Awful pain, can't even have liquids

ivansmom · January 15, 2007

First of all, I am sorry that my first post is a panic post, but I am really hurting here.

I was banded on August 1, 2006. I had my first fill on October 4, 2006. Since then, I have had a lot of trouble with my band and have really had to limit what I eat to a list of less than a dozen things. I have lost almost 60 pounds, so I am determined to stick it out, since I am happy with my progress.

I am halfway through a two-week business trip to Denver, Colorado and since I arrived, I have really been unable to take in solid foods and have trouble getting liquids down too. I am wondering if the problem is related to atmospheric pressure or altitude. Since I am having terrible pain near my port, I am also wondering if maybe my band is slipping.

Until this happened, I was able to eat the following:

1. Slim-fast low-carb shakes

2. Milk, coffee, soda and other liquids

3. Nuts

4. popcorn

5. Crackers

6. Cooked veggies

7. Soup (including Wendy's chili)

8. chocolate

9. Ice cream

Periodically since this started happening, I have been able to drink chicken broth or coffee. Sometimes, when I try though, it feels like it is just sitting above my band (it will stay for hours like that).

What's wrong with me? :sick

anonemouse · January 15, 2007

It sounds like you were too tight in general, to start with. I would think you should have been able to eat more than what you have. That said, I have heard other people say that pressure can affect the band, also. I would try to find a doctor in the area that can do a slight unfill, or go to the ER if you can't. If you were too tight before you got to Colorado, the atmospheric pressure probably tightened you even further.

lyndalafe · January 15, 2007

I agree.............you've obviously been overfilled for a while. Need to get that fixed pronto and have them take a look to make sure your band has not slipped........................

Kat817 · January 15, 2007

If you have your own Dr.'s phone # he should be able to refer you to a Denver Dr. for emergency adjustment while you are there. If not, any local ER should be able to locate a bariatric surgeon for you to consult with.

Your list of foods you were able to eat is so diverse, many of the things go right through---ice cream for instance, as well as the liquids...but the nuts and popcorn, they require the stomach to work---it sure sounds like you need to consult with your Dr. and maybe think about an endoscopy, to look at the band and then go from there.

You may be on to something with the alititude change--it has been mentioned before, but is not something I have ever had affect me.

You also mentioned soda did not hurt--that is something most Dr.s put on the NO MORE list---does it hurt to drink it?

Good Luck---if it gets worse, and you cannot locate a Dr. head to an ER!

Kat