update on slipped band

[terrydumont46 1,954]

It's now been 2mos. since it was discovered I had a small slip and elongated esophagus caused by reflux. today I saw my surgeon and after a barium swallow it showed that although the slip has improved it didn't resolve completely, but my surgeon felt that it shouldn't be a problem to start all over again. my esophagus was without the 20plus spasms and looks good. I got a fill, horray. I did gain about 10 lbs during those 2 months of not being filled. I have changed a few bad behaviors during this time that I think will be very helpful to me as well as others that are just starting out. the biggest one is eating at the dining room table instead of in my recliner watching the news. I feel fullness better and sooner. I have more control of my bites by having complete control of my fork and knife. thanks to all for all the support. it helps to have this site to go through the good times with as well as the hard times. thanks

[parisshel 1,892]

@@terrydumont46 I've been off this forum during my summer travels so I didn't see your original posts about the complications. I'm sorry you had to go through this but glad you've been given the green light to re-boot your band. I understand and empathize with your situation having gone through a similar experience earlier this year. The esophagal spasms are very scary (I, too, thought I was experiencing a heart attack) and painful.

The positive thing I learned from my 3-month unfill was how much my band does for me. Sometimes I can get into a mindset of "I'm doing this all by myself!" and feeling a sort of hubris over my weight loss. The unfill took me right back to the dieter's mindset and the feelings of cravings, food obsession, lack of control. It really proved to me how vital my band is to my success and how it is the key player in this new life. I will never take it for granted.

10 pounds in two months is not a catastrophe and easily turned around, especially with the re-boot which puts you back in the driver's seat.

Sending you good thoughts.

[Bandista 7,466]

Good for you, Terry! Mindless eating at my desk or the recliner is hard to kick. Lately I've been going outside to the patio with my little meal and being very mindful of how delicious it is, etc. This is a very different experience then multitasking with a little handful of almonds or an apple -- whoosh, they are just gone so fast and I haven't even been "there" for it.

Shel, welcome back -- you sound great!

[lisacaron 5,075]

Glad to read that you are doing well Terry and that everything worked out well!!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I hear you about the eating in the recliner. Best thing my pre op psychologist told me was to cut the tv eating. Here at BP I learned about mindful eating. It really makes a difference. The only non mindful eating I do post op is popcorn at the movie theater. I'm starting to realize I have to let that go. It's becoming a slider thrill for me. I find myself going to a new movie several times a month just to eat popcorn. The scale does not like it either. There. I said it out loud. Ugh. Ok now it's time to break that bad habit.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

@@Just watch me. your post made me crack up. I used to go to the movies with my husband, not for the movie so it didn't matter what was on the screen but for the popcorn. I used to get so excited. now with pay per view and red box I don't go to the movies and I don't have the cravings for popcorn I used to have. it's so odd what taste good and what doesn't.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

@@Just watch me. your post made me crack up. I used to go to the movies with my husband, not for the movie so it didn't matter what was on the screen but for the popcorn. I used to get so excited. now with pay per view and red box I don't go to the movies and I don't have the cravings for popcorn I used to have. it's so odd what taste good and what doesn't.

The thing is, movie popcorn basically sucks compared to years ago. My first job was working box office at a local theater. All the movies and popcorn you wanted. It was made with real oil and somewhat real butter. Even without butter it tasted good. Not anymore. This stuff at the multiplex tastes lousy. But I started this stupid treat myself habit of going to the movies alone and eating a bucket of popcorn. Yes post op. And therefore I have no right to moan about the scale stagnating.

Sigh. I need a new hobby.

Edited September 5, 2014 by JustWatchMe

[Mikee57 699]

Terry so happy you are doing well...I didn't have a slip...but had some flair up and had to have some Fluid taken out. I am back to where I was before, however, I am still not feeling any type of restriction...I am so sad. I am however, so thankful you are doing well and are back on track...bless you sweetie...take good care.

[Leepers 1,195]

Best wishes to you, Terry!

[Bandista 7,466]

If you read up on movie theater popcorn and how toxic it is, you'll never miss having it again. Preservatives, bad oil, the corn is low quality and pesticides, etc. used in mass quantities. Our bodies will thank us for never having that crap again! I like popcorn at home once in a while. Got some organic kernels for the air popper -- seems like once a month or so I get that craving for big crunching and the popcorn provides that outlet. But you're right, empty calories, sigh. Hey, maybe we need the Fiber, lol!

@@Mikee57 sorry you're having a hard time. It's a process, isn't it? I had to have some Fluid taken out for the first time -- could tell I was getting into the red zone. Afterward I worried the surgeon had given me a fill instead of an unfill as I felt even tighter. Turns out I think it was a TOM issue combined with allergies....that was giving me inflammation and a tighter band.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

terry, sorry to read of your slip BUT am so happy to see you are doing ad feeling better