Short and Chunky

I have gotten stuck - several times - and hot liquid (tea), pineapple juice and pills don't help me. Too Stuck for anything to go through. I slime, PB and then god willing, throw it up. The pain hurts, can't breathe, cant swallow. It is awful and 99% of the time it my own fault. Too big, too fast, too much, didn't chew long enough. LISTEN to you body and STOP eating getting stuck is no picnic !
Melinda in Florida

I have gotten stuck - several times - and hot liquid (tea), pineapple juice and pills don't help me. Too Stuck for anything to go through. I slime, PB and then god willing, throw it up. The pain hurts, can't breathe, cant swallow. It is awful and 99% of the time it my own fault. Too big, too fast, too much, didn't chew long enough. LISTEN to you body and STOP eating getting stuck is no picnic !
Melinda in Florida

Heather: Sorry to learn of your slippage. I had my band 2 1/2 yrs lost 120 pounds and I was very happy. My band slipped and mine had to be removed in an emergency surgery situation. Fortunately, I also gastric sleeve plication with my band. The band was removed but the plilcation (sleeve) remains. That being said - that was 7 weeks ago and I have gained 12 pounds with no end in sight. It is ME..I am out of control with my eating and what I am eating...I can't stop. I don't know if that will happen to you or not but I sure wish I still had my band.
I am in contact with my doctor and he is not alarmed yet, he said he expected this..he has a wait and see attitude..I hope not 100 pounds worth..
Melinda in Florida

Heather: Sorry to learn of your slippage. I had my band 2 1/2 yrs lost 120 pounds and I was very happy. My band slipped and mine had to be removed in an emergency surgery situation. Fortunately, I also gastric sleeve plication with my band. The band was removed but the plilcation (sleeve) remains. That being said - that was 7 weeks ago and I have gained 12 pounds with no end in sight. It is ME..I am out of control with my eating and what I am eating...I can't stop. I don't know if that will happen to you or not but I sure wish I still had my band.
I am in contact with my doctor and he is not alarmed yet, he said he expected this..he has a wait and see attitude..I hope not 100 pounds worth..
Melinda in Florida

Heather: Sorry to learn of your slippage. I had my band 2 1/2 yrs lost 120 pounds and I was very happy. My band slipped and mine had to be removed in an emergency surgery situation. Fortunately, I also gastric sleeve plication with my band. The band was removed but the plilcation (sleeve) remains. That being said - that was 7 weeks ago and I have gained 12 pounds with no end in sight. It is ME..I am out of control with my eating and what I am eating...I can't stop. I don't know if that will happen to you or not but I sure wish I still had my band.
I am in contact with my doctor and he is not alarmed yet, he said he expected this..he has a wait and see attitude..I hope not 100 pounds worth..
Melinda in Florida

I have gotten stuck - several times - and hot liquid (tea), pineapple juice and pills don't help me. Too Stuck for anything to go through. I slime, PB and then god willing, throw it up. The pain hurts, can't breathe, cant swallow. It is awful and 99% of the time it my own fault. Too big, too fast, too much, didn't chew long enough. LISTEN to you body and STOP eating getting stuck is no picnic !
Melinda in Florida

imashazza: It may not be a slip, you may just be too tight. Glad you are heading to the doctor..that is the right place to go. I hope everything comes out OK for you. You may get an unfill or a slight unfill but it is better than a slip and having to have your band removed. Good luck today and keep us posted.
Melinda in Florida

so far so good. The plication appears to be doing well and it might get me through the rough spots. I haven't gained any weight and I am back out walking 2 miles plus a day. I am feeling much better. I do miss my band and I am very sad that it is gone. I had done a lot of research and I was sold on the band. I guess it was just not in the cards for me to keep it. The doctor said I had had a "significant slip" and that almost 1/3 my stomach had come up through the band. With all the Vomiting the stomach became swollen and well, there was no way it was going to go back down and behave. The blood I was throwing up was the lining of my stomach and the part that was through the band was going to die if he did not remove the band. Scary stuff !!! So, I move on - bandless - but still with plication (thank heavens). I am still getting weekly shots of B12 and B1 as I was very run down. But, I have to look on the bright side - 124 fat, ugly, unhealthy pounds are gone. I need to maintain and loose a few more but keep up the good, healthy habits I got over the past 2 1/2 yrs. My knees thank me every day..I can do this..I hope..
Melinda in Florida

imashazza: It may not be a slip, you may just be too tight. Glad you are heading to the doctor..that is the right place to go. I hope everything comes out OK for you. You may get an unfill or a slight unfill but it is better than a slip and having to have your band removed. Good luck today and keep us posted.
Melinda in Florida

