Don't make my STUPID mistake!

[ruthgal1 0]

Hi Everyone,

Today I had to get all my Fluid taken out of my band because of a very stupid mistake and may have to have surgery again! :smile2:

My story. One that I hope you learn from.

Last June I got my third fill which put me at 6.8 cc. For several months everything went great. Then about 6 months ago I woke up in the middle of the night with horrible acid reflux and in a lot of pain. The next day, I called my doctor to come in. The acid reflux basically went away and I canceled the appointment (the beginning of my stupid mistake). Over the next several month (leading up to today) I had consistent acid reflux, stomach problem and food always getting stuck. I also had increased bouts of throwing up.

Well you would think I would get myself to the doctor... but I didn't. Heck, I was losing weight!!

Finally this past week I literally could not keep anything down and threw up over a three day period.

Hmm, finally got myself to the doctor today and well... you guessed it... not only was my band too tight but I had caused it to slip because I didn't take care of this when I had my first serious incident of acid reflux.

Had I gone in, this never would have happen. They could have taken some of the fluid out and all would be well now.

Instead, I have suffered for six months out of stupidity and stubbornness.

Okay, so now I feel incredibly better... absolutely no pain now. My fear is gaining weight back. I've lost 75 pounds so far and am in the best shape I have been in for a long time.

Am I strong enough to get through this? I'm challenging myself to be strong enough. I've decided to look at this in a positive light and continue to keep on the same path of healthy eating I have taken over the past 1.5 years. I will not go back!!!

Next steps are to see if the band begins to adjust back to position. If it does (I go back to my doctor in 3 weeks) then we will start to fill again. If not, back in to surgery to get it placed properly.

So my advice to everyone. Listen to your body! If you are in pain, go to your doctor immediately.

[bmooney364 30]

Hope everything goes back to normal without surgery. Thanks for the warning. I will certainly keep this in mind for the future.

[Juleeann 0]

Hello Ruthgal1,

As i read your blog i called my husband in to read to him as well. He asked me did you write this lol

i said no this is someone else. i had the same exact thing happen to me the scale kept moving so i kept suffering. I also have Dr Collier and he is God sent.

However i did do about 2 months of trying to get the swelling down and still couldnt eat. He unfilled me completly and still couldnt hardly get liquids down...he said he had never had a patient like me Go freaking figure is what i thought. but long story short i was rebanded on June 5 2009 it took him 6 1/2 hrs to get my band out he also repaired a hital hernia. My scar tissue was extra thick thats what took so long. I'm so greatful to have him as my Doctor he came and seen me everyday in the hospital.

yes i had to stay for 3 days that was unexpected but i was in terrible shape from not eating or drinking he had to fatten me up a little bit.

i was banded June 2007 almost 2yrs anniversary....i have lost 105 lbs so i do love my band but there will not be a number 3 for me.

i do hope you can get the band to slip back without surgery. but know this that Dr Collier is a perfecionist and is a wonderful surgery Dr and will go to great lengths to take care of you.

[Delivered 0]

Hey Ruth,

Thanks for sharing your story. BTW...we have the same surgeon...Dr. Collier is great and Journeylite has been very supportive. My question for you though is what are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Thanks for any information that you can share.

[ruthgal1 0]

Thanks for the support everyone. Yes, Dr. Collier is wonderful. He knew exactly what the problem was even before seeing the x-ray. I could see very little swelling on the x-ray and have easily been able to eat soft foods. He said to really take it easy until I see him in July. I just hope it adjusts on its own. I really don't want to go through surgery again.

Acid reflux is basically that acids from your stomach coming back up. Like heartburn but worse. I was getting it all the time but would wake up in the middle of the night coughing and gagging. It really is horrible. You'd know it if you had it. Definitely a bad symptom for banders.

[Brockbabe82 0]

I do hope that everything turns out better for you. You seem to be postitive which is very important! Keep your head up and remember we are all here for support! Keep us posted!

[Suzdavis 0]

I think this is the reason my Dr took me off Nexium. They said so often acid reflux can be a sign of band problems and he wanted me to inform him immediately if I started to have acid. He didn't want me taking Nexium any longer so if problems arose it wouldn't mask it....