chrisbandster

I had my fluoroscopy last week. In 3 weeks I had lost 1.2 cc's from the Band. In my mind, that was way too much. My surgeon then started filling the band with "contrast," and almost immediately a small pool started forming just outside my port. I saw it, and my surgeon saw it. The radiologist just seemed puzzled. The pool continued to get larger and then eventually started to dissipate. When I was filled back to 3.4 with that lovely barium drink, the radiologist started suggesting that perhaps my surgeon had double-poked causing infiltrate into the abdomen. I don't think so! It was decided to see how the fill went. I could tell it wasn't holding immediately because I could drink the water too fast. I was to wait to see if the restriction left. It has been a week, and while I have some restriction it is not nearly what I ought to have. I have made an appointment for next week to get the process started so I can have my port replaced. One consideration would be to have my plastic surgery sooner than later so both could be covered under my insurance. The fix is so very simple, hopefully I can get it soon. In the mean time, I'm investigating a program offered by my primary's office called FirstLine Therapy. It's an individualized program developed by Metagenics. Ideally if I can lose weight while waiting for the replacement, I'll be ecstatic. :confused: I will be very happy if I can maintain right where I am. :biggrin:

I had my fluoroscopy last week. In 3 weeks I had lost 1.2 cc's from the Band. In my mind, that was way too much. My surgeon then started filling the band with "contrast," and almost immediately a small pool started forming just outside my port. I saw it, and my surgeon saw it. The radiologist just seemed puzzled. The pool continued to get larger and then eventually started to dissipate. When I was filled back to 3.4 with that lovely barium drink, the radiologist started suggesting that perhaps my surgeon had double-poked causing infiltrate into the abdomen.:wink2: I don't think so! It was decided to see how the fill went. I could tell it wasn't holding immediately because I could drink the water too fast. I was to wait to see if the restriction left. It has been a week, and while I have some restriction it is not nearly what I ought to have. I have made an appointment for next week to get the process started so I can have my port replaced. One consideration would be to have my plastic surgery sooner than later so both could be covered under my insurance. The fix is so very simple, hopefully I can get it soon. In the mean time, I'm investigating a program offered by my primary's office called FirstLine Therapy. It's an individualized program developed by Metagenics. Ideally if I can lose weight while waiting for the replacement, I'll be ecstatic. :wink2: I will be very happy if I can maintain right where I am. :smile2:

:tongue_smilie: Friday I went for my fill under fluro. It was a tough test. Initially the machine failed. Then when Dr. Chiang put the contrast media in the port, and immediately I could see something come leaking out. Then both the doc & radiologist saw it. The radiologist tried to convince the doc that perhaps he hadn't hit the right spot. He had the needle right where it needed to be. The leak just completed to grow. In 3 weeks I went from 3.4 to 2.2 cc's. He filled me back to 3.4 and we will wait to see. It's Sunday and I can especially take my largest pills (not easy when I'm that snug). I do feel some restriction, but it is definitely not where it needs to be. I'm scheduled for 3 weeks, but we will see. After that a short port replacement. I'm not so worried because everything else is intact and without the leak would work perfectly. I really consider that having this failure after 5 years is pretty good. Most implanted medical devices require some replacement/tune up in this period of time.

:w00t: Friday I went for my fill under fluro. It was a tough test. Initially the machine failed. Then when Dr. Chiang put the contrast media in the port, and immediately I could see something come leaking out. Then both the doc & radiologist saw it. The radiologist tried to convince the doc that perhaps he hadn't hit the right spot. He had the needle right where it needed to be. The leak just completed to grow. In 3 weeks I went from 3.4 to 2.2 cc's. He filled me back to 3.4 and we will wait to see. It's Sunday and I can especially take my largest pills (not easy when I'm that snug). I do feel some restriction, but it is definitely not where it needs to be. I'm scheduled for 3 weeks, but we will see. After that a short port replacement. I'm not so worried because everything else is intact and without the leak would work perfectly. I really consider that having this failure after 5 years is pretty good. Most implanted medical devices require some replacement/tune up in this period of time.