Ladykatie, I am so sorry you are having these issues. My surgery was almost 3 years ago and I think all of us have been in your shoes. Seeking some therapy sounds like it is probably the right direction. Our relationship with food is what got us heavy and that demon doesn't let go real easy. I am dealing with carb addiction and I can tell you - Cookies "call my name". I can't have even a bite..none..or the entire box would be gone in an hour or less. Try to stay busy. Walk, clean house (mine is really clean since my surgery), play with the cat, hand write a letter to yourself or to a friend. Keep you mind and your hands busy. My doctor told me to sew or go on the computer, just keep my hands doing something other than shoveling food into my mouth..I know..sounds harsh..but he was right. My family got sooooo many handmade Christmas gifts this year..I wonder why? Good luck and best wishes with your decision and job hunting.. Melinda in Florida

I never "thought" my band had slipped. For about a month I had terrible reflux..The doctor removed some of the Fluid and the reflux improved. He began to add Fluid back and the reflux returned. He took it out again. I had about 5cc in a 10 cc band at that point (I had my band 2 1/2 yrs). Then that last week. I was terribly hungry. Not enough food to make me happy, my left shoulder hurt real bad (almost like a pinched nerve type pain) and I had some discomfort in my upper abdomen. Still, I did not think about slippage. I am 63 yrs old - It could have been anything, the band was the last thing I thought it was. Then on 4/24 I started feeling stick to my stomach, could not eat or drink anything (not even ice chips) and by afternoon, I was vomiting. That night vomit turned into blood and that continued until rescue took me to the ER. I had nothing to eat or drink for 48 hrs and was vomiting - to say I was too weak to walk was an understatement. As I said before, I got real sick real fast. The new surgeon told me that my band could have slipped some time ago..I just didn't know it and the flouroscopes did not show it. I really can't explain it. Just, if you have crazy pain in crazy places and begin to vomit..see your doctor.
I am sad to report that the plication may be helping but not enough as I have now gained almost 9 pounds in the 6 weeks since my surgery. As hard as I try, it keeps coming on. I am still walking, working out and logging my food but the fat wants to win. The doctor says to give it some more time and things should calm down and the weight will come back off. It is still so upsetting and we all know what happens when people get upset - they EAT...what a merry-go-round this is...
Melinda in Florida

Angel - Woo Hoo...so glad your band has not slipped. I am very glad you are feeling better too. Nothing is worse that band pain/band issues..it is such an unknown thing. Have a great weekend.
Melinda in Florida

Angel - You asked what I missed most about my band. After having it for 2 1/2 yrs it became part of "me". The new me. I was used to getting "soft stop" message - Stopping putting food in the pie hole ! I would get a little hiccup or burp or twinge that was my signal that I was full/satisfied and not to eat anymore. I am having to learn how to eat all over again. Sure, I still eat off my little salad plate and use the small utensils. I also don't drink before, during or after I eat, but I miss my signal...I think I am eating more. I am having cravings again (that is all in my head I am sure) and I have given into them because the band is not there to tell me NO. I am so scared of going back to the FAT ME. 124 pounds are gone - that is an entire person - I don't want to find that person again. The problem, is my self-control button doesn't work all that good - that is why I got the band in the first place. I really wish I could have kept it, had it re-positioned, replaced - something, but he said I had too much scar tissue around the top of my stomach. I feel like a part of me is gone - almost an empty feeling. You work so hard to adjust to the "new you" when you get the band and then in a flash it is gone. My recovery is moving along and so far, I still weigh the same - not up, not down. So I guess, that is all a good thing. I am about 20 pounds away from my personal goal weight. I only hope I can find the "excited me" that once would have never smelled a cookie much less eaten one.
I hope your appointment went well and you are feeling better. It is so scary to know you have the "alien" around your stomach but it sure does help with the weight loss. Would I have one again??? YEP, in a heart beat. Take care..
Melinda in Florida

BooBoo, I am so sorry to hear about your band issues. That vomiting for 12 hours..wow, that was rough. I started vomiting on Thursday afternoon and didn't stop until Friday afternoon when they knocked me out on medication to force me to stop - by then, I was an inpatient and awaiting surgery. I am sorry your band went bad on you. I too had my band awhile - 2 1/2 yrs - lost over 120 pounds and was very happy with it.. followed the rules (most of them anyway), saw my doctor every month and I was a happy camper until 4/24/14 when "it happened". My revision went well and I was home within 24 hours of surgery. It has been painful - far more than getting the band - and I am struggling with cravings and this "empty feeling" that my band is gone and "now what". I am sending best wishes your way and I hope that your removal goes well and that your followup care does too. Take care.
Melinda in Florida

