Butsy

I was banded in 2008 and have lost about 50 pounds. I kept feeling that my band was too tight about two years ago and had 1 cc removed. I got better (no more heartburn, pain in sternum, shoulder pain). I was too scared to have more put back in but did about 1 1/2 years ago. It was fine until one year ago and I had the same symptoms. I had 1 cc removed. It got better again. Then about two months ago my ears would ring on and off and my left arm would go numb. I had my heart check and it was fine. Then, about three weeks ago, I was so dizzy. My neck felt like it was twice the size (it wasn't), my ears were "full", I had an extreme headache, and then got vertigo. I want to an ENT who diagnosed me with BPPV but could not find a cause for ear ringing or fullness. She did the Epley maneuver to correct my vertigo. It never dawned on me that this could all be due to lap band. I began to have panic attacks (never before), fatigue, quivering lip, intolerance to heat, and neck/shoulder pain. I decided to go on a strictly liquid diet for a few days and the symptoms began to decrease. I saw my lap band doctor Monday (his 1st available appt.) and he removed two CCs from my lapband and scheduled me in two weeks for a slight fill under flouro. I related all my issues and he said he did not think it was my lap band. I have researched and found several people who have similar symptoms due to the vagus nerve being damaged or "activated". My ears still ring and now I have a "heartburn" type burn under my sternum. Any suggestions? I asked my doctor about removing it and he said, "let's not jump the gun, let's see what we see under flouro". I just want this dang thing gone!

I love the Unjury shakes. 20 grams of protein and tastes good.

My daughter's favorite.. 1 Teryaki flavored pork loin 1 can low sodium chicken broth 1 package of Lipton Onion soup mix Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Easy, tender and yummy. Mexican chicken (I use it over rice or in quesadillas, burritos, on salads,etc.( 1 can Rotel 1 TBL Cumin 2 tsp. garlic powder 1 TBL chili powder 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. salt 4 chicken breasts (I use boneless, skinless, frozen) Put Rotel in bottom of crock pot. Add chicken and sprinkle spices over all. Cook 4-6 hours.

I think you look awesome. Praying that your drains come out today. Keep us posted. As I have only been banded for 4 months now...I hope to one day follow in your footsteps.

I was really bloated as well. My doctor told me to walk, walk and then do some more walking. He said all the air pumped into me during surgery had to be "worked" out. Good luck. If you are concerned however, I would definitely call the doctor and at least ask.

I had surgery done on a Thursday and went back to work on Monday. HOWEVER, I only stayed a few hours and left. The gas pain was so uncomfortable and could not concentrate. Then, I took off Tuesday and went back fulltime on Wednesday. Everyone is different. The BEST advice is after surgery to walk, walk, walk. It will greatly diminish the gas pains. I have BCBS insurance and it was not difficult to get approval. The doctor's office had a step by step process and I followed it all to make sure I was approved. What to expect? Hmmm...a life change for sure.

Ok, that would scare me to death and I would have to call the doctor. I would not be able to wait another week? Do you still have your gallbladder? It can cause gastrointestinal problems too.

I, too, did not go to my regular doctor first. I went to my Bariatric surgeon's newcomer meeting to find out more. I also researched the procedure and the surgeon. My insurance company required my regular physician to sign off on it. He just answered the required questions and signed off. I don't think there was a question that said "are you for or against the surgery". They were generic questions about my health.

I don't think you need to worry too much abou it. I was so hungry for actual "food" that I would eat a bite of somthing, chew it up and then spit it out. LOL It does get better..this is what is called bandster hell..or at least for me it was.

Ok, I had a fill on Tuesday afternoon (3/2). He put in 2CCs (as opposed to 1CC from previous fill). I have been on liquids and today was supposed to be mushies. However, I tried this a.m. to take one bite of watery oatmeal and got stuck. It finally went down after a minute or so, but it was painful. I tried yogurt but it does not go down well either. I can drink small sips so I know I won't get dehydrated. I have been sipping all day. Am I too tight? Should I have a little removed? I have only had my band since October and have never had a 'stuck' episode. I do not know if I should give it a few more days or not.

Thanks for the replies. It is a little better today. I have been able to eat mushies if I do it extremely slowly.

I swear by Unjury...I buy the Choc, Vanilla and unflavored.

2 hours to eat? I can not imagine. Food journaling is a great tool. Also, are you drinking water consistently all day?

Unjury shakes are a great source of protein (20 grams each).

Walk, walk and do some more walking. I was amazed at how that amount of movement lessened the pain, bloating and got rid of a LOT of GAS.

I weigh about every other day...but, I too, am becoming obsessed. I will start today just weighing each Monday and then try and move to once a month.

Liquids for 24 hours and then mushies for 24 hours.

Way to go girl.

I think it is because you have taken charge of your situation and you see positive results so you are taking charge of other areas as well.

I know everyone loses weight differently. However, I think 1 or two pounds a week is more like it.

I am going with gall bladder surgery.

Welcome. I am also in AL and had my surgery one month ago. I was fortunate enough to have mine cleared through BCBS. I have read many positive reports about lapband in Mexico. One thing to consider is..can you find a doctor near you in AL to fill your band? or will you have to go to your original surgeon each time to have it filled?