Huffy

Hi Jodie, Brenda here again, I haven't had a complete unfill as yet - that will be the next step if the Nexium doesn't settle it. I can honestly say, so far, its all positive, I haven't had any of the discomfort today that I have had over the last couple of months. If the doc does do a complete unfill, she said it would only be for 24 hours to let things settle, and if there had been any stomach in the wrong place, it would right itself, then fill straight back up to 6 cc (or close). She said leaving it more than 24 - 48 hours, would mean I would have to start from scratch again (its taken me over a year to get to 6 cc.) The 24 - 48 hours would be enough time for the stomach to right itself if it had moved up, into the band. More than 48 hours and it would be too much of a shock, and it would definitely be a case of starting at the beginning from 1 cc. I have a follow up in 3 weeks to assess it again then, so fingers crossed. Brenda

Hello Jodie, I've also had this same problem. I was filled to 6.4 in November, couldn't swallow easily, felt sick, had a hot sensation in the back of my throat. The doc took .2 out before Christmas and I had instant relief, although the symptoms came back intermittently over Christmas. I've had a follow up appt yesterday, and another .2 was taken out, and I have also been put on to Nexium for a month. If it hasn't improved I will go for a barium swallow, and also, have all fill removed for a couple of days, and then refilled back to 6 cc to see if that helps. Having said that, I haven't had any problem, last night or this morning, so feel really positive about it. Brenda

I had a similar experience and decided to pay for my own because my new insurance company stand down time was one year. The total cost to me was around $7,000. Medicare picked up some of the costs and also cover all of the fills. I see my doctor every month and have had about 8 fills. My new health insurance stand down time is now over and if I have any trouble, they will now cover any further band related operations (should I need it). I could have waited on the Public Health waiting list also but just wanted the band as soon as possible after moving here. I'm glad I did it this way. Brenda

Hello, I am experiencing what I would describe as a burning sensation in the back of my throat as well. I have not talked to the doc about it yet, as I forgot when I went for my last fill. The things I have noticed about it are - it only started 2 fills ago when I started noticing that my fill was a lot tighter I relate it a bit to reflux and have taken (my husbands) Nexium for it and that has provided relief. It doesn't hurt as such, it is more of a burning sensation (discomfort). Sometimes I have woken in the middle of the night (hours and hours after eating) and I have experienced it. The instances of it happening are lesser, as I get used to this current fill level. I am going to ask the doc in a fortnight, when I have an appointment for another fill. Brenda

I had a Vanguard 10 cc in August 05. Have lost just over 60 pounds, with weight slowing in the last 4 months (due to not so good food choices). I have 6.7 cc and it has only been this last fill (about 4 months ago) that I have felt real restriction. I need another fill but have been doing a lot of flying of late so my surgeon recommends no fills for this time. I feel more restriction when I have my period and the mornings I sometimes struggle a bit with Breakfast. By dinner I am still cautious but not too many problems. Food choices have slowed my weight loss, as well as having a bit more wine than normal which, though is totally enjoyable, is wasted calories for serious weight loss. I definitely knew after the last fill, that I was nearing good restriction - I thought I had got to this spot a couple of times previously, but it was only for a few days at a time. I have booked a fill for a fortnights time, (for just a little fill), as I need a bit of a boost and I am managing my food choices better now, so those two combined should see me on my way again.

It sounds like you had a horrible time. I hate needles and had a really bad 2nd (or 3rd) fill. I screamed it hurt so much, however I have a feeling it was because I get myself so worked up. Anyway, now I go an hour earlier than my appointment, they put heaps of EMLA gel on the port site, it needs an hour to work, so I go have a coffee and its like magic when they do the fill - I highly recommend it. You honestly do not feel anything.

Hi, I was banded on August 5th and have lost 22 kg. I've been at a bit of a stand still weight wise for the last 6 weeks, so, as of today, am committing to walking every day. I've had 4 fills and now have about 5ml in a 10 ml band. My short term goal is to get to 90 kg by May (that's 8 kg - not impossible) and then I'm going for a visit home, to surprise my family and hubby's, most of whom do not know I have done this. - Brenda

Hi Susannah, I too am from Victoria, and yes the above mentioned site will help you with support. I'm new to this site also, and was banded in August by Phillip Gan in Warnambool