My apology to Angel and any others that I may have offended with my recent post. My slippage and surgery has really sent me into orbit. I was extremely ill and it happened in a matter of hours - not days or weeks - hours. I had my band 2 1/2 years and I miss it terribly. I only wish I had known what was happening to me sooner so I could have kept my band. This is also very fresh on my mind as this just happened to me on 4/25/14. I am still recovering from the revision surgery. Angel, I hope you are doing better and that your doctor is able to give you some relief/help and that you are able to keep you band. Again, I am sorry if my comments were insensitive.
Melinda in Florida

Way to go Mike and congratulations on your surgery. We were all a bit nervous when the time finally rolled around, that is only natural. As for your Grandson..my motivation was my 2 grandchildren (a boy and a girl). I can get down on the floor and play with them now. We can go to the park and run and play. Before, I was just too FAT and did not care. You won't be skinny overnight and you didn't get fat overnight either..but you are going to be on your way to a new you and a new Grandpa that's for sure. Good luck in a couple of days and may your journey be filled with love and laughter and lots of time with that very special grandson. "You" are the best gift you could ever give to him.
Melinda in Florida

so far so good. The plication appears to be doing well and it might get me through the rough spots. I haven't gained any weight and I am back out walking 2 miles plus a day. I am feeling much better. I do miss my band and I am very sad that it is gone. I had done a lot of research and I was sold on the band. I guess it was just not in the cards for me to keep it. The doctor said I had had a "significant slip" and that almost 1/3 my stomach had come up through the band. With all the Vomiting the stomach became swollen and well, there was no way it was going to go back down and behave. The blood I was throwing up was the lining of my stomach and the part that was through the band was going to die if he did not remove the band. Scary stuff !!! So, I move on - bandless - but still with plication (thank heavens). I am still getting weekly shots of B12 and B1 as I was very run down. But, I have to look on the bright side - 124 fat, ugly, unhealthy pounds are gone. I need to maintain and loose a few more but keep up the good, healthy habits I got over the past 2 1/2 yrs. My knees thank me every day..I can do this..I hope..
Melinda in Florida

Angel - You asked what I missed most about my band. After having it for 2 1/2 yrs it became part of "me". The new me. I was used to getting "soft stop" message - Stopping putting food in the pie hole ! I would get a little hiccup or burp or twinge that was my signal that I was full/satisfied and not to eat anymore. I am having to learn how to eat all over again. Sure, I still eat off my little salad plate and use the small utensils. I also don't drink before, during or after I eat, but I miss my signal...I think I am eating more. I am having cravings again (that is all in my head I am sure) and I have given into them because the band is not there to tell me NO. I am so scared of going back to the FAT ME. 124 pounds are gone - that is an entire person - I don't want to find that person again. The problem, is my self-control button doesn't work all that good - that is why I got the band in the first place. I really wish I could have kept it, had it re-positioned, replaced - something, but he said I had too much scar tissue around the top of my stomach. I feel like a part of me is gone - almost an empty feeling. You work so hard to adjust to the "new you" when you get the band and then in a flash it is gone. My recovery is moving along and so far, I still weigh the same - not up, not down. So I guess, that is all a good thing. I am about 20 pounds away from my personal goal weight. I only hope I can find the "excited me" that once would have never smelled a cookie much less eaten one.
I hope your appointment went well and you are feeling better. It is so scary to know you have the "alien" around your stomach but it sure does help with the weight loss. Would I have one again??? YEP, in a heart beat. Take care..
Melinda in Florida

Angel - You asked what I missed most about my band. After having it for 2 1/2 yrs it became part of "me". The new me. I was used to getting "soft stop" message - Stopping putting food in the pie hole ! I would get a little hiccup or burp or twinge that was my signal that I was full/satisfied and not to eat anymore. I am having to learn how to eat all over again. Sure, I still eat off my little salad plate and use the small utensils. I also don't drink before, during or after I eat, but I miss my signal...I think I am eating more. I am having cravings again (that is all in my head I am sure) and I have given into them because the band is not there to tell me NO. I am so scared of going back to the FAT ME. 124 pounds are gone - that is an entire person - I don't want to find that person again. The problem, is my self-control button doesn't work all that good - that is why I got the band in the first place. I really wish I could have kept it, had it re-positioned, replaced - something, but he said I had too much scar tissue around the top of my stomach. I feel like a part of me is gone - almost an empty feeling. You work so hard to adjust to the "new you" when you get the band and then in a flash it is gone. My recovery is moving along and so far, I still weigh the same - not up, not down. So I guess, that is all a good thing. I am about 20 pounds away from my personal goal weight. I only hope I can find the "excited me" that once would have never smelled a cookie much less eaten one.
I hope your appointment went well and you are feeling better. It is so scary to know you have the "alien" around your stomach but it sure does help with the weight loss. Would I have one again??? YEP, in a heart beat. Take care..
Melinda in Florida

I have been banded 2 1/2 years - lost over 120 pounds with 15 more to go...that all being said in November I started that nasty acid reflux mess. I have been one miserable puppy. My doctor said I needed to have some Fluid removed from my band..in fact, he did a barium swallow and showed me where my band has been too tight for a while and now I have a bubble on the side of my pouch. NO, I did not want any Fluid removed..I didn't want to gain, but I need to get some sleep and that darn reflux wasn't going to let that happen. I was taking Prilosec twice a day and Nexium once a day. I have fluid removed on Friday, take nothing and not had any reflux. Talk to your Doctor...reflux can be dangerous..follow what he says even if it means having a slight unfill. Good luck, thoughts and prayers with you because I really know how you feel!!!!!

