Now what?

[Bevsuz 5]

Hi everyone,

I was banded in February 2011. I was down 175 lbs the first year and a half, I was completely motivated and working my butt off to get where I wanted to be. I was at my sweet spot, completely satisfied and happy with my progress. About a year ago, I started getting sick every time I would eat anything. I called the doctor, he took some Fluid out, and I was okay again. 5 months ago the same thing started happening again, only now in the middle of the night I would wake up choking, and throwing up black liquids. Honestly, the first time this happened, I had a small brownie that afternoon so didn't think to much about it. Only, over the next few months this would happen 3-4 nights per week (and I can guarantee I have not touched another brownie since that day). About 3 weeks ago I finally broke down and called the doctor because it was not getting any better. He brought me right in, completely emptied my band and sent me over for more testing (barium swallow). I found out that day I had a slip. He says its very possible all of the throwing up was the cause, and he told me we would see what happened over the next 3 weeks and see if the problem fixed itself. So, I went back for another barium swallow, and apparently it didn't change, I've still been throwing up, so he wants to remove the band, and put another one in at the same time if he can. Now I'm scared, I don't know what I should do, and I know it's quite obvious that I need something, and I was very happy with my band. From the time 3 weeks ago that he emptied my band until I went back, I had gained 10 lbs, so I can't wait to much longer to make up my mind. My surgery is scheduled for next week. Advice?

[pink dahlia 2,513]

My 1st question is "what caused the constant throwing up in the 1st place ?" Why were you getting sick everytime you ate ? Before I did or didn't have a new band installed, I'd want to know what caused the problem because who's to say it won't happen again ? What does the Dr. say ?

[Bevsuz 5]

Doc said band was to tight. Crazy because I had not had a fill in over 2 years and it had been perfectly okay for me with no problems whatsoever. He believes a new band will work again because I had such success the first time.

[Lapbandster 496]

Thanks for sharing

Yeah, your story sounds familiar. I haden't had a fill in 18 months and suddenly heartburn. Got some Fluid out and still not better.

I am terrified of surgery to get my band removed but even more terrified of having serious complications.

Many people opt to have a revision done at the same time they get their bands removed. Ask your MD because I completely understand the fear. I am 50 lbs down (at one point was 70) and am terrified to see the scale go much higher

[Bandista 7,466]

I'm terrified of being too tight -- seems like for me there are factors other than fills. Weather, hormones, stress, etc. I have an inflammatory body type (arthritis profile) and there are days when I am tighter than others. When I got the band I chose it because if anything ever did go wrong it could be removed or replaced, whereas there's no getting stomach back if part of it is removed. I'm sorry you are facing this now but the good news is you are so much healthier now than when you first got the surgery. You have done beautifully. Hopefully this is just a blip and you and your surgeon will have you back on course soon. Good luck with all and keep us posted!