Too tight or just right?

[skinnyhereicome 41]

Okay all after a year of never getting near the green zone I need help. Due to a leak in my band I never got proper restriction, now I have been getting fills since the correction surgery. I am 5cc in a 11cc band since last Friday and boy can I feel it. I can drink a liquids very slowly and sometimes it causes a little discomfort, I have only been a able to tolerate pudding, chicken noodle Soup (mostly broth), mashed potatoes, and small bowl of Cereal anything else I eat hurts me I can feel a pain in my esophagus) I didn't know if this is how it would feel since I've never been close to this feeling before. Hoping someone can shine some light on the matter whom is in the green zone. On the up side there is no way I will gain weight. Lol. Btw I have pushed myself to eat so I get some Protein in my system, especially because I work out a lot.

[SandyM 1,956]

Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 weeks for the fill to settle and swelling to resolve. Try to get your Proteins and stay hydrated. If it were me I'd give it a little and see what happens

[skinnyhereicome 41]

Should I keep forcing myself to eat what I need to, like meats? It does hurt a little but I think I can get down a quarter cup of food at a time. Also it really embarrassing to be around people eating that don't know about my surgery. Lol.

[Kitt3000 757]

One of the toughest situations for me to learn regarding meat, cut it up very thin, pieces like you would cut up for a toddler. Frequently check in with yourself. Ask if you are still comfortable, if you are border line. Stop, wait, chat with your companion, or if you are alone, walk away. Give yourself a few minutes. If you have not ate your full portion, go back but please don't get to uncomfortable, because you will really regret when it becomes painful. Good quality fresh deli meats (I use boars head) sliced thin, has been very helpful when I eat solid Protein. I also try to get protein in first, I only have veggies and carbs if I can fit it in. I think this is where the multi Vitamin comes in handy.

I'm still struggling with the social aspect of eating with others. I choose to not share regarding the lap band. Usually I use the excuse that I had a late meal earlier in the day, and no one thinks it odd when I order a cup of Soup. I am in the green zone, rarely hungry, more being mindful of the need to eat something. Wishing you well - happy you finally had your issues resolved!

[terrydumont46 1,954]

i had a fill on the 23rd of jan. and than gallbladder surgery last monday. and i am still getting used to the new restriction. i think instead of going ahead on the 14th of feb. of getting another small fill i am going to sit back and let things settle down. besides soup& Protein drinks are the fad right? i keep trying solid Protein but just can't eat enough to count. patience patience patience. boy am i am learning this new word to me.

[2muchfun 8,927]

Too tight. Don't force anything that makes you uncomfortable. Give it a few days to see if the stoma loosens. If you're eating rough solids and getting stuck you may be causing more inflammation and exacerbating the problem. Go back to Soups and liquids for a few days to see if the problem corrects itself. If not, head back to the clinic.

A very small unfill of .1-.25 might be just enough.

tmf

[cheryl2586 3,053]

You probably have major swelling. Some people like me have sensitive stomachs. There is no way after a fill for a few weeks that I can even attempt food. If it is hurting you to eat certain things then don't eat them. Call your doctor though and see what he feels is best.

[steph2012 252]

I would wait a SHORT period of time just to see if the discomfort you are feeling is because of swelling BUT I would not wait too long.

Your band should NOT cause you discomfort when eating (if eating properly). If it is, you are too tight. I am speaking from experience. I was the same way. I went a few months thinking it would settle OR I could get through it by chewing more & taking smaller bits. I ended up with a dilated esophagus. You do not want a dilated esophagus!

I would give it 2 weeks & then reassess. Just my opinion.

[skinnyhereicome 41]

Thank you all for your input. I think I will stick it out for this month and if it still feels like this by my next appt. Maybe I will ask for a .25cc decrease. I must say that I definitely see the difference from being in the green zone and not. I have lost 4 lbs. since Friday.

[Kitt3000 757]

What happens when your esophagus dilates ?

[2muchfun 8,927]

What happens when your esophagus dilates ?

Your esophagus enlarges and you can lose your peristaltic functions. food lingers here too long and doesn't pass through the lower esophageal sphincter into your stomach. If it's not serious, loosening the band can allow it to recover but sometimes it never does meaning you'll be on liquids for life.

[Banded in Bear Lake 8]

How does your esophagus become enlarged????

[Banded in Bear Lake 8]

How does your esophagus become enlarged????

[Bandarella 223]

Esophageal dilation can happen by over eating, being too tight or by the lower esophageal sphincter being damaged from the pressure created when the band and esophagus both exert pressure (esophageal peristalsis exerts downward pressure, the band slows down food moving from the pouch to stomach, creating back pressure. With a damaged LES, it fails to open in response to swallowing. Food backs up in the esophagus, overstretching it. It doesn't take a lot of food to cause a great deal of harm.

I developed pseudo achalasia with my band, meaning I had 0% functions of the esophageal muscles and severe and permanent dilation. In my case this occurred in only 7 months! Removal of my band and scar tissue resolved about 90% of my symptoms, but the same foods that most banded peeps avoid (pasta, rice, bread) are very difficult or impossible for me to eat.

Having severe dilation/achalasia doesn't mean being on liquids forevere in all cases. Achalasia that occurs naturally is a completely different situation and incredibly rare. It's also progressive, worsening over several decades' eventually requiring tube feeding, removal of the stomach and or esophagus.

Hope this answered your question.

Edited March 2, 2014 by Bandarella