Band too tight?

[AngelaVance 1]

Has anyone ever experience pain/discomfort when they eat or drink something? I'm not sure if my band is too tight or it's something more serious. It also feels like something pulling or weighing heavily on my esophagus. Some days are better than others. This didn't start happening until after my last fill a few weeks ago. It's very frustrating, I want the restriction without the discomfort!!

[2muchfun 8,927]

Cute pic Angela. Need a lot more info on you? Can you fill in your profile or give us more info?

Date of surgery?

How much have you lost?

How many fills?

Date of last fill?

[AngelaVance 1]

Thank you! I'm new at this

I had lap band surgery March 5th of last year with a total of 70lbs lost. I have 5.5 cc's in a 13cc band. My last fill was 3 weeks ago. My dr normally adds a half at a time, but this last fill I asked for a full fill because I needed more restriction. It was tight the day of my fill, but I figured it would ease up after a few days like it had in the past. Lately I've had pain when I drink or eat anything. Almost like I've eaten something crunchy and the rough edges are hard on my esophagus/stomach/band. Really hard to explain. I just wondered if anybody else has experience this or a really tight band, and what it feels like for them? I'm trying to determine if the pain is from tightness or something else. My next appointment isn't until April 21st.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

I was tight on my last fill for 3 weeks. and than finally I was able to eat a meal without pain or pbing. I took the advice of the vet's here on the forum. if you are able to take in liquids and perhaps a mushie or two have patience. but I still recommend a call to your doctor's office. he may feel different about all of this and a slight unfill might be suggested. feel better soon.

[2muchfun 8,927]

IMO, most of the problems bandster's face are a result of a band being too tight. The thrill of losing weight fast with a tight band is exhilarating but can have long term problems in the form of erosion, slips, dilation and a variety of swallowing disorders including dysphagia.

3 weeks out you should not be experiencing swallowing problems unless you're not eating small enough, chewing enough or not eating very slow. If you feel like none of these 3 eating habits apply to you I would not wait till the 21st. Don't do any more damage to your esophagus before then? Maybe eat slider foods till you can get in.

Check out this thread. Similar problems: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/301849-red-zone-is-no-joke/?p=3414867

tmf

Edited March 29, 2014 by 2muchfun

[AngelaVance 1]

Thank you very much for the useful information. Your are right about having patience with the band instead of rushing. I've been at a plateau for the past few months thinking I needed a tighter band. In all honesty it's not worth the pain and discomfort, if that's what causing it. I will call my doctor first thing on Monday for him to look at me. I haven't had any problems up until now.