Band_Groupie

I had my first partial unfill...a whopping 2cc's so I'm about down to my first fill. Long story (you can read on the blog if you like detail), but I had some bad pain and mild vomiting, but then tightness, thus the unfill. Also had a UGI and the Barium was barely moving even after the unfill, but no enlargements or slips, so no 'cause' identified for the pain, but hopefully it won't return. Eight weeks until I can get a fill again...Lordy help me...I can only hope I don't gain a bunch! Have a great holiday weekend all!

Have a great holiday...I could have written your words...it's funny though the more the weight goes the more you start believing that it's possible for you...keep the faith!

I had my first partial unfill. Three weeks ago I had a minor stuck and minor PB...that night I had my first problem with reflux during the night (woke up and had to spew the acid out of my esophagus) the next day I had gradually worsening pain and tightness...it was the weekend so I called first thing Monday...the nurse told me to give it another day and I was fine (mistake made here...as I keep saying here NIGHTIME REFLUX = GET A SMALL UNFILL, yes I knew it and should have insisted, but by Monday I was fine). Fast forward 3 weeks of no problems at all and after eating the same oatmeal I have every day and having it go down just fine it's 30 min. later and I start having crushing chest pain so bad that it makes me nauseous and I vomit a little, which gets me tighter...again it's the weekend so they don't get me in until Tuesday by which time I can't eat. Doc takes out 2cc's of my 5.9cc's and I get sent for a UGI...the barium, even after the unfill won't budge...the thicker stuff finally goes through a tiny bit. No slip, nothing enlarged so now I've got 8 weeks before I can start filling again. I don't want to get back to the point where the reflux becomes a problem again and if I have any nightime problems I'll be in for an unfill that day. What I've learned here is (yes, please call your Dr. to get clarification of your problems...I'm no Dr.) that many (not all) with reflux before the band are cured of the reflux after (and many with hernia repairs at banding). Reflux is the most common side effect of banding (so many of us with no reflux before now have it) and if it's very mild and is controlled by a PPI, then it's not an issue. If you have ANY breakthrough reflux during the day or ANY signs of reflux at night you need a small unfill (and some need to be checked for hernias as well). I also find that some don't know ALL the signs of reflux so here they are again: - Burning- the usual suspect - Globus sensation- some only get this with no burning which is a feeling of a lump in the throat - Coughing at night- usually a dry cough (you can aspirate acid into your lungs - Gurgling- Acid feels like it's bubbling up your esophagus - Choking- the above makes some wake up feeling like they're choking - Belching/Burping- up acid at night - Nose- Sometimes people wake up with acid/liquids coming out the nose - Need to spit or vomit at night- Usually bringing up acid or even food, for some this even happens when they're sleeping Here's the bottom line...we got the Band to get our health back, not to trade one health issue for another...uncontrolled reflux can lead to way more serious problems than losing your Band so don't let it go on. OK, off my soapbox, and I'll be back if there are any more reflux issues!

Ahh gurgling...the sign of restriction! Ouch, I hate stuck though!...hope the restriction sticks (no pun intended)!

You're my hero and an inspiration to all...GREAT post! Happy Bandiversary my friend!!!!!

You can do it...I make that chocolate square last forever...one lick at a time

Congrats!! JG...ONEDERLAND!!! YAY GF!!!! Isn't the grass greener here LOL? JT...another 5K?!! OK, I'm going to exercise longer today.

I was glued too and had one pop out...he just gave it a tug and clipped it off.

*Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book Come on...sing it with me!!! Cracking open the 'box of wine' for you all now...there's no such thing as too early...hold those glasses still GF's...happy weekend! OK, now you're singing...and dancing...WHOOT! YouTube - Wrinkled Ladies

You are always inspiring my friend!!! Great post...you always make me think! -BG

GREAT post...and VERY insightful!!! I became VERY aware of how much our family events revolve around food and what 'food pushers' we all are (my four siblings are all obese), but I also realize that others can be jealous that you're taking control of something that they aren't ready to yet. Be the example...you're doing great! -BG

Hi Nina...I'm up in Cranberry...let me know if you pull a group together (I know most hospitals here also have their own groups...I don't attend). -BG

You need to cal them back and INSIST that they see you. You need an anti-nausea prescription immediately. Vomiting when a band is new is by FAR when the largest percentage of slips occur...you do NOT want to be vomiting now. You also need to find out what is causing the vomiting...perhaps you need a different pain med. Get thee to the Doc NOW!

You'll feel a lot better when you're back on food...I felt like I was going to pass out until then I was so weak. Call your Doc and ask if you can take a laxative; this helped me a lot!

Yep, I know exactly how you feel...NOT losing or gaining weight is hard for dieters! I had to figure out what clothes to wear even before weigh-ins LOL. If you asked for a copy of your bariatric policy it should state '6 mo. diet' or not. You'll be able to lose the weight soon...hand in there! -BG

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Great list!

Hi Bekka- I'm not too far off...I started with a 37.7 BMI and lost 100 pounds/now a 22.2 BMI. I got to my goal of 90 pounds at 10 months post-op and reached my dream goal of 100 at 13 months. You can see my befores/afters on my blog here: 6/8/10 Party In My Fat Pants! *New 'Afters'* ~ THE SWEET SPOT

CONGRATULATIONS GF!!!! I'm SO happy for you and so PROUD of you!!! You've worked SO hard for this and have been such a support and inspiration for us all! Enjoy every minute of this moment!!

I've been wondering where you were...so sorry to hear about all this!!! Hope your vacation brings you some healing and some relaxation!

*Portions of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book Sorry I'm behind here, life has just been so busy at the end of the school year, but all my kiddos are home and school ends tomorrow for my youngest. Now, on to the good news...I'm in the Century Club...100 lbs. lost!!! Here are some pics (left to right); Before--------------1/13/09 = 244 (-4 lbs.) Start 248 lbs. About 1/2 Way---8/2/09 = 195 (-53 lbs.) 1/2 Way=50 lbs. Almost 1st Goal---1/30/10 = 163 (-85 lbs.) Goal=90 lbs. Dream Goal!------6/3/10 = 148 (-100 lbs.) Thank you all for helping me get there as I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of you keeping me accountable! 8 Blog updates including book questions, my introduction, and a vlog are all here: THE SWEET SPOT