing toward my band. I was banded in 7-05, since 7-06, I have had numerous issues--stomach/abdominal/pelvic pain, joint pain, swelling, ie. I have had numerous tests and labs. Results are still pending for some, but my band and stomach appear to be normal. No erosion, no ulcers, no apparent slippage. I have been unfilled since 7-06. I have a little bit of restriction in my unfilled state. Don't think I've lost weight--maybe a little, but am sure I've at least maintained my weight loss. I've never felt so crappy, overall, though. I felt much better when I was fat, or rather fatter--at least in the physical sense. Anyone else had this or suspected this?:cry

I am so disappointed, scared and frustrated. Today I went down to Mexico for what I thought was a slight unfill. I had my 2nd fill 8 weeks ago, and have had reflux since then, couldn't eat very many solids, ie. I'm told that my pouch is the size of a plum instead of a walnut, and this is considered a partial slip--the barium I swallowed did not go down quickly, but kind of sat there. That explains why I have had trouble with liquids at times, these last few weeks. I had a complete unfill, and was told to come back in 2-3 weeks. Then they will fill me again under the flouro and see if the pouch gets plum-sized again. If it doesn't, then that's great. If it does, then I would need a re-positioning. The odds are not in my favor--apparently I only have about a 25% chance that the slip will correct itself with the unfill. I just cried. I am only 8 months out and have lost 35 lbs. I'm not done yet! In addition to the hassle, pain, extra cost, ie., I'm concerned about another slippage in the future after the repositioning. I was told I would not get filled more than 1.6cc. (My 2nd fill put me at 1.9 and I believe that led to my current situation.) Please respond if you know anything about repositioning--ie--have you had it? Know any statistics about slippage after it? What is your MDs opinion about it, if you know. My doc says I shouldn't have any increased chances of slippage after the repositioning, but I feel like I haven't always got consistent info from them. There is so much good info & support here, I need you guys right now. Thank you for reading this. Jigglypuff:cry

Hi. I was banded in 7/05. It looks like I have early auto-immune disease--probably rheumatoid arthritis. I am on Prednisone and Plaquenil. I did not have any symptoms until I was about 1 year post-op. What I'm wondering is if it would be wise to get my band removed--would it help my RA symptoms? I currently am unfilled and have a little restriction. THe band does not seem to be causing me any reflux, heartburn, ie. The restriction I have does help me maintain the weight I lost with the band, although I'm not really losing anymore. I am happy to maintain, though. At least until I get my RA under better control. But if getting the band removed would help my RA--it's gone! Anyone had/have a similar situation? Thanks--Jigglypuff:help:

I have had an endoscopy, upper GI, and cat scan of the abdomen/pelvis. Except for the cat scan showing an enlarged ovary and a cyst on my other ovary, these tests were normal. I am waiting now to have an ultrasound to get more info about my ovary abnormalities. I am anemic, probably from the heavy periods I've had the last year. I'm on iron supplements now. Also, my c-reactive protein was high. My RA factor was within normal range. I'm going to ask for an ESR lab and a CA-125. It's very frustrating.

Hi Dr. C., I have had my Lapband since 7-05. I have been told that I have a "dynamic slip"---I've been unfilled twice, and it appears on flouro that my pouch is normal when unfilled. I can get a fill after waiting a few weeks, then without warning or any vomitting, I have reflux, trouble with liquids, i.e. Anyway, since 7-06, I have been unfilled. I still have some restriction, so I have not wanted to get a fill and tempt fate. I recently had a cat scan-2nd to abd. pain. Everything looks OK, EXCEPT that I have some ovarian cysts, AND the cat scan also noted "moderate gastric dilation". "The stomach is moderately dilated." I'm assuming this means the part of my stomach that is above the band. I have some restriction. I don't think I've lost weight since my unfill in 7-06, but I don't think I've gained, either. Is this gastric dilation something to be concerned about--is this bad for long term? Should I get my band removed? I don't want long term esophagus problems. My GI doc who ordered the cat scan does not know much about the band. FYI--I also had an endoscopy which was normal, last month. Your advice, please. Thank you--Jigglypuff:help:

