problems understanding my band

clifton81 · February 3, 2009

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is doing well. I'm just confused. I have been banded for about a year and 3 months. I have lost about 80 lbs. I recently have hit a plateu. Its okay though because I finally got adjusted for the 3rd time since the surgery. I didn't realize that you have to adjust the band quite often to fit that sweet spot. Anyways I am miserable. One day I can eat okay and the next I can't even drink a shake. Few hours later I can eat a good size meal that same day. It is so weird. It's like I don't have control. No matter what I eat it hurts like hell. Its the worst pain. What I am trying to get at is why somedays I can eat normal and the next day can't even drink a shake. Can someone explain to me the nature of this band. It is so frustrating and want to know what should I do to fix this. When I recieved my 2nd fill the doctor tightened it so much that I couldn't even swallow my spit. I threw up all day. Well he fixed it and after the 3rd adjustment I quickly had problems again but not as bad. So I stayed on liquids and was able to eat okay but not how I need to eat. Still it's hardly anything and I starve. Then tomorrow I can eat a whole pizza. I am rambling now hopefully someone in lapband world can understand me. Love you guys

clifton

Kat817 · February 3, 2009

Have you tried keeping a log of how you can eat and when? For instance, if you are having a problem eating time, is it pain upon the first bite? When you can eat what is obviously too much at a sitting, do you feel it backing up into the esophagus?

Are any of your fills done under fluoroscopy so you can see if the pouch or esophagus is stretched at all?

If you get terrible pain upon your first bite, you might be experiencing some esophageal spasms. They can be helped sometimes by taking a small sip or 2 of very warm liquid (water, coffee, tea) prior to beginning to eat.

Have you considered doing the 5 day pouch test, to remind yourself how much your pouch should be holding, and how to properly chew the food again. It is something that is not a bad thing to do, it is not really hard, and is a GREAT reminder of how we should be eating.

I would keep a detailed log for say 2 weeks, then take it with me, and sit down with my Dr. and nutritionist if you use one, and try to figure it out. Because if you can eat an entire pizza--there is something wrong! That could be that you are stretching the pouch, or washing it through with drinking as you eat.....be sure to log everything, and be honest.

That is my downfall----the honesty!! When I am honest with myself, I usually find my own issues!! LOL, hate it when I do that!!!

Good Luck, these bands ARE fickle that is for sure!

Kat

clifton81 · February 3, 2009

Hey Kat817,

I know that I don't make the right choices when I eat. To correct you about the pizza deal. I can't eat a whole pizza. Maybe one slice and a half and thats it. It's just weird. If I eat a meal lets say the night before does my band swell and then carry over to the next day? Today I am only going to drink Water and shakes. So far I am doing fine. Everything is going down smooth. I drink warm coffee in the morning followed by room temperature water then a shake. Maybe I just need to shake it for a few days to see how I do. I really appreciate you responding to my problem. You are a jewell

Kat817 · February 3, 2009

Well that does make me feel better, I mean a piece and a half of pizza is way better than the whole thing!!!

I imagine you could be swelling overnight, if your pouch is full, and your stomach has to work all night.

I was always told to Eat Breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a Pauper. Which gives you all day to help work off your biggest meal.

But life and jobs and all make that schedule impossible to follow! I do my best to make sure I eat dinner early enough. In my case, if I eat too late, I reflux--always have, it isn't band related. Anyway, about an hour before I plan to go to bed, I drink a large glass of Water. Yes it does make me get up in the middle of the night, but it also flushes my pouch, so it is empty through the night.

Maybe try that?

Looks like you are going to have to be a scientist, and experiment a little and see what works for you. Problem is.....what works for you today, might be different tomorrow!!!

Did you look into the 5 day pouch test? I am seriously thinking of doing a jump start and doing it again. I have been unfilled for almost a year, I had a couple of surgeries this year, and am now on steroids, and fighting like hell to keep the weight off. Thinking a reminder course may be in order!

Kat