I am having issues with my band; advise please.

[sdpressl 1]

I won't go into a long story (banded 2009) but, I was filled around the 1st of January. Had to go back about 3 days later for a sligh unfill, cause I couldn't keep liquids down. Did fine until about 3 days ago. Somehow, my band seems to have tighten up on me big time! Yesterday morning coffee with cream was a no go. It hurt to drink or eat. My stomach felt bubbly so I took gas x an decided to let my band "rest". Last night, I had chicken broth with a tiniy bit of instant potatoes to slightly thicken it. It went down just fine.

This morning I am having MiO Water and am not hungry yet. I really would like to stay away from going to the doc; so I am putting myself on liquids for a few days. My question is: Have you ever been about to stay away from the doc by letting your band "rest".

Thanks so much, in advance.

Susan

[Baba Wawa 543]

Not for long. For some reason, I'm seeing an increasing number of stories like yours. I belong to a FB group of people who've had this type of experience. In my case, it seems that the band caused my stomach to spasm. I had all my Fluid removed last June when I had a barium swallow and it just barely dripped through. I'm still losing, slowly, but recently was Dx with gastroparesis, basically paralysis of the stomach. I recommend seeing your band doctor. It might be that you need a small unfill to take care of this.

Keep us posted!

[B-52 7,113]

My last fill, it took me about a month for thing to settle down entirely....

I could not get anything down the first week and came close to calling my Dr.

I decided to give it a rest also..trying to force foods so close to a fill only kept irritating it.....during the "rest" I stuck with Soups, shakes, and things like mashed potatoes and other mushie foods....

eventually things started to get better.....actually I feel I CHANGED also...

I know a lot of people who experience this and stuck it out.....I also know people who went and had a slight un-fill....not going to say one was right or one was wrong....

I will say, I am very glad I stuck it out...i enjoy the restriction I currently have, and have had for about 20 months now.....

You'll never hear me complain about being hungry - tempted with foods and fear of over eating,....It's just not part of me anymore....

I am, not only comfortably in the Green Zone....but have also found that "groove" where life just goes on from day to day as though I never had the band....everything taken for granted

and has become part of me...not some set of rules I need to remember or abide by....I suppose there are rules, but I don't have to think about them anymore..

Well, the only "rule" I need to adhere to is "Listen to my band" and obey what it is saying....otherwise....

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

i think (letting your doctor) know what is going on is the best thing and staying away from the doctor is the worst thing. in my opinion, the dr is the one who can help you..i do hope you get to feeling better

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I personally think avoiding your doctor is a bit foolish. If you're having problems then your doctor should be your first call not your last resort. By putting off calling him then you are potentially making the problem worse.

Your doctor's job is to treat and help you- let him do his job. Call him.

[colleenjoy 104]

I had my band tighten up on me 3 weeks after a fill. Totally fine in the begining and all of a sudden started having trouble getting things down and horrible reflux. Had a tiny bit taken out .2cc i think and all was better. If you have trouble getting liquids down you should go to your dr ASAP. of it's trouble with solids, a couple of days of liquid may make it better. Although I think at least calling your dr now and getting their advice would be best.

Colleen

[firefaerie266 53]

I would definitely call if you can't keep at least liquids down - you don't want to get dehydrated! Hope you feel better!

[general_antiope 189]

Great advice already on this thread - the purpose of the band is to restrict your volume and speed on solid, healthy food. Liquids and mush are not the goal of band living. If, after 3+ years of being banded, you are in this place, it is not a good place. But I don't know your history (as you skipped it) and I wouldn't presume to diagnose you Definitely keep us posted, it's helpful to know what others are going through.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

I would strongly encourage you to go and see your doctor. This is best advice for you situation. IMHO