obsessing about band slipping

[devin 0]

Hi, I am a 38 year old male who was banded on Nov 9th 2010. My weight loss in the pre-op and 6 weeks post op was substantial, but now has slowed down to about an average of one pound a week, which my surgeon says is exactly what he wants. Problem that I am having is that I find myself constantly obsessing about my band having slipped. I have made mistakes over the past few months. There have been times when I have been stuck, and I have vomitted probably 3 or 4 times. Sliming is not uncommon for me if I am not very cautious how fast I eat. I find that learning how to eat has been the biggest challenge and if I am not concious about it I will sometimes eat to fast and get in trouble fast. Now because I have had these episodes of being stuck and a few episodes of vomitting, I am really scared that I have damaged something or that my band has slipped. Everytime I feel anything different or any kind of sensation anywhere near my band I panic and think that I have done something. Any time my restriction feels decreased or I feel that I could eat too much I panic. I think everything seems to be working well. I still feel satiety after a small amount of food. I don't think I am at my "sweet spot" yet, but am getting close. I just wish I could get some reassurance that my band is still where it is suppose to be and that I haven't damaged it by being stuck or vomitting. My episodes of getting stuck are far less frequent now as I learn to eat, so I know I am on the right track. However, because of my obsessive personality I just can't stop worryingf that I have damaged this thing by not always following the rules. Can anyone tell me if I would know for sure if my band has slipped? What would I be feeling? would I have more restriction or less? Any reassurance would be appreciated.

[reverie 49]

The most common signs of a slipped band are acid reflux, vomiting, not being able to eat solid foods, some people can't even keep liquids down; it really depends on the person. If you're that worried maybe talk to your surgeon and schedule an endoscopy/upper GI.

I would just try to relax; that's probably easier said than done as I don't have a very obsessive personality but worrying about slipping is just like worrying about getting into a car accident each time you drive. It's okay to keep it in the back of your mind but don't let it ruin your journey. Of course it can happen but can doesn't mean will or has.

[Jodi_620 37]

Reverie nailed the symtoms. I am almost 3 years out and I still worry from time-to-time. As you go forward you will learn that you will feel different from day to day (heck, sometimes it changes from hour to hour). Some days I am tighter and some days I can eat more. I can't eat much in the morning but manage to get more down as the day goes on. Stress and hormones affect my restriction. In the beginning every time I would feel a change in restriction I would worry. Your worry is very normal and all part of the process. You will likely know if you have slipped plus your doctor will probably do fluoro with a fill from time to time to make sure your band is in place. Just try to relax and if you feel a change, try not to panic.