To fill or to unfill, that is the question...

February 3, 2004

Hi everyone. I wanted to say that I have been banded for 4 months and have only lost 20 pounds, most of which is on the liquid phase. I got a fill over 2 months ago (first fill) of 1cc. Had bad heartburn and reflux, and went on nexium which has helped. The problem is I can eat anything, so I don't feel restricted enough. I went to get another fill, and doc said because I had a lot of diarreha (sorry!) I should get a colonoscopy before I get filled again and that another fill could give me heartburn again. Well, I think the band has made my stomach very sensitive, but I don't think that should make a difference to my fill, I just have to watch what types of foods I eat. But I had a friend (not a doc) suggest I get an unfill to let my stomach heal, and then do several small fills. Has anyone had any experience like mine? Thanks!!!!!!

NetteInBoulder · March 1, 2004

I'm no expert but I like your idea of getting unfilled and then sneaking up on the right spot with several small fills.

That's my doc's philosophy. He gives around .5 or .7 for the first fill and then generally around .3 for each fill thereafter and I've never had a bad reaction. Just gradually getting more and more restricted.

Good luck hun!

::big hug::::

Annette

GeezerSue · March 1, 2004

Yes. I did several months of reflux and then decided to get an unfill. I felt IMMEDIATE relief. Dr. Kuri (if I recall) suggested wating around three weeks, but I waited over two months. I gained weight. I didn't/don't care. I was no longer creating a situation in which esophageal irritation/cancer cold get a foothold.

I've been refilled (a smaller amount than my first fill) for about three weeks. I've lost five pounds (I had gained about twenty in two months). I need to reread Donali's post of Polar Bear Mike's post of Dr. Kuri's advice about eating earlier in the day. I think anyone with even minor sensitivity issues needs to do that.

And I need to remember that I have restriciton now, and stop eating "just one more bite" as I was able to do during my unfilled months. Other than those things, I'm a fervent supporter of "theraputic unfills." Good luck on your decision.