My turn -- I've slipped

[Alexandra 55]

If they fix it you'll have to start all over with the post-op diet, right? What is your doc's post-op diet? You just might make goal, whatever that is - from the diet alone! HA! See? An upside to this!

That's one of the questions I have to ask the doctor when we speak later. The original post-op diet wasn't that hard--just a couple of days on full liquids and mushies at the end of the first week. I think now they've altered that somewhat, so I'll just have to see. And yeah, losing a few more pounds would be great! I'm off to Trader Joe's today to stock back up on Protein drinks. Yum?

[juliegeraci 7]

Sorry to hear about your slip. I really hope they can replace your band. Good luck. Julie

[Alexandra 55]

The only issue with repositioning is that sometimes the band breaks during surgery, which requires removal and replacement. It was no biggie, in my case. They just replaced it right there.

If mine doesn't right itself this next two weeks, I'm considering asking for sleeve gastrectomy instead. I don't want to gain the weight back, yet it's so easy to go back to old behaviors.

I hope your surgery on Monday goes well and you have a quick and uneventful recovery!

Thanks, leatha! Would you have asked for the gastrectomy the first time you had your band replaced, if you'd known about it? I'm still very wary of any more invasive procedures than banding, even with all I know about them. I'm happy enough at my current weight and don't feel any particular need to get to "goal;" my biggest fear is regaining. For this go-round, I haven't considered any other options and doubt I will.

What was your thinking the first time you had repair surgery?

[Alexandra 55]

Now, I'm just tired of the up and down, up and down vicious cycle.

This is what I'm afraid of, too. But if they reposition my existing band I have no confidence it won't slip again. I'd rather they give me a new VG band, which I think would provide restriction but in a gentler way. It might also give me more fill options down the road. Of course, I could be totally wrong about all of that, but that's how it feels at the moment.

[Mrs Husker 3]

Will be thinking about you on Monday Alex. Hope all goes well and you have a speedy recovery.

[momlambert 77]

I'm so sorry about this bump in the road--good luck to you. I'm impressed by your great attitude and know it will make a difference in the recovery and outcome. Good luck to you! We'll all be anxious to hear how things turn out for you.

[Carlene 12]

Bummer, Alexandra. I can sympathize, as I go the 18th for a fluoro study for my own issues. I've been having esophagitis and reflux, too. I can, however, eat (most days). My problem seems to be that my band, which is already tight, will get even tighter at the slighest provocation (stress), then if you add in sinus drainage, it becomes a very ugly mess.

My reflux is not terrible but I sometimes experience aspiration during the night, and that's not a good thing.

I won't know what my options are until I know exactly what's going on with my band. I'm hoping that an unfill and a rest will do the trick.

[Alexandra 55]

Bummer, Alexandra. I can sympathize, as I go the 18th for a fluoro study for my own issues. I've been having esophagitis and reflux, too. I can, however, eat (most days). My problem seems to be that my band, which is already tight, will get even tighter at the slighest provocation (stress), then if you add in sinus drainage, it becomes a very ugly mess.

My reflux is not terrible but I sometimes experience aspiration during the night, and that's not a good thing.

I won't know what my options are until I know exactly what's going on with my band. I'm hoping that an unfill and a rest will do the trick.

My thoughts are with you, Carlene. I think stress plays a huge role in this. Back in January and February I was under a lot of stress with my husband's radiation treatments and so forth. Add to that spring allergies and we are dealing with the same monster. Fingers crossed yours doesn't involve a slippage!

I'm just going to throw this out there but I had talked to my doc a couple of months ago about a larger band (I have the smallest size now). He said that if he put a bigger band in I would never have the restriction needed to lose weight.

Something else to think about, since you are so thin if they do put a new band in what about having the smaller/flatter port? They don't put it in when you are obese as it can be difficult to access an obese person's port at times but when they are near goal they will change out the ports so it doesn't poke out at all after you reach goal. If it is ever something you had considered then Monday would be a great time to have it done since you'll be in OR anyway.

When I was first banded the VG band wasn't available yet. I'm thinking that if it had been, that's what they would have given me. I've never had more than 2 ccs of fill and even with no fill at all felt plenty of restriction. It feels to me like a bigger band is just, right somehow.

That's a good thought about the low profile port! I wouldn't say I'm "so thin" but it is definitely something to ask about.

------------------------

I had another conversation with the doctor this evening, and he set my mind further at ease about all of this. He said the slip is "pretty significant" and he's thinking even now that a staged approach may be called for. But he also agreed with his staffer that insurance coverage for replacement won't be an issue. He said that he'd want to wait at least 4-6 weeks before replacing it--which was a shock, since I thought it'd be more like 6 months! But it's all a wait-and-see, which I know I can do.

I'm on liquids until surgery day, Monday or Tuesday depending on schedule. Then, if it's removed, the postop is just a couple of days on liquids and mushies and then see how I feel. I can do this!

[Wheetsin 714]

Not only can you do it, but you're going to do it, and you're going to be fantastic!

[Alexandra 55]

Not only can you do it, but you're going to do it, and you're going to be fantastic!

:biggrin1: :hug:

[Iluvharleys 15]

Sorry to hear that Alex, but you have a great attitude and I know you'll come out fine. My thoughts will be with you and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

[j.s. 0]

Alex,

I am so sorry to hear your band slipped. Good Luck on monday, I will be thinking of you and sending happy shiny thoughts your way.

[tammydam 0]

some one please tell me how do you know you have slipped i think mine did this morning im 6 days post op and gagged about 4 times while brushing my teeth this morning and every since i feel so different doesnt feel like i have a blockage there and tightness is gone from stomach did i slip or am i healing please help

[Kayford 0]

Whew! I just spoke to the doc's office and they told me that even if I can't have the band replaced until months later, it's likely that the carrier would pay for it. Yay! The reason would have to be "mechanical defect" as opposed to something I did, but she said that's actually usually the reason for a slip this far out without obvious behavioral causes.

So that's a load off my mind. Whatever happens Monday, I'm going to be glad to be feeling better. :biggrin1:

I just hated to read that you have a slip. You have been such an inspiration and so active on this website. Hopefully they can repair it. Do keep us updated and I will be thinking about you Monday. I will start a prayer chain right here right now.

[Alexandra 55]

Hi Tammy,

It's very rare for a slip to be caused by a single event. In my case, symptoms came on slowly. If you're only 6 days postop then any discomfort you feel is related to healing. "Slip" in the context we use it refers to a slow relocation of the band's position on the stomach.

But you've hit on the reason to be very gentle with yourself while healing. Stick strictly to liquids as long as your doctor advises. Take it slowly when reintroducing solid foods. You're doing fine!!