Hi-- I just had an endoscopy on Thursday. I was nervous, but it wasn't bad. You are sedated via an IV, and I also had the back of my throat swabbed with some lidocaine. One of the meds they usually give, Versed, makes you forget. I have only a faint memory of briefly feeling something in my throat, but I wasn't panicked due to the meds. Then I woke up in the recovery room. My appt was at 9:30 am, I was home by 11:15 am, and then I slept for a good 2 hrs. I was told not to drive that whole day. I did go and drive later in the afternoon--about 4 pm. But it wasn't until then that I felt I could. I did feel kind of tired the whole day. I had no sore throat or anything. I've had more overall discomfort from getting a facial peel. Try to get an am appt, if possible, because you cannot eat or drink before the appt. Good luck!

You basically get stabbed several times in your abdomen--of course while you're anesthetized, but still--think about it. Then you have to heal while not really getting a whole lot of nutrition for at least a week. Of course you're going to have pain. Things take a little while. You can walk around almost immediately post-op. Drive fairly soon. I went back to my sedentary job 1 week after. It took me 3 weeks until I could sleep on my stomach again. Before that I could sleep on my side, but my belly kind of hurt "hanging" there unless I supported it with a pillow. Your endurance will improve every day. Lap band surgery was not nearly as bad as having a C-section, but 4 days out is pretty fresh. I've had pimples that bothered me for longer than that. Please don't get worried at this point about still having pain or discomfort. Take care--Jigglypuff

That seems too soon to go back to work, especially if you have a job where you must be on your feet all day. I have a sedentary job, and I went back exactly 1 week post-op. I maybe could have gone back 5 days post-op, but not any earlier. You will likely feel weak. You may still have discomfort, and if you are like me, unless you are getting some protein in by way of yogurt or a protein shake, you may be having to run to the bathroom A LOT. I hope your job is flexible. Good luck on your journey! Jigglypuff

I too had diarrhea and felt weak the first week post-op. Honestly, if all you're taking in is broth, juice, water, i.e., that's just simple carbs with no protein. I started yogurt a few days early--just smooth yogurt with no chunks in it, and only 2-4 ounces no more than twice a day. It was amazing how much better I felt. I suggest trying that. Good luck! Jigglypuff

Wow! These posts are similiar to my experiences. Banded in 7/05, started having problems after my 2nd fill in Jan. 06, which was too tight-1.9cc. Then got an unfill, waited a month, got a smaller fill-1.4cc, fine for 2 months, then problems with liquids, blah, blah, blah. Now have an unfill again. The difference with the 2nd episode (from the 1st) is that I thought I had found my sweet spot before the problems--losing consistently, no vomiting at all, being careful with my food choices, ie. When I went in to see the doc I was told that I have a dynamic slip, which is only diagnosable by fluoro. Basically, when I'm having problems and they do the fluoro, it looks like I have pouch dilation, a partial slip, stomach prolapse--they're all the same, I'm pretty sure. The docs are getting away from saying "slip" because it is such a freak out for the patients. Anyway, as soon as I get an unfill---poof! my band/pouch/swallowing looks totally normal on the fluoro, and I have no problems getting stuff through my band. So, I basically have to see if I can try to lose with an unfilled band--don't know if this will work for me, I feel like I am slipping back into bad habits--eating too much after work, ie. But I will try. My doc said I could try an even smaller fill (.8cc), after I give my band a rest for a few weeks, but if I have any symptoms with the very small fill (or even any symptoms with my unfilled band--like difficulty swallowing, reflux, ie.) then I should have surgery to try to reposition the band or remove it. They can't promise to reposition the band because they have to see what things look like when they would get in there--how much scar tissue and stuff. Maybe this is what you have? It might explain some of your symptoms. I was pretty bummed, but I need to stay positive and try to work my band, even if it is unfilled. I would like to lose 50 more lbs.--I don't want to gain, that's for sure. This site is a lifesaver--I don't know what I'd do without it. I've been to Mexico 4 times this year, and once to a doc in my home state for a 2nd opinion. I'm burned out. I think Mexico is out as far as going there for a vacation--too many memories of being stressed out. Sorry to digress... Jigglypuff

