altitude adjustment

vinesqueen · January 30, 2005

Does anyone have any information about how altitude affects the fill? I will be having my fills at home in Seattle, which is at sea level, and then returning to SE Idaho for school. The altitude in Pocatello is about 4.5K above sea level, and trips to Utah will have even higher altitude.

I am concerned that I will have too much restriction when I am filled at home. There are currently no fill doctors in my area, which is just as well, it gives me another excuse to go visit my DH, DS (dear son) and DD (dear dog). I know that my doc had been making trips to Salt Lake to train docs there, so that might be an option too…

I couldn’t find anything that address this, so any input is greatly appreciated. I know that many people go to other parts of the world to get their surgery done, and just wondered about any altitude experience. Also, I am a bit nervous flying after a fill.

Yeah, I know, I am a long way off from getting a fill, especially since I haven’t even had my band installed yet!

Cheers!

New Hope · January 30, 2005

I live in Houston (3 measly ft. above sea level) and went to Colorado in October. Flying or the higher altitude (highest was 11,000 ft. - mountain hiking) didn't affect my restriction. But if it will give you an excuse to visit your son and dog, you can always "fake" it.

leatha_g · January 30, 2005

At times, flying, I have felt that my restriction might have changed some. I'm not sure. I did hear one woman tell how she had her fills done in San Fran then drove home up in the hills and she swore the altitude made an impressive difference. Once again, it's probably a very personal thing. Sorry there is no hard and fast answer to many questions with the band..

La_madam · January 30, 2005

My friend and I went to get our fills together 2 weeks ago..he was fine until he flew to Chicago three days later then BAM could hardly eat or drink..now he is home and back to normal. Flying I was told can affect restriction.I always retain Water in my feet & hands after I fly. Also a change in climate can change restriction level I was told by my Dr.

amoro68 · January 30, 2005

Hi everyone. It's been 16 days since I got banded and I'm hungry and can pretty much each alot of mushy foods. Is this normal and how soon can I get a fill?