Confused!

[AmandaBelle75 14]

I had a small fill (1/4cc) three months ago. I did really great for awhile and I started exercising more. I am now walking/jogging 20-25 miles a week and for the past month my band seems to be tighter. A lot tighter! The past few days have been really rough. I can't eat much at all. I woke up with horrible heartburn last night. I haven't had heartburn since being banded in April 2012. I've thrown up a few times too. I'm not eating anything bad either. This morning I had a Protein Shake and then I had spaghetti squash for dinner. I don't know if I should get a little taken out or rest for a few days on liquids. I have an appointment on Tuesday with my doctor. Have any of you experienced your band becoming suddenly tighter with an increase in activity? One minute I think maybe this is the "green zone" and the next I think "I hope it didn't slip!". I haven't had any real vomiting or heartburn since being banded until recently so I am a little perplexed.

[NaNa 878]

I had a small fill (1/4cc) three months ago. I did really great for awhile and I started exercising more. I am now walking/jogging 20-25 miles a week and for the past month my band seems to be tighter. A lot tighter! The past few days have been really rough. I can't eat much at all. I woke up with horrible heartburn last night. I haven't had heartburn since being banded in April 2012. I've thrown up a few times too. I'm not eating anything bad either. This morning I had a Protein shake and then I had spaghetti squash for dinner. I don't know if I should get a little taken out or rest for a few days on liquids. I have an appointment on Tuesday with my doctor. Have any of you experienced your band becoming suddenly tighter with an increase in activity? One minute I think maybe this is the "green zone" and the next I think "I hope it didn't slip!". I haven't had any real vomiting or heartburn since being banded until recently so I am a little perplexed.

Sure the band can get tighter, especially if you are teetering at the red zone, I've always left "wiggle" room in my band because from what I've experienced when it seemed like the "sweet spot" it was in fact too tight.

The band can also tighten more with stress, menstrual cycle, elevation, repeated vomiting will also make it tighter to the point of obstruction.

Also when the band suddenly tighten, WITH reflux and heartburn, it could mean pouch dilation from being too tight.

You probably need an Upper GI to check your band.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I had a small fill (1/4cc) three months ago. I did really great for awhile and I started exercising more. I am now walking/jogging 20-25 miles a week and for the past month my band seems to be tighter. A lot tighter! The past few days have been really rough. I can't eat much at all. I woke up with horrible heartburn last night. I haven't had heartburn since being banded in April 2012. I've thrown up a few times too. I'm not eating anything bad either. This morning I had a Protein shake and then I had spaghetti squash for dinner. I don't know if I should get a little taken out or rest for a few days on liquids. I have an appointment on Tuesday with my doctor. Have any of you experienced your band becoming suddenly tighter with an increase in activity? One minute I think maybe this is the "green zone" and the next I think "I hope it didn't slip!". I haven't had any real vomiting or heartburn since being banded until recently so I am a little perplexed.

Yes, I have experienced significant fluctuations in the tightness in my band. Most of the time I can relate this to life stress, and what I am doing at a particular time, I.e. driving increases my stress level, so sometimes I cannot even sip Water.

I have not noticed an increase of restriction with increased level of physical activity. When we relocated our residence, I was able to exercise more in the cooler temperatures, and now am up to 1-1.5 hours of cardio 5-6 times a week.

We currently live at 5,000 ft. + elevation, which has had no effect on my band either. I asked my surgeon prior to our move if the elevation would effect my band, and he said no. His prediction has been accurate.

As for night time reflux and any vomiting or regurgitating, you should consult with your surgeon ASAP, as these symptoms can lead to significant complications.

I have always preferred leave my band on the loose side, as taking my medications without crushing is important to me. I also prefer to avoid the complications of having a band that is too tight. This,means that I have to take more of the responsibility for managing my hunger, but I am willing and able to do this.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

I would consult your surgeon because this could be the sign of a slipped band. Anytime you are moving along with no problems and start having issues like that, you need to call your doctor because something is not right for sure.