Hi there! Long time no see - sorry to say I am back with problems

Emmy27 · November 9, 2006

I was banded two years ago this January. Doing very well except about 5 months ago I had an adjustment that was too much - caused reflux and I aspirated causing aspiration pnemonia. I had Fluid out - recovered well and then went back for an adjustment which was halfway between where I was and where I had the problem - it was perfect and the last adjustment I have had since.

In Sept I had a Tummy Tuck and breast lift and reduction - there was some concern that the swelling might cause me to have increased restriction but it went well - not one problem eating.

Monday night I had some symptoms of reflux but overall was ok - I hadn't been taking this med that helps with the mucus so I made sure to take it the next night (it was thought that I had a lot of mucus when I had the aspiration too... so I started on this to thin the mucus at night)

Then this Tuesday I had a great lunch - no problems. By Tuesday evening I felt some increased restriction - was having a thick Soup for dinner out - couldn't eat much of it but what I ate went down fine. Slept fine, no problems with reflux.

Then yesterday I couldn't keep any solid food down at all - though I did okay with fluids as long as I went slow.

Last night I took the mucus med but still had some reflux issues.

This morning I still feel more restricted then normal but am doing okay sipping tea - I am afriad to try any food.< /p>

I called my doctor - they think I must have just irratated something and want me to go on clear fluids - it is odd that it is happening so far out from an adjustment. I asked if it could be a slip and she hesitated - saying she didn't think so since there wasn't vomiting (there was PBing but it was a result of this, not what started it)... she said if I don't feel like I can wait it out they will see me immediately if I call back, even on the weekend/evening. She wants me to come in Monday if it hasn't resolved by then.

What do you think? What have your experiences been/ do you think it sounds like slippage? I wouldn't have thought so but the more I read on here I am wondering even more...

Thanks in advance.

oops forgot to add - I am on prevacid - she told me to double the dose for the next couple days. Also, I just started the pill for irregular periods again on Sunday - she said this can cause some fluid retention which can cause an increase of up to .2 of pressure on the band (like I had an adjustment of .2 in the band) - that is the same amount they added to get me where I have had a good restricition up unitl now so I am now, technically, over where I was where I had the aspiration pnemonia which would be another reason to try to wait it out another day or two -for the fluid retention to resolve.

barbara465 · November 9, 2006

Emmy,

First of all congradulations on your successful weight loss journey! From everything I've read and heard from others, the mucus build up can really play havoc with the band. I heard the doctors say warm liquids first to open the band up and drain the mucus helped most of their patients. Stay away from cold liquids. If you are feeling uncomfortable I would go in for a slight unfill. There is no sense "toughing" it out for days only to have to go in at the end anyway. Besides, you can do damage when you let things like this go on. Let your doc do a barium swallow and then you will know if you have slippage or not. Your mind needs to be put at ease.

Good luck.

health1st · November 10, 2006

Congrats on your success. You have a lot more experience than I do....so take this thought based on my very limited experience.

My first fill didn't do much until 3 weeks later. I was nauseated for another 6 weeks. I just tuffed it out and all the symptoms went away. Now I need another fill and I am hesitant, for all the reasons that an overfill can cause. And I do realize now that have a very sensitive stomach compared to other bandsters.

I also had a slip early on and at least for me there was no wondering...... something was really wrong, it hurt really bad and I couldn't eat or drink anything.

Best wishes and keep us posted.

lisalu · November 10, 2006

I had the same symptoms as you. I am almost 2 years post op. I had a tightening and couldn't keep anything down and it was about 2 months after my last fill. I had an upper G.I. done, there was no slip, but my docs are very conservative and they took Fluid out. I did gain about 10 pounds, had to weight 6 - 8 weeks to get another fill, but have now taken most of the weight off. It may not be a slip, but you may want to get a slight unfill. Best of luck to you!!!