Hi Everyone, I just had my 1 year bandiversary on 7/27/06. 45 lbs down in a year. I'm happy about that, considering I've had a couple of bumps in the road--reflux, unfilled for a month, ie, and also I haven't really worked out very much. Unfortunately, I had to fly down to TJ on my anniversary to get an unfill (2nd one) and I was told I have a dynamic slip. (A few months ago, I had to get an unfill for a "partial slip" that fixed itself with the unfill. Then I had a small (1.4cc) fill put in. That fill worked great for 2 months, then I had increased restriction, trouble with liquids, a little reflux, and abdominal pain, hence, I went down to TJ again on 7/27.) I was told that I need to be unfilled for at least 3 weeks, then if I want a fill, it will be no more than .8cc. IF I have anymore symptoms though, I will need band re-positioning surgery, possibly band removal surgery. Feel great with the unfill, but not sure I can lose any weight without a fill in the band. I gained 3 lbs in a month when I was unfilled before, so I'm concerned. Want to lose 30-50 more lbs, so still need my band. Has this happened to anyone? Dr. C., could you comment--what are my odds of keeping the band, with a small fill or even unfilled? Thank you so much!:help: Jigglypuff

Leenerbups! Chin up, please! I love your posts, and your cool cowbell/ Spock stuff in your postings. You are beautiful and deserving--take the time to get a dress that you feel good in. (E-bay could save you some bucks on a dress) Spend time on your make-up/hair--ask friends or family for help if you can; they will be flattered to help you. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are beautiful. Go to the wedding and smile! If you are half as cool in person as you come across here, people will flock to you. Have a great time! Jigglypuff

Hi All,I was banded 7/27/05. Have had a few bumps in the road over the past year--including being overfilled, reflux/heartburn, an unfill for a month, then a conservative 1.4cc put into my 4cc band. I have some pouch dilation, that's why I am only at 1.4cc, since April. (First fill was at 1.6cc, 2nd fill put me at 1.9cc, then I had the problems with the reflux/over-restriction; hence, unfill, i.e.) I have been doing OK with the 1.4cc--and losing alright. I have always noticed variability with my restriction, especially related to my menstrual cycle, although the timing of that has varied, too. In the last month or so, besides the usual state of being unable to eat in the am, then a shake, soup or chili at lunch, then hopefully a meal at dinnertime, I have noticed that almost anytime I eat or drink something (including a warm beverage) I feel like there are little air bubbles or burps (with no noise) inside of me. They do not hurt or cause discomfort, and I have no reflux or heartburn, but they bug me and make me worry that something is wrong/going wrong; especially now that I have a dilated pouch. I have had no PBs for months--I am very careful. Since I was never really a burper pre-band, and this little air bubble thing is only since the last couple of months, does this bode something bad? Anyone else have this? Is it anything to worry about?Thank you in advance--you guys have saved my sanity before.Jigglypuff

If you only have 40 lbs to lose, it's not worth it, in my opinion. Knowing what I know now, having experienced it and having some problems, which may or not be fixable, if I could have only been 40 lbs overweight and stayed there, I would not have been banded. Unfortunately, I had about 100 to lose.

