My biggest regret

[2012 359]

Are you doing better now with the unfill? How is it going?

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

I wonder why he didn't do an x-ray to verify his suspicions?

According to my surgeon, when the patient is having symptoms like that, an unfill would be the treatment whether or not the band had slipped. So MKB's surgeon may have felt that exposing her to radiation when it wouldn't affect his treatment was not the best approach. If the unfill doesn't resolve the symptoms, the x-ray would be justified at that point. But I'm just guessing.

I had big unfills a few times because of eating problems, and a complete unfill to treat a suspected band slip. In every case, the unfill fixed the problem. I didn't have an upper GI x-ray until after the unfill to treat the band slip. My appointment was in the late afternoon and I couldn't wait for the hospital radiology department to fit me in after all the scheduled and emergency patients. I have a 6 hour round trip to get there, so I had the upper GI study done locally, and by that time, my band, esophagus, and stomach were fine.

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Hi. I'm kinda new but am curious about what you said. The doc said the band may have slipped. So by him unfilling it, will that make your band go back to its place? I thought removal or an adjustment was the answer to that?

A band slip doesn't automatically call for surgical treatment. As in the rest of American medicine (especially as dictated by insurance companies), the first approach is a conservative approach, and if that doesn't work, the treatment gets stepped up to the next level. So usually the first step in treating a band slip is an unfill. If that doesn't resolve the problem, the patient is re-evaluated and a more "drastic" treatment (like surgery) is identified and, if approved by insurance, performed.

Although sometimes I get very impatient with that approach, I would very much prefer to have an unfill than to have to go back to the operating room!

[SkinnyCubanChick 150]

Me too! Never Heras of it adjusting it self. Look at the procedure on YouTube!

[MiniMi 1,468]

I was starting to think last month that maybe I could use a fill. I pretty much did cut out most junk foods out of my diet. I started bringing plain salads for my lunch at work. String cheese and veggies as Snacks. But just the last week/ week and a half everything I eat comes right back up. So yeah. I did see a nutritionist after the band. I cant afford the $150 each visit to see her. It adds up way fast! I got a fairly good idea of how to eat now. The reason I went for the foods that are unhealthy is because finally something that doesn't make me vomit! I have been craving something healthy but I don't want to vomit after every single time I eat. But I got to eat something! I been trying to make the lapband work.

Well after reading all the replies you seem to have a really good attitude and are taking it all in stride. I'm impressed.

The only thing you can do is talk to your surgeon and start over slowly. Also ask about any nutritionists that the dr office may offer for free. I paid for a nutritionist for my preop evaluation but the hospital also has one on staff that offers support for free. I attended their class the day before surgery and have his number on speed dial. He is SO helpful.

Tap into your resources and you will be a success.