Did my pouch stretch?

[Ezzysmom 0]

Ok hi ladies. I was banded in March of 2005. The good news is that I had, at one time, lost from 285lbs down to 150lbs. However, I got to that 150lbs because I was starving. In early 2006 after I got be around 170lbs, my band slipped and I could not eat for two weeks. I could'nt even keep Water down so I had revision surgery and they fixed the slip. Since then I was so scared to get a fill so I went without one for almost a year. By this time I had gained back up to 180lbs. Gradually I started getting fills until I now, and I have 3.1 in a 4cc band. I have not had any restriction whatsoever since my last surgery. Each fill feals the same. My doctor seems to think that I am just not following the band rules and by the way I feel like a failure because I am now up to 225lbs! Omg back over 200lbs! I know this isnt as high as before and I know I can lose it but I just need my band to help me out. I know I have to work hard and I am ready to do that. I admit I have made many mistakes but I do need that little bit of help from the band to let me know I am full. My doctor won't put anymore in my band until I take a nutrition class and have an upper GI to see if it slipped again due to my history. It doesnt feel like a slip because the first time It slipped I couldnt even eat and now I can eat anything I want....I mean ANYTHING! I know just because I can, doesnt mean I should but why the hell did I get this band if it isn't going to give me some help? Ya know? Anyway, I lost 135lbs once before so I know I can lose 60lbs, I just hope it hasn't slipped again. Could it be that my pouch has stretched over time and I just need to shrink it? I was thinking maybe if I went on a liquid diet for a week or so that it might help shrink it if indeed that is the case. Anyone have any suggestions? My upper GI should be scheduled soon and I am just waiting on the DR to call me. I am on my second day of liquids and I just figured that at least this might jumpstart my weightloss....if anything.

[Bigstuff 0]

You may have stretched your pouch. My surgeon confirmed for me last week that I had. I was not following the rules - I ate white bread, red meat and drank fizzy drinks. I felt I had no restriction, but when I watched the barium x-ray it was clear that there was restriction. My doc gives you the barium photo and I compared it with last years - my pouch is twice the size. My doc has given me 6 months to shape up or he will defill completely since the stretching could lead to complications.

[Ezzysmom 0]

Thank you so much for your response. So what did your doc tell you to do in that 6 mos period? Do you have to follow a special diet (besides the lap-band rules)? I am trying to do liquids right now but I feel so hungry. This will be my third day. I thought if I do liquids maybe it would shrink my pouch. Did your doc give you any tips to shrink it back? Thanks a lot.

Amber

[Bigstuff 0]

Hi

He told me no meat, no raw vegetables, no rice, NO fizzy drinks, no bread and no fatty foods and most important to stop drinking with meals - a habit I had got back in to. I have to admit that I do already feel a little difference. I struggled with the rice bit to start with though as I ate a lot of rice based dishes.

[Shaia 0]

Hi there my name is Shaia and I have had my band for 12 months - I also drink with meals & now my whole stomach feels either swollen or really bloated and tender. Is that what you are feeling with your stretched pouch?

[Ezzysmom 0]

At first yes, but now I feel nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. I don't have restriction at all ( 3.4cc in a 4cc band) and I honestly can't even tell I have the band.