I had diarrhea too, really bad, the first week. I recommend having a couple of ounces of yogurt, a couple of times a day. Only smooth yogurt, no chunks of ground up fruit in it. Like vanilla, plain, or Dannon coffee yogurt. Take very small spoonfuls. I found this helped with the weakness I was feeling, too. Good luck! Jigglypuff

Dear Mary Ann- I am so sorry that your band had to be removed. I'm glad you are back and feeling safe and snug in your home. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending you good thoughts and a speedy recovery. I, myself, am back from TJ since Tuesday. I did not have to have surgery after all, although my pouch apparently looks the same as when I went in March and had the unfill. I feel like I have rec'd conflicting responses from Dr. Martinez--I was told in March that if the pouch did not go down in size with the unfill and rest, that I would probably need surgery. Then this week I am told that the pouch is the same as last time, but it is normal for pouches to get enlarged after being banded a certain period of time (small enlargement like a plum, not big like an orange) and I don't have to have the surgery. I could have a fill, but the amt has to be very conservative. He basically told me that weight loss would probably be very slow and I would have to really optimize and work with the small restriction I got--1.4CC. This is even less than my first fill amt of 1.6cc. I am waiting for the shoe to drop--one of these days, I will really be slipped and have to deal with that misery again and probably have to have band removal. Anyway, you seem like you are such a nice person and I truly wish you all the best. Barbara

Hi Moss, My husband and I will be staying at the Lucerna Monday night, 4/17, regardless of whether I have surgery on the 18th. (We live in the Bay Area.) I hope we can meet! Ask for Barbara Harman's room at the hotel. Have a safe journey and thanks for your kind thoughts! Barbara

Hi Moss, First, I want to say that you are not alone! I, too, was banded by Drs. O & M, although in 7-05. After my 2nd fill in 1-06, I was pretty tight. I had a HORRIBLE PB episode on a nothing size piece of food in 2-06 due to being too tight, combined with being pre-menstrual. It lasted hours. I had reflux after that. I went down to TJ again in 3-06 and was told I had a partial slip--my pouch was enlarged-- the size of a plum instead of a walnut. I had a complete unfill, which ended the reflux. I am going down to TJ again tomorrow (4/17) and they will try filling me again. If my pouch enlarges with the fill, I will need re-positioning surgery, which will take place the next day--4/18. Dr. Ortiz told me the odds are not in my favor to avoid the surgery--only about 25% chance that the unfill and rest will have fixed the problem. Maybe I will see you! I am pretty nervous about stuff. May I ask you how the endoscopy went? Did you have it down in TJ by Dr. Manuel Juncua (sp?)--I will be having one tomorrow as part of my pre-ops, if I am getting the surgery. Could you tell me anything about that? Thanks--Jigglypuff AKA Barbara

I have been pretty tight since my last fill on 1/23, with some days being worse than others. Basically cannot eat before lunch, sometimes not until about 2 pm. Today, I am feeling "very tight" even when not eating, getting what I think is heartburn after eating 2 bites of egg salad, drinking 1 sip of cranberry juice, ie. I just want to drink some water, but it's not too easy. Have an occasional slight "clearing the throat" cough. Is this reflux? Just an isolated heartburn episode? I'm mid-cycle if that means anything. Do I need an unfill? Can I take anything--don't think I can get a pill down, would Maalox help? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks--Jigglypuff:cry

Hi All, Could someone who's had one, tell me what it was like? How long was the procedure, did it hurt? Did you have an IV during it? Any prep for it? ie. Also, has anyone had one in Mexico? I could probably get one through Kaiser here in CALIF, but I would like someone to do it who is knowledgable about the band. Thanks in advance. Jigglypuff.

