pugmum

Hey, Thank you! I appreciate that. Kelli

Hi! I am 3 years out from my lap-band surgery. About 7 months ago, I started having a bit of discomfort under my left breast when I would bend over to pick something up. When I would be sitting down, I would lean back to avoid this feeling. I had my surgery in California, but have subsequently moved to PA and am followed by a surgeon in Pittsburgh. Over the phone twice (it is a 2-hour drive), they told me that it did not sound like anything band-related, perhaps, just some inflammation. It went completely away after a couple of months. Four months ago, I went to the ER with severe abdominal pain. After x-rays and a CT scan with contrast, they diagnosed me with constipation. Okay. I took some meds and did get rid of my constipation (!), BUT since then have had chronic diarrhea (sometimes just water). In the interim, as part of the workup to determine the cause of my diarrhea, weight loss, extreme fatigue, I had a colonoscopy and EGD. Last week, the EGD showed that my band has eroded into my stomach. Now, I obviously have been in contact with my surgeon in the city, and am scheduled for an upper GI series and interview, etc. next week. On the phone, however, they tell me that none of my symptoms have to do with my band. My PCP here says that he doesn't see how it could be anything but my band. I have even found an undissolved pill in my stool. Interestingly, one of the symptoms of erosion is supposed to be weight gain because of loss of restriction, but I have lost 25 pounds in these past few months and have very little appetite and still have lots of restriction. On films, my band is pretty far into my stomach; it is not a minor erosion. I come here wondering if anyone else has experienced these types of symptoms with erosion. Because if this hypermotility is not band-associated, I'm wondering what my next step will be. Oh, in case you're wondering, I have lost 75 pounds. :confused: Thanks, Kelli

You might try the bariatric center at McGee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh. Not sure how they work with patient's who had procedure done in Mexico, but that is the only one I've found around here. Kelli

Greetings! I am postop almost one year and am filled at 2.5 cc in a 4.0 band. I received my last fill about 3 months ago and while I was pretty tight, I had no discomfort to speak of. As a matter of fact, I've been really blessed and have not vomited, PB'd, or experienced any other malady due to my band, BUT for the past 3 weeks or so I have been experiencing a very marked sour stomach as soon as I begin eating and then afterward. I've tried eating less, eating slower, adjusting the type of food, but if I make contact with food, I have this experience. My question is, is this something I should be concerned about or is it acid reflux? When I had surgery, I had a hernia repaired and have had ZERO reflux symptoms since then so this is unusual. I've done some reading here, but it doesn't seem to be consistent with a slip? Just wanted to see if anyone has any words of wisdom before I seek out my physician's advice. Thanks! Kelli

I haven't been to OA, but it is a 12-step program. I believe you get out of them what you put in them. :biggrin1: kelli

I have thought about this postoperatively and I believe unless one has some quality time (3 or 4 years?), it is difficult to come up with an answer. I had no clue how much work on my part this would take. Some may say that one does not need to change what you eat, but how much you eat, but I disagree. Until I made behavioral changes, it really was no different than any other diet. Granted, the amount one is able to eat is greatly reduced, but calories are calories and come in liquid and soft and processed form just fine. :biggrin1: I had to break habits and I would have had to do that on any weight loss program. That's the bottom line for me. Honestly, until I went on an anti-depressant (Wellbutrin), my brain still wanted to eat. I believe it is like most disorders: Part mental, part chemical. Maybe it depends on how much weight one needs to lose, too. At this point (I was banded 2/2/06) and have lost 35 pounds, I cannot definitively say whether I would do it again or not. Some days I think it's the best action I could have taken and other days I see it as just another diet. I am extremely grateful that I have had no complications and I have a feeling in another year or so, I will be very happy I had the surgery. I call that my lack of patience. LOL:( Best wishes to you! Kelli

Hives and welts are symptoms of an allergic reaction. I would not take anymore without speaking with your physician. kelli

They're actually using this drug in trials for obesity so there is a definite hunger-type suppresant component in it. I personally love it because it completely diminishes my sweet tooth. There is also the option of taking the "old" Wellbutrin which comes in 100 mg dosages. kelli

I have fallen head over heels in love with yogurt! I didn't eat it pre-band, but now I eat it every day. I have tried the commercial brands, but I stick with the organic all-natural ingredients which do have a bit of fat and sugar in them. I figure that is probably better than the chemicals, corn starch, and dyes in the Dannons and Yoplaits even though those are good, too. I also like Weight Watcher yogurts. I'm really grateful for my yogurt addiction because it's PLAIN that I love. Occasionally, I will have blueberry or strawberry, but some days I think I could subsist on plain yogurt. Kelli

Antibiotic prophylaxis is a common requirment for people with infectious disease processes going on, but I have never read nor heard of needing it for because of being banded. Many heart patients, transplant recipients, elderly, or people taking certain medications may be required to do this. I doubt a healthy banded person, though. Kelli

Split pea soup. That was the most difficult time for me. I have complete empathy and also have faith you will get through it. Kelli

I'm glad you're okay!! Your attitude is AWESOME! Blessings to you in your journey! Kelli

You're doing things slowly? You look great! You're an inspiration. Kelli