Slipped band, how soon do I need a doctor

[Band-aided 0]

Help me please! I've been banded now 3 months. Had 2 fills. Was doing well had good restriction, but 5 days ago my restriction went so tight I've been struggling to eat much and having load of blockages and throwing up more or less every day. I'm away on business in Africa, last night I threw up so badly I'm sure my bands slipped. I managed to get everything up but I'm now in extrem pain, still feels I've got a major blockage even thought I know I haven't. This isn't the pain you get after you've been throwing up, it's carring on to the point I cant even sleep. I'm having terrible flem as well and even when I sip Water I feel pressure. I'm so so scared, I don't know whats up or if I have slipped my band. If so how soon do I need to get to a doctor, I'm here until Wed? Do you think my band has slipped or could it be something else? Has anyone else experience these symptons and it's not been band slippage? Please can someone offer some advice. I'm with a bunch of work mates none of whom know of my band. :help::sick:sick

[Julie* 0]

Yes, I have had this same problem and it's not been slippage. You need to stop eating any foods at all right now and focus on sipping small amounts of Water or any other clear liquid. I don't know if you are able to but you should also start taking children's liquid ibuprofen around the clock.

If you have severe edema (swelling around the band) like I have had 3 times now then you need to just let your body heal. I'm not saying you shouldn't see a doctor but if you don't have access to medical care for a couple of days then these are steps to take to begin healing.

The last time this happened to me I stuck to Clear liquids for 8 days by doctor's order and then slowly introduced foods.

Good luck to you.

[socalgal3 4]

Definitely go on liquids until you can see a doctor. It can be very dangerous if your bands slips too far. Assume the worst and hope for the best!

[peggy1011 0]

I agree...liquids only and give your stomach a rest. I am curious about something though...you mention you have had 2 fills with good restriction, then 5 days ago, it got terribly tight. Did you fly to Africa at that time? I've been reading a lot about people saying their restriction increases significantly with air travel. I wonder if this is what happened to you? Just a thought....

Good luck to you..

[Band-aided 0]

Hi everyone,

First once again I would like to thank you the advice, I swear to goodness this forum is a life saver!!!! To the question about flying and my band getting tight, no, it happened before I left, from what I can measure and I've only been banded 3 months this tents to happen pre my period. I fly alot so I know it's not that.

Okay so the last time I was on hear I was in panic state mode 100000%. I decided to seek medical advice and ended up I swear to godness in a very basic centre, mud hut, no kidding! By this time I'm cying with the pain, not slep for 35 hours. The doctor and nurses have never even heard of a band let alone see one. But I beg the man to defill me, which he decideds to do! I talk him through it and bingo it's like magic the pain stopped! He must have thought I was a lunatic as I'm hugging and kissing him. The funny thing was all the medical staff wanted to come and watch the defill, which did I mention he gowned up for!!!! He was a star!!!! And by the way for all you out there, I've found the cheapest place on earth to get a defill, the hospital chared me $5 (canidian). I donated $100 to the hospital. I've been in touch with my doctor and he has told me I problably had food stuck, which I now thibk is was,but, if it is or was a slippage defill was what he would have done. As I said I've had 12 hours of sleep and feel 100% better. Staying on liquids for a couple of days to let the swelling go down. Thanks for your advice everyone!

[catzintj 1]

my band tightens up on me when i have my period or when im stressed and always when i fly . i know now to drink a lot of fluids and not eat too much during these times.

[catzintj 1]

im glad you are ok. if i get food stuck, i drink Water and then it comes up and that is such a relief. i think the water dislodges and lubricates and then it comes up and out. gross yes, but relief is a good thing.

[KarenB 0]

Jane, that's quite a story! I've heard of US band doctors/staff who couldn't find the port to do a fill or unfill. You were so lucky. Take care of yourself.