My apology to Angel and any others that I may have offended with my recent post. My slippage and surgery has really sent me into orbit. I was extremely ill and it happened in a matter of hours - not days or weeks - hours. I had my band 2 1/2 years and I miss it terribly. I only wish I had known what was happening to me sooner so I could have kept my band. This is also very fresh on my mind as this just happened to me on 4/25/14. I am still recovering from the revision surgery. Angel, I hope you are doing better and that your doctor is able to give you some relief/help and that you are able to keep you band. Again, I am sorry if my comments were insensitive.
Melinda in Florida

My apology to Angel and any others that I may have offended with my recent post. My slippage and surgery has really sent me into orbit. I was extremely ill and it happened in a matter of hours - not days or weeks - hours. I had my band 2 1/2 years and I miss it terribly. I only wish I had known what was happening to me sooner so I could have kept my band. This is also very fresh on my mind as this just happened to me on 4/25/14. I am still recovering from the revision surgery. Angel, I hope you are doing better and that your doctor is able to give you some relief/help and that you are able to keep you band. Again, I am sorry if my comments were insensitive.
Melinda in Florida

Way to go Mike and congratulations on your surgery. We were all a bit nervous when the time finally rolled around, that is only natural. As for your Grandson..my motivation was my 2 grandchildren (a boy and a girl). I can get down on the floor and play with them now. We can go to the park and run and play. Before, I was just too FAT and did not care. You won't be skinny overnight and you didn't get fat overnight either..but you are going to be on your way to a new you and a new Grandpa that's for sure. Good luck in a couple of days and may your journey be filled with love and laughter and lots of time with that very special grandson. "You" are the best gift you could ever give to him.
Melinda in Florida

Rovobay - Firstly, congratulations on the new baby and the 3 yr old. Now, congratulations to you - yes you, the 320 elephant in the room (yours words not mine) on finally deciding to take the bull by the horn and do something about your weight. PCP - Primary Care Physician - this is your plain old doctor, the one you would go to for a cold etc. He can recommend one or two WLS surgeons in your area that are covered by your insurance. DON't Get Discouraged..this is a very long process. It took me 3-4 months to do all the pre-op stuff and to get insurance approval. Just roll with it..this is for your own good. What type of WLS do you want to have? Well, that is a personal decision and one that should be between you, your wife and your surgeon. We are all different and our medical needs are too. After you have researched the different types, make up your mind and then move forward.
I am 62 yrs old. I had my surgery almost 3 years ago (lapband w/plication). My band had to be removed 3 weeks ago due to an emergency and slippage. But I am 124 pounds lighter than the day I got banded and all my medical issues are GONE. I would do this again in a heart beat. Hang in there Rovo - we have all been in your shoes. Ask questions and weigh each option. In the end, you want to loose the weight and you want to be there for your family. They need you - a healthy you and they weight you are now - is not a healthy you.
Good luck and best wishes for success...keep us posted. We will be here that's for sure.
Melinda in Florida

Rovobay - Firstly, congratulations on the new baby and the 3 yr old. Now, congratulations to you - yes you, the 320 elephant in the room (yours words not mine) on finally deciding to take the bull by the horn and do something about your weight. PCP - Primary Care Physician - this is your plain old doctor, the one you would go to for a cold etc. He can recommend one or two WLS surgeons in your area that are covered by your insurance. DON't Get Discouraged..this is a very long process. It took me 3-4 months to do all the pre-op stuff and to get insurance approval. Just roll with it..this is for your own good. What type of WLS do you want to have? Well, that is a personal decision and one that should be between you, your wife and your surgeon. We are all different and our medical needs are too. After you have researched the different types, make up your mind and then move forward.
I am 62 yrs old. I had my surgery almost 3 years ago (lapband w/plication). My band had to be removed 3 weeks ago due to an emergency and slippage. But I am 124 pounds lighter than the day I got banded and all my medical issues are GONE. I would do this again in a heart beat. Hang in there Rovo - we have all been in your shoes. Ask questions and weigh each option. In the end, you want to loose the weight and you want to be there for your family. They need you - a healthy you and they weight you are now - is not a healthy you.
Good luck and best wishes for success...keep us posted. We will be here that's for sure.
Melinda in Florida