female only Finally a hysterectomy but what about the band?

[betrthnever 107]

Hi ladies, I have to say that I'm FINALLY having my much needed, long awaited hysterectomy. Should of had this done years ago - I have a prolapsed uterus with little to no pelvic floor and have been living with it coming out of my vagina (or the bulge, anyway) for years. And its getting worse. Find out that this runs in my family and most likely made worse by my weight. Luckily I really don't have painful periods but they have been getting funky lately probably due to the fact that I'm 41 and perimenopause has begun. So I'm not shedding tears over this.

What I'm concerned about it my band, or rather, my fill. 9 months after band surgery I'm finally close to my perfect spot - I found out that the person giving me my fills never actually gave me fills, or rather she missed the port. For the first time I found out what it was like to have half-way decent restriction and I'm afraid to lose it. The NP at the band Drs says I don't have to have it unfilled but that thought is scary, too. My friend suggests having only a partial unfil.

Anyone have surgery while banded and what was your experience?

Thanks for your help!!!

[Kat817 19]

Is your band surgeon or fill Dr. close by? Do they have hospital priveledges if you should need an emergency unfill due to post op nausea? That is how I would make my call. That and be totally honest with yourself about your ability to eat healthy enough to recover well from your surgery if you are filled.

I had a total unfill prior to my TT because my band Dr. is 6 hours away! If I needed to be unfilled due to post op problems, I would not have been up to a 13 hour day----6 there, the appointment, and 6 home. That is a hard day normally, let alone following surgery!

I probably did not need to be unfilled. I never experienced any nausea....I was not tight, so PB'ing was not an issue. But it was nice not having to worry about it. Plus some family, and my best friend brought dinner in for us for a couple of days, and I did not have to worry about what they brought.

A partial unfill, if it loosens your band, will not be much different in reaction than a total unfill, from what I have read on here....I have no experience to share.

My hysterectomy and banding were total blessings, both of them! Good Luck on your surgery....take it easy, and the best (may also be the strangest) advice I can give....when he offers you stool softner RX---TAKE IT!!!! LOL

Kat

[bandster_1007 1]

i have a band doctor that does NOT encourage unfills but i had to be unfilled half way for my hysterectomy. i'm still not ready for a fill because i can't eat very much. if i would have had a fill post surgery i would have not been able to keep anything down at all.

[betrthnever 107]

Wo ho! Was told that since I'm not very full (5.25 cc) I'm ok w/out an unfil. IF I had more then I'd need at least a partial unfil. And I'm going to try to get in right after my surgery for another fill once the swelling goes down. Thanks for your support!