I'm posting this for a patient of mine-we're stumped..I was going to refer him for an Endocrine and GI evaluation but after reading the threads on dilation-this sounds similar. Any input appreciated-thanks!!
Adj. Gastric Banding Surgery done at the end of May 2006, about 6 months ago. To date I have had 6cc of Fluid placed into the band. My current weight is 444 lbs, down a total of 120 lbs from 2 years ago. The surgeon said that the band should be forming a pouch that would hold about 1 oz, and release the contents very slowly.
As of right now I can without having any sensation of being full, eat a 10 oz Top Sirloin Steak, a 6 oz Baked Potato, and a 4 oz dinner salad over a period of about 20 min. 30 minutes. I'm able to eat other foods that are normally restricted, such as celery, with no problem. In fact, the last time I had celery I ate the whole bunch, over a period of 30 minutes for lunch. Still no sensation of being full, nor any trouble as a result of the stringy nature of celery. Nor is any form of white non-toasted bread, or even Peanut Butter. The only item that has caused any sensation of fullness was eating one Blueberry Muffins that you can buy at the store. Also I have not had any problem that has caused me to bring stuff back up, as a result of eating too much.
My current average daily intake of calories, for the month of November is 1638 calories/day. Over the last 6 months my average daily intake of calories is down from a high of 2250 calories/day. But even at this months average of 1638 calories/day I am still gaining weight, and I am finding that the band is still allowing to large of volume of to be consumed, without feeling full.
I normally exercise by swimming 1 mile, in a little over an 75 - 80 minutes 3 times a week.
One other fact, which may or may not be important, is the fact that when the temperature is down in the low 30's, with little to no wind, I'm quite comfortable outside in a short sleeve shirt, with no coat.
Does any one have any idea about what is going on?
Or what it will take to get the band adjusted so that it is working?
Suggestion on what should be checked?
