weird problem

abby1 · January 4, 2008

I am getting my first fill on Monday. But I am having a weird problem. I can cook dinner and after two bites of my hot Protein such as chicken or veal I will get nauseous. The next day I can take the same protein, eat it cold, and have no problem. What is going on?

DrWatkins · January 4, 2008

I am getting my first fill on Monday. But I am having a weird problem. I can cook dinner and after two bites of my hot Protein such as chicken or veal I will get nauseous. The next day I can take the same Protein, eat it cold, and have no problem. What is going on?

Hmmmm.....

Are you recent post-op?

Lots of causes for nausea.

Are you taking any aspirin, Aleve, ibuprofen? (can irritate stomach)

Do you still have your gallbladder? (common in weight loss)

Any chance of pregnancy?

Have you tried an antacid like Zantac? (calms stomach acid irritation)

abby1 · January 4, 2008

I appreciate the response. The answers to the questions are:

Surgery was November 19. I am not nor can I become pregnant; I can not take asprin, Aleve or ibuprofen. I still have my gall bladder. The nausea is mild and lasts about 10 - 15 minutes; I have not thrown up and I do stop eating at that point. I take Prevacid so I do not know if I can take Zantac on top of that. Any more insight is appreciated.

gingerbug · January 4, 2008

Well, I read once that eating food hot is an aquired taste we learn from a young age. I personally prefer the majority of my food cold. Is itpossible that you have had a change in tastes?

DrWatkins · January 4, 2008

I appreciate the response. The answers to the questions are:
Surgery was November 19. I am not nor can I become pregnant; I can not take asprin, Aleve or ibuprofen. I still have my gall bladder. The nausea is mild and lasts about 10 - 15 minutes; I have not thrown up and I do stop eating at that point. I take Prevacid so I do not know if I can take Zantac on top of that. Any more insight is appreciated.

Hmmmmm......

Disclaimer: Message boards are not adequate for sound medical advice.

Nausea is not normal at this stage.

I would certainly mention the nausea to your doctor. No need for Zantac on top of Prevacid. Might want to get an ultrasound of your gallbladder.

See the disclaimer.

hope that helps

shortgal · January 4, 2008

Hi Dr. Watkins, Nice to see you are still posting and helping us.

I'm wondering what type of band you use and what is the "average" cc fill for the majority of your patients.

by this I mean:

how often do you spread fills apart

How many cc's at each fill

And when patients reach near their goal weight how many cc's do they end up with.

Again just averages, I realize every patient is different.

Do you suggest patients do an unfill before flying? And if yes, how much is taken out? Do many patients have a problem flying with their band?

Thanks! Shortie

DrWatkins · January 6, 2008

Hi Dr. Watkins, Nice to see you are still posting and helping us.
I'm wondering what type of band you use and what is the "average" cc fill for the majority of your patients.

by this I mean:

how often do you spread fills apart

How many cc's at each fill

And when patients reach near their goal weight how many cc's do they end up with.

Again just averages, I realize every patient is different.

Do you suggest patients do an unfill before flying? And if yes, how much is taken out? Do many patients have a problem flying with their band?

Thanks! Shortie

We place the new REALIZE band as well as the new Allergan AP bands. Most patients get 3-6 fills in the first year and then much less the second year. The cc's at each fill and the interval between fills is really variable. We tell patients if they aren't losing weight for more than a couple of weeks they should come to the office for a possible adjustment.

Flying does seem to cause swelling of tissues and a swollen stomach inside the band can make the band relatively tighter. I think if you are squeaky tight to begin with and you're going on a long trip away from any band doctor, I would take some Fluid out.

Remember that if they wand you at the airport security check point they will find the port and you should take your wallet card. For anyone without a wallet card you could get one in your surgeon's office or by calling the tollfree numbers of the manufacturer. I believe they are 877-LAPBAND and 866-REALIZE. The websites will have this info as well. Welcome to LAP-BAND.com and www.realizeband.com.

Also, I had a patient who went early to a store sale and when they opened the door and everyone jammed inside her abdomen was pressed up against one of those security scanners at the door and she set it off. The staff were perplexed at how she could have stolen something so quickly! All that to say, don't give those things a hug unless you want to create a stir.

hope that helps

shortgal · January 6, 2008

I had no idea a wallet card was available. I will definitely get one. We are traveling to France in April and I don't know how much familarity they have with lap bands. I will discuss my situation carefully with my Dr. before I leave and avoid fills before.

We fly at least twice a year. I did not know about the band and flying prior to being banded. So glad I have this info before I take my next trip.

Thanks for your reply.