New here-I've got a problem

[jeansk 0]

Hi! I've never posted before ,but am hoping that someone can give me some help. I've had my band since Oct.2,2006, and have lost 65 pounds thus far. I had my surgery in BC Canada. I followed all the instructions - I was actually stricter with myself than the surgeon told me to be. I started on fluids and slowly progressed to purees and then soft solids.I tried to remember to chew well and take small bites. Everything was great for the first four weeks. Then I started having problems with vomitting. I see that some on this site have referred to 'productive burps'. Most of the time I don't feel nauseated - I get a sharp esophageal-spasm type of pain, need to burp a lot, and ultimately need to go and make myself throw up.

The odd thing about this is that things are always worse in the morning.It is to the point now that I have nothing but Hot Drinks or warm Water until about 2 pm.(Cold seems to set off the spasm). Then, I try to have a bit of cheese and maybe a cracker. On a good day, I can eat soft solids for dinner. On a bad day, it all comes back. The really ironic thing is that chocolate goes down really well! It's important to mention that I have never had a fill- my surgeon usually waits until 6 weeks postop for this.

So...any ideas? I'm getting tired of throwing up, I'm concerned about my nutrition and dehydration, and (believe it or not) I'm getting tired of chocolate!!:help:

[Wheetsin 714]

Then I started having problems with vomitting. I see that some on this site have referred to 'productive burps'. Most of the time I don't feel nauseated - I get a sharp esophageal-spasm type of pain, need to burp a lot, and ultimately need to go and make myself throw up.

I'd wager that you're not vomitting, you're PBing. I'd advise that you not make yourself throw up. PBs hurt. They hurt me a LOT. But letting it happen on its own is (IMO) better than forcing your gag reflex. That said, I can understand not wanting to go through the pain any longer. I have a damn high pain tolerance, and I've been brought to the point of crying out by the spasms I have.

The odd thing about this is that things are always worse in the morning.

This is VERY common. A lot of people are tighter in the mornings and their Breakfast menu is pretty much limited to liquids. Warm liquids in a many cases.

It is to the point now that I have nothing but hot drinks or warm Water until about 2 pm.(Cold seems to set off the spasm). Then, I try to have a bit of cheese and maybe a cracker.

I would suggest starting off by eating something that is more band friendly. Neither bread-based products (crackers) or cheese are a band-friendly consistency. Maybe try something like Soup, or refried Beans, or tofu... or a wet tuna/chicken/whatever salad.

On a good day, I can eat soft solids for dinner. On a bad day, it all comes back. The really ironic thing is that chocolate goes down really well! It's important to mention that I have never had a fill- my surgeon usually waits until 6 weeks postop for this.

You don't have to have a fill to have restriction. In my case, I firmly believe the band itself gave me some degree of restricition. I PBed 3 days post op, and didn't have my first fill until week 5 or 6. Also, my appetite never came back between surgery and my first fill.

So...any ideas? I'm getting tired of throwing up, I'm concerned about my nutrition and dehydration, and (believe it or not) I'm getting tired of chocolate!!

It sounds like you try to eat the same foods every day, and every day get sick. Take it easy for a few days. Let Protein shakes and wet mushies be enough, don't feel that you HAVE to eat solid/crunchy foods. A few days on liquids won't kill you, but can give your band area some time to heal. PBs can cause a lot of irritation and swelling, and if you're having PB upon PB and not taking it easy on the menu so you have some time to recover before another irritation sets in, things aren't likely to get any better.

Just sounds to me like you have sognificant restriction from the band itself. PBing isn't good for you. What does your surgeon say about this?

[Betsyjane 2]

For some reason, your band may be too restrictive..... or at least has become REALLY restrictive. Alot of people can't eat in the morning, and hot liquids are the only thing that works. Not surprising that chocolate goes down since it becomes liquified. I'm with Wheetsin....go back to liquids and mushies and start over. If you don't end up being able to eat half a chicen pice and some veges for dinner, ask your Dr. for suggestions.....