I feel your pain! Thank you for sharing. I think you're really brave. Those guys were such assholes!!!! I've had my own share of painful episodes related to being obese, too. I've never told anyone this, but when I was to be the matron of honor for my sister's wedding in 1998, I couldn't bring myself (in front of my skinny sisters & critical mother) to order a dress larger than a 15/16. I told myself that I would lose weight before the wedding so that I would be able to fit into the dress. (I would have needed to lose at least 25-30 lbs.) Then I went into denial and put it out of my mind. When the dress came in, of course there wasn't enough time before the wedding to lose the weight I needed to lose, even if I would have starved myself. I took the dress to an alterations place where the gal told me that there wasn't really anything to do--except I could try to find additional green velvet that would match so they could piece it into the dress. I started crying. I was thinking how was I going to deal with this? I thought maybe I would tell everyone that the dress was stolen out of my car, right before the wedding and then I wouldn't be able to be her maid of honor. The seamstress gal I guess took pity on me and then she said she would see if the seams could be let out and the stitch marks could be pressed out. Thankfully, that was possible. For an exhorbitant fee, they were able to alter it so that it (barely) fit me. I felt so shamed and awful. Of course, over the next few years I gained at least 40 more lbs, before finally being banded in 7-05. Maybe someday I could tell me sister--I don't know. I won't be in that position again, thanks to the band. Also, I like to think I am braver now and would just order the right size to begin with, no matter what the number on the size tag said.

Daisybelle, I am so sorry! Of course you are hurting right now. Please don't beat yourself up about not crying or about eating too much. You are just trying to take care of yourself in the moment. The fact that you recognize what's happening is what's important. Do you have someone who could give you a hug or just sit with you? Maybe each day you could just try to take one step in a healthier direction...like don't buy any more junk, or have someone take it out of the house for you. Or just sit with a blanket wrapped around you and and have a few quiet moments. Be kind to yourself. You will get back on track in time. ((Hugs)) Jigglypuff

Hi, I was banded on 7-27-05, and lost 22 lbs by Nov. I needed another fill, but waited until after the holidays were over. Good thing, too, my Mom got shingles and is still not recovered. Anyway, I have had 3 horrible PB episodes since being banded. I'm concerned that they have lasted so long when they've happened. Has this happened to others--I read some people can bring it up right away, within a half hour, ie. My first one was 3 hrs, the 2nd one was 2 hours and the last one was 9 hrs!!! The last one was not quite as severe as #1 & #2, in that I could swallow my saliva. But horrible chest pain/pressure, and sips of warm Water came right back up. All 3 of these bad PBs have had to pass through my stoma. I pray I don't get another one, (and the ones noted above were all about 2 months a part), but does anyone have any suggestions about how to shorten the episode, if it's possible? When I first get the feeling, I immediately stop eating, stand up and start walking around. I wait at least 45 minutes before I try a sip of warm water. This last 9 hr one I can't even say I was eating improperly or anything--about 3 bites of chicken & veggies, well chewed. Should I try to make myself throw up right away? What do you folks do? Appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks--Jigglypuff

Thank you, all! I appreciate your input. Thanks for taking the time to help with your suggestions--it is such a comfort to know I'm not alone. Jigglypuff:kiss2:

Hi All, Long time reader, kind of bad about posting messages, though. I do appreciate all of the info, support, fellowship, i.e. that I receive from you all. I was banded in Mexico by Drs. Ortiz/Martinez, on 7-27-05. Just had my 2nd fill yesterday. My first fill was 1.6cc. Yesterday, Dr. Ortiz said there was only 1.2cc in there. He said that there is a theory that up to .2cc can leave the band and go into your body via osmosis. Apparently the body tissues are more salty than the fill solution in the band, and therefore he quite often see's up to .2cc less when drawing out an old fill. In addition, he said it is common that the first time you get a fill, there is air inside the band, and so for me, while the 1st fill appeared to be 1.6cc, that was possibly not a true reading in that all of the 1.6cc was probably not solution--part of it was air. Now I am at 1.9cc. Hope to see some more weight loss--I've actually needed the 2nd fill since Nov., but hubby convinced me to wait until after the holidays. Probably a good idea, but I'm a turtle for the weight loss--only 22 lbs since 7/27/05. Although to be fair, I don't exercise much and lost almost every lb of the 22 lbs by Nov. Doesn't look like I will get to my goal of 40 lbs lost by my 40th b-day (3/5/06). But regardless, I am happy to see the scale go down instead of up. Have gone from size 20w pants to 18w and 16w. That's a great feeling. Jigglypuff