Banded 2/7 - Have Some Questions

Hemidrone · February 9, 2008

Well I had my surgery on 2/7/08 and am back home. I'm feeling pretty good - pain is controlled and so far so good with the liquid intake. I have one question - how hard or easy is it to displace/slip the band? What if I belch or gulp down some air to force a belch (after feeling gas pressure) - can that do it? or does it really need to be some strenuous thing like a stomach crunch or a sudden heavy lift? I figure I'm just trying to get used to having the device.

Any thoughts would be appreciated? Than:rolleyes2::rolleyes2:ks guys!

Kat817 · February 9, 2008

I have no stats for you, I know of people on here who say they have no idea why they slipped, but most of them are well out from surgery---none I know of within mere days or weeks of surgery.

It is my understanding that the biggest culprits in slippage, are recurrant vomiting--or strenuous PB's, and repeated overeating which causes the stomach to stretch above the band.

When they placed your band they put a few stitches in place to hold it for now. Those stitches will not provide enough stability when you begin eating however. You are on liquids while the body begins building scar tissue, or adhesions, to hold the band snuggly in it's place. That is why it is SO important to stick to your post op diet. Eating food, makes your stomach churn and knead as it breaks the food down and begins digestion...when the stomach moves like that the adhesions do not get a chance to properly form and heal.

You may be completely healed up on the outside, but inside your body is moist, and the tissue different from skin, and it requires that time for healing.

So babying your stomach, not putting undo amounts into it, and waiting for the Dr.'s ok to actually eat food, is simply giving you a good start with your band.

I cannot imagine belching would cause you to slip your band---but I would not gulp air to force it either---let your stomach rest.

Congrats on your recent banding, and welcome to LBT!!!

Kat