cbeterror

I'll try to make my long story as concise as possible. I had my surgery in January, and was initially filled to 4ccs. After recovering from the surgery itself, I was having moderate ongoing chest pain. It came in waves and was particularly bad at night. I don't think it's reflux. I have had that in the past and know the symptoms. This felt more like the apparatus itself was causing it, due to its position or possibly eroding into my stomach. My doctor felt I was swelling from the surgery and promptly removed all of the Fluid. Months passed with no weight loss before I could have my first fill in April. They put in 2ccs, and I felt no restriction whatsoever. I felt no relief from hunger and was very discouraged by this point, and started to gain even more weight. In August they put in another 2ccs. Again, I felt no different than I had before my surgery. High levels of hunger and zero restriction. Then, in October, they added 1cc, putting me at 5ccs total. Here's where things get interesting... I have been throwing up, a lot. Some days are better than others and I can eat normal sized potions without any issues. Most days, I'm throwing up just about everything from chicken to applesauce. I have even vomited liquids pretty regularly. I'm careful about what I eat. I eat small portions of moist foods and chew VERY well, but it doesn't seem to matter. I would say I have thrown up 75% of everything I've attempted to eat this past month. It sucks, I feel horrid and I'm starving all the time, but I'm finally losing weight, so I dealt with it. I was of course advised to come in as I have been overfilled. But I didn't go in, because I figured that 1cc ago I was seeing no results, and I don't want to move backward. I want to lose weight, and if this is how I need to lose it, so be it. Two days ago, however, the chest pain resurfaced with a vengeance. I literally feel as though the band is slowly cutting my stomach in half. I just don't know how else to describe it. I haven't been able to sleep or eat. So, of course, I am going in to see my doctor today. I know his first response is going to be to take all of the fluid out of my band, which isn't what I want. I think it would kill any resolve I have left and begin this same useless process all over again. I just want the pain to subside and continue (finally) losing weight. I want this surgery to work for me, but I'm beginning to fear it's never going to. I just want to know what you guys think, or if anyone has heard of or experienced something like this before. Should I try to push through the pain with medication and hope it's swelling that will eventually subside, or is this completely not normal? It's been almost a year, and I can't seem to lose any weight unless I'm throwing up and in severe pain. I'm wondering if it's time to just give up on the band altogether. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

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I am being banded on Friday, and my doctor told me to bring Gas-X dissolving strips to the hospital, since you can't take the pills. Probably won't be enough to help, but worth a try if you haven't already. Not looking forward to these side effects!

fd

Thank you for the tips, and congratulations on quitting smoking and an AMAZING amount of weight loss since your sugery. I hope I can manage to do as well as you have!

I am also a military wife with Tricare Standard and it was very easy to get approved. If your BMI is over 35, tell your PCM that you feel you may have sleep apnea (most people have it when tested, regardless of weight). That alone will probably get you approved. I personally decided to GAIN 10 pounds before going in, as that 10 pounds put my BMI over 40...not a happy choice to make, but I figured...gain a little to lose a lot? Sure. Best of luck.

I just found out I am scheduled for surgery on January 21st. I wanted to reply since most of you are having your sugeries around the same time I will be. I am not on a preop diet for some reason. I only have to be sure not to eat the day prior to my surgery. I do plan to diet this week, however, using the Atkins induction. My surgeon mentioned losing a few pounds may help shrink my liver a bit and make me a better candidate for a scarless procedure. I have a weird tip for those of you struggling...may or may not help, but here it is...if you're allowed to eat them, David's sunflower seeds with the shells really help me curb those cravings by giving me something salty and something for my mouth to do for a while. They are very low carb. Best wishes to all.