:thumbup:This is a philosophy I've been trying to follow since getting banded. In some ways I am "testing" my limits, but yet trying to keep things to a low roar so I don't get out of control. I will be calling the office in the morning and try to get in on Thursday to figure out what's up. I was able to eat things I haven't had for a couple of years. Yes, there was some restriction, but I could have eaten the whole dinner... lamb and trimmings. So, the soup will make a good before-bed snack. The last thing I want is for my total loss go under 100 lbs. I'm getting too close for comfort. Had to work 14 hours today.

:thumbup:This is a philosophy I've been trying to follow since getting banded. In some ways I am "testing" my limits, but yet trying to keep things to a low roar so I don't get out of control. I will be calling the office in the morning and try to get in on Thursday to figure out what's up. I was able to eat things I haven't had for a couple of years. Yes, there was some restriction, but I could have eaten the whole dinner... lamb and trimmings. So, the soup will make a good before-bed snack. The last thing I want is for my total loss go under 100 lbs. I'm getting too close for comfort. Had to work 14 hours today.

I guess I didn't note that I am 5+ years out. My band is a 4cc capacity. This morning I did feel a wee bit of restriction when I took one of my meds this morning... so not all is lost. :tongue:

I guess I didn't note that I am 5+ years out. My band is a 4cc capacity. This morning I did feel a wee bit of restriction when I took one of my meds this morning... so not all is lost. :thumbup:

My band is a 4 cc capacity. @ Gorda... Sometimes it's a trick for the doc to maintain the right amount of pressure when checking on the level and putting it back in, but usually it's a .1 cc difference for me not .4. More seriously for a loss is a port or tubing failure. He has been having difficulty locating the port the last couple of adjustments. In October, when he took my gallbladder out, everything still looked good. Two weeks, 2 pounds, is good.. loss is supposed to be 1-2 lbs/week w/the band. If you are new to the Band, give it some time, as "janetsjourney..." commented the band can be fickle and one day you can eat anything the next, nothing. Everyone's restriction is different. A good doc takes it slow so the body adjusts easier. @janetsjourney..." thanks... yes this I know well. Please note I am 5+ years out and haven't had any problems until now... though this morning I did feel a "little" restriction when I took one of my meds.

I have heard of others doing their own fills. I have a friend whose daughter has been doing her own. I understand the distance issue. There was only one doc in Wisconsin who would manage out of country band patients. Last I heard, he is no longer taking those patients. So travelling could be the only way. Even after 5+ years, It's not something I would attempt without proper training. With my port's position, I believe it would be impossible anyway. :bored:

I went to the doc on Thursday because I was not feeling much restriction. When he checked I had "lost" .4 cc's of saline. So he took me back up to 3.4. I initially felt restriction and fortunately when I went to work Thursday night had no craving for Cheetos. Yesterday, I had an enchilada dinner and was able to eat most of the meal with no problem. :tongue: It was curious because normally it would only be a couple of bites and I would be full. Today, I am also not feeling much restriction and have been able to eat most everything. I will be calling on Monday. I've not experienced "no restriction" since I was banded. I'm a little concerned :eek: that there is an issue with the port or tubing.

I went to the doc on Thursday because I was not feeling much restriction. When he checked I had "lost" .4 cc's of saline. So he took me back up to 3.4. I initially felt restriction and fortunately when I went to work Thursday night had no craving for Cheetos. Yesterday, I had an enchilada dinner and was able to eat most of the meal with no problem. :thumbup: It was curious because normally it would only be a couple of bites and I would be full. Today, I am also not feeling much restriction and have been able to eat most everything. I will be calling on Monday. I've not experienced "no restriction" since I was banded. I'm a little concerned :tt1: that there is an issue with the port or tubing.

Too many fills to count... 5 years + out and member of Century Club (+100):bored: I have the original band placed empty First fill 6 weeks post-op, 1.5 next fill was about 6 weeks later. I have had an avg of 4-5 fills/year. I have really good insurance. was just adjusted Thursday and should have 3.4 3.3-3.4 seems to be my sweet spot. I did have an adjustment a month ago and also was supposed to be at 3.4 and Thursday was at 3.0. With the new adjustment also should be 3.4. I initially felt restriction on Thursday, but very little yesterday or today. I'll be calling the office on Monday.