Struggling with a complete unfill...

[dreamer07079 4]

Okay, so here's how this happened.

I was banded back in 2007, had it filled almost all the way in 2009 and that seemed to work for a long time. I struggled with actually losing weight because (I admit) I was cheating a little. Finally, in 2011, I decided enough was enough and I made a vow to change my life. The weight seemed to melt off. I was down 50 pounds from my original starting weight and feeling great. What everyone says is true: you have to be ready to make the change yourself! I was proud that I got there and that I was really able to use the band the way it's supposed to be used!

Then, a few months ago, I started having bad acid reflux. I was throwing up in my sleep on multiple occasions and finally went into my doctor (who is about 800 miles away from me). I was told I needed a complete unfill because my pouch was dilated. Bummer! How did that even happen when I was doing so good for so long?? I have no clue. I got my unfill and stuck VERY strictly to my new liquid diet: clears for three days, liquids for a week, soft solids for a week, and then slowly onto solid foods. This was about a month ago when this all started and I'm on my second week of full solid foods.

I've been making really good choices: seared chicken breasts, quinoa, lots of bananas and cottage cheese, and eggs. This morning I woke up with slight stomach pain, but I kind of ignored it and kept on truckin'. During the day, however, it got worse and worse to the point of it being actually hard to breathe. My stomach is so bloated and uncomfortable. I feel like it's gas pain, but it's unlike any gas pain I've ever had.

Any suggestions? I've done some of the gas-relieving positions, drank hot Water, and chewed on some fennel seeds and so far, nothing has helped. It still hurts SO BAD. I'm desperate. I had no idea an unfill could lead to so much gas pain, Constipation, and general uncomfortable-ness. Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone going through a similar situation? I kind of feel like I'm alone here.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

An unfill can't cause those symptoms, especially when it was a month ago.

You need to go back to your doctor ASAP.

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

I agree with Missy, something isn't right and only your doctor can diagnosis it. Please go back to your doctor, I wish you the best.

[dreamer07079 4]

@mis73 and ajtexas, yeah I'm going to see him as soon as possible. My dad knows my surgeon and he wants me to come back up and get looked at. I intend to asap. I guess I was looking for more immediate pain relief.

I'm also not sure if this matters at all, but about 3 months ago, I started birth control for the first time, too. I had the Paragard IUD placed, and my monthly periods have kind of been all over the place since then. I'm on my period right now, so I'm not sure whether it's the IUD or the lap-band that's giving me all these problems today. I'm hopeful it's just Aunt Flo, here to ruin my life for the next few days. If the pain doesn't clear up in about 2 days, I'm definitely going to make arrangements to see my doctor again by the end of the month. Thanks for the replies, ladies! much appreciated.

[nursejen28 33]

You could have a VERY serious issue...I assume this is not your first period and it sounds like the pain is beyond normal menstrual cramping. Severe abdominal pain is considered a medical emergency regardless of lap band or IUD placement. If your stomach hurts so bad you can barely breathe you need to go to the ER or call your physician immediately...This may not even be lab band related abdominal pain is often a sign of gull bladder problems or appendix issues...Don't mean to sound harsh but I did not want to say anything and something bad happen, a few days could be to late Take care of yourself!

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

Take care of yourself. And please do not let these symptoms go unanswered, your body is telling you something whether it's the IUD or the band you need to know.

[dreamer07079 4]

The pain has gone almost miraculously. I'm pretty sure it was average old gas pains, the kind everyone gets now and again for whatever reason. However, I still plan to make arrangements to see my doc and make sure all is well. Will keep you updated if any more problems occur, but for now, I think I can rest easy. (I didn't mention this because when I'm in any pain I don't think rationally, but I'm definitely a known hypochondriac, always looking to the worst possible outcome. I'm fairly certain this was just a gas day, so here's hoping all is well from here on out!) Thanks to all who replied, I definitely appreciate the input.

EDIT: Sometimes I just need to hear "go to the doctor" in order to take my own body seriously. So, really, thanks all who replied.

[SashaWLS 412]

A good litmus test for gas or acid is eating some Tums... You can eat a bunch of them without concern for overdoing it cause there's nothing really in there except Calcium. If the pain responds to the tums, you've got yourself garden variety pain. If it doesn't respond, then get yourself to a doc ASAP!!