traveler

No, you do not always have to have surgery to reposition the band, I was very lucky though but from what I understand, I am not home free and could still have problems with it slipping again now that it has slipped the first time.

I suffered a major slippage when I took five Colace gel tabs, WARNING, do not take more than one gel time at a time as they can stick together, block the stoma and cause violent vomiting. For one month after the episode, keeping down food and water became increasingly difficult with reflux being VERY painful. I ended up at the ER and they emptied the band and I had immediate relief. Two weeks later (on a liquid diet), I went in for a floroscopy and the stomach has repositioned itself so now after 6 weeks of not being filled, I was filled to 7 ml (the amount previously filled that was the "sweet spot' so to speak.) but I am not experiencing any restriction at all with that amount that previously provided the perfect amount of restriction. Does anyone have any ideas on why this might be so? Thank you, Julie

I suffered a major slippage when I took five Colace gel tabs, WARNING, do not take more than one gel time at a time as they can stick together, block the stoma and cause violent vomiting. For one month after the episode, keeping down food and water became increasingly difficult with reflux being VERY painful. I ended up at the ER and they emptied the band and I had immediate relief. Two weeks later (on a liquid diet), I went in for a floroscopy and the stomach has repositioned itself correctly so now I do not need surgery to reposition and will get the band refilled next month. I just wanted to give others hope when their band has slipped, it does not ALWAYS require surgery to reposition it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my band and will never regret it. It has given me a new lease on life and I thank God for it everyday!

Hi all, I was banded in November 2007 (self pay), found the sweet spot after two fills, was loving my band, lost 50 pounds in 6 months, then a major slippage. I took 5 colace (stool softener) tabs, they must have stuck together, I then had a violent episode of vomiting, then noticed a slight difference in restriction and over the course of the next month, it became progressively worse until I had to go to ER as I had not been able to get down even a sip of Water and was becoming dangerously dehydrated. The doctor removed the Fluid from the band and immediately the symptoms disappeared. He told me that it was a major slip but that there was the possibility that the stomach may reposition correctly and if it did that he would try to refill the band. He wanted to give it three weeks for the stomach to possibly reposition. Since the visit to ER was considered an emergency then my insurance covered it. I have BCBS Federal but self payed in Germany (where I live but am visiting the states for the summer.) The German Dr. also told me that it is German law that my insurance has to pay if there are any problems after the initial self-pay (has anyone ever heard of this?) These are my questions: When I go for the followup to see if we can try the refill, will my insurance now cover this? If I have to have surgery to reposition the stomach and lapband will my insurance cover it or: Will they pay only to remove it or: Will they refuse to even do that, can the band just stay in there forever unused without causing any problems? Thank you in advance to anyone who may have any information on this rather complex issue. Sincerely, Traveler

Michee, thanks. I hate to admit this but I don't even remember signing a contract. Whatever paperwork I have is in Germany right now and I'm in the states. I did find something on this site referencing that some states require insurance to cover complications regardless if it was a self pay. So at least what the German doctor said does not seem totally out of line, however him telling me this indicates that I should be relying on my insurance and not him for any solutions to complications. In fairness to the Dr. I believe that he did a wonderful job and that this slippage was my fault due to the Colace (if I could only go back in time to that fateful night..........) My life has changed dramatically since the band and I am desperate to keep it, wish me luck and thanks so much for your timely advice!

Hi, I was banded 11/5/07 but not until my 2nd fill did I get restriction on 01/07/08. Since then I have been trying out different types of food. I can see how one resorts to "easy" foods like pastas, grits, sugar free yogurts and puddings as they go down easy and they are quick when you have a busy lifestyle. I need suggestions for foods for dinner that will give me a feeling of fullness instead of a feeling like I am going to gag after 4 or 5 bites. It seems like I can not find a food in between "slides down easy and I eat too big a portion and am still hungry" and "it hurts to eat it so I just don't." I've lost about 5 pounds but only because I just don't eat because it hurts and I am left starving ALL the time. Once you're hungry, then you scarf and then you hurt. Any suggestions on snacks that will fill the hole but not hurt? I'm thinking chicken or fish for dinner with a vegetable and more chewing might be the solution, any other suggestions? Thanks, Traveler

Hi Gang, Thanks for all the great advice re: being so hungry, you're right, I sure won't starve and a little suffering never hurt anyone and best of all, the weight I'm losing on the post-op liquid diet will stay off with the help of the band. My question is, I'm going in for my first fill in about two weeks. I don't know the size of my band but am wondering how much I should get it filled in terms of fractions (half filled etc.) I guess I want to be able to consume about a half cup of food per meal. I don' want the most restricted option but also not the most liberal. The middle road so to speak. I want to be able to eat somewhat normally (just much smaller portions) and take longer to lose the weight. I am a self pay who has to drive 2.5 hours to the Dr. and only get one fill included in the price so I can not afford to experimentplay with different fill levels. My Drs are also German and while their English is pretty good it is also nice to have a good idea of what I want before I see them so that I can better communicate this to them. THANKS!

Hello, I was banded on 11/05/07, came out of the anesthesia and have been ravenous ever since! My Dr. gave me a plan that said I could move on to mushies on the 7th day. I ate mashed taters today and was able to eat 2 cups with no feeling of fullness whatsoever. Others have posted that I may be a fast healer (which I usually I am) Does this mean that I can go in for a fill sooner? I am eager to get on with this (especially before the holidays start and I am faced with temptation) What is the soonest anyone has ever gone in for their first fill? Thanks!

Hi, I was banded three days ago and am STARVING while on the liquid diet. My stomach growls and hurts so bad I can't even sleep! I have not heard of anyone else complain of hunger during this phase and in fact read several posts that said that after they had surgery they had no hunger at all. What is up, is it normal to be this hungry? I'm paranoid that the band is not on properly. Please advise.

Thanks everyone, I have been drinking 3-4 protein shakes, about 4 ounces of juice, 2 liters of water and coffee (about 4 ounces) I am constantly drinking something. The day of the surgery when I woke up, I was so hungry, my stomach was growling. I am worried that the band is not on right. I can not feel it at all (Some people posted that they could feel it in the beginning) I am not vomiting or in pain and I just burp some after drinking (nothing comes up with the burp.) Do you think I am safe to try some mushie foods? Thanks for all your input!

You are right, I keep telling myself that of all the important health issues or any issues in fact in my life, this is one time that I must take very seriously. If I have to suffer for two or three weeks, it will be well worth it in order to prevent complications. Thanks for being being so sucinct.

Thanks everyone, I have been drinking 3-4 protein shakes, about 4 ounces of juice, 2 liters of water and coffee (about 4 ounces) I am constantly drinking something. The day of the surgery when I woke up, I was so hungry, my stomach was growling. I am worried that the band is not on right. I can not feel it at all (Some people posted that they could feel it in the beginning) I am not vomiting or in pain and I just burp some after drinking (nothing comes up with the burp.) Do you think I am safe to try some mushie foods? Thanks for all your input!