peggy1011

Looking for fellow bandsters from Central NY

I've been experiencing increasing PB'ing, sometimes not even being able to tolerate fluids. On top of that, I'm now lightheaded and my blood pressure is quite a bit lower than it's been in a long long time. I've been banded 10 months, and had 2cc's in my 4cc band. I went to the dr's yesterday, and he instantly deflated my band and sent me for a barium swallow. That was the worst thing I've ever had to force myself to drink!!!! Today, back to the dr, and he couldnt be 100% that my band hasnt slipped based on the test results. Now I'm scheduled for another barium swallow next week (ughhhhhh), with him present to visually see for himself how it goes. Has anyone else been through this? Does it sound from the symptoms that it is a slip? I could use some support right now. I'm very nervous about the symptoms. Thanks....

I've been having trouble on/off for the past 1 1/2 years with my band. It's finally decided my band has slipped and I'm scheduled 9/8 for a removal of the band and revision to RNY. As the days tick by, I'm getting more and more nervous about the revision. I definitely have a case of the 'should I, shouldn't I's'. Just dont know what to do. The advantages of continued weight loss are clear. But I'm scared to death of the possible complications. Any one else have these feelings, and if so, how did you come to terms with your decision? Are u happy with your decision? I'd love to hear your story, and suggestions.

I believe insurance will cover it if it's medically necessary....such as infection, erosion, slippage or some other problem or complication. However, it will not cover it if it is being removed because its just not wanted anymore. Sounds like you might have a complication going on, and you should probably have a complete workup...at the very least a barium swallow. Hope all turns out well for you....Keep us posted..

Nancy, Let me know you are doing....I've had NO success with my band, and am considering revision to RNY. I'd Love to hear your story. Best of luck to you...

I was banded in June, 2007. The first 6-8 months went great, and I lost about 40 lbs. Then the trouble began...I was too tight at one point...and could never get the right groove back. Even completely unfilled, I still have occassional pb'ing. Last year I had 4 upper GI's, but no reason for what was going on. I havent been back to my Dr since last Nov, due to frustration. I've gained 36 lbs back, and yesterday got a certified letter from the doctor strongly suggesting I need updated lab work and a check up. So...ok, it's time to go back, and get back on the band wagon so to speak. Has anyone had anything similar happen? Occassionally I think about a bypass, but then I read the complications and instantly realize that isnt what I want. Can anyone give me some suggestions to get me back on track....? I sure could use a shoulder to lean on..

Same story with me....I've had 3 barium swallows which have all come back normal. I'm now scheduled for a "barium meal"....which will consist of scrambled eggs with barium poured over them. Doesnt that sound like fun???? Depending on the results of that test, my choices will be to remove the band, fix the band, or convert to bypass. I whish I knew which way to turn. Peggy

I've recently received the same news. I've had a complete unfill for over a month, and last week had a barium swallow which showed reflux and a hernia (which wasnt there before). I go back to the Dr on Halloween to discuss what is to be done. I've even had some food get stuck and pb'd even with a total unfill. Anyone else had this? What can I expect....surgery to correct it? I'd appreciate some guidance here..... Very frustrated!

I was wondering if you ended up having your band removed?? I've been having ongoing problems with my band...Lots of vomiting. Currently I am completely un-filled and have been for a month. Still have problems with food getting stuck. Today I had a barium swallow which showed reflux, hernia (which wasnt there prior to the surgery), and narrowing of my esophagus. I have a followup appt. with my doctor next week. I'm wondering if my symptoms were similar to yours? Personally, I'm so frustrated with the issues I've had since getting banded that I wouldnt even mind if he suggests removing it. Please let me know how you made out...

Does anyone know of any fill doctors in Upstate (Central) New York?

I'm wondering what the symptoms of erosion are. I was banded in June 2007, and initially was doing great. Weight loss was at a steady pace and had about 2.5cc fill in my 4cc band. Then all of a sudden things got crazy....I started having a terrible time keeping anything down. After 2 upper GI's, the doc felt my band hadnt slipped, so he withdrew all my fill to give me a bit of rest, and I felt wonderful. Now I have .5 cc fill, havent lost any weight in about 4 months, and have days where I cant keep anything down. It's crap shoot...one day I can eat a certain food...and the next I cant. The wierdest thing is the total stoppage of weight loss. To say I'm discouraged is an understatement. I just cant figure out what is going on....I'd love to know if anyone else has experienced this, and if it's a sign of a possible erosion. Thanks...

How did you make out with your CAT scan? Do you have a slipped band or erosion? I hope you dont, but it will be good to find out what is causing your/our symptoms.

I'm wondering the same thing....in fact, just posted the question myself under lap band complications.

I agree with Elisabeth. Check into the endometrial ablation. I also had dysfunctional bleeding. Had an ablation, and it really slowed things down. Unfortunately, I began bleeding again, and had ablation #2. Worked again for awhile, but my bleeding started up. Ended up with a hysterectomy 1 year prior to my banding. My doc says there's no way I could have avoided it. But...she also said my obesity played a big role in the bleeding due to excess estrogen. I highly recommend the band AND the ablation. Worst case scenario will be an eventual hysterectomy, but you will have lost wait due to the band, and will do much better and be at less risk. Please let us know how you make out. Good luck!

I have one "major" incision, about 1 1/2" long, to the left and even with my belly button. 5 other small "stab" incisions from the instruments.

Hi there....I live in upstate New York, in the Utica area. I go to Dr Fitzer for my fills. 315-624-4740. I've heard there's also Doc's in the Cooperstown and Syracuse areas, but sorry, dont have the names or numbers. Hope this helps....

Hi Everyone....I had my lapband done in Utica. Everything went smoothly. Molly, we're just about neighbors...I live in Whitesboro!!!

Hi Everyone....I'm in Utica, fairly close by. Just wanted to send all my fellow Upstaters a hello and wish everyone well with their journey!

I can no longer eat red meat of any kind. Bread is a problem most of the time, as well as chicken. Oddly enough, I dont miss them at all. Instead I've found I really enjoy fish (especially tilapia), and yogurt. Both were foods i rarely ate pre-band. I also can still enjoy pizza, and pasta, but much much smaller amounts.

Ditto the hummus! It's tasty and has protein as well. I like to dip raw veggies into it, especially peppers. It's definitely one of my favorite "less guilt" snacks. Enjoy!

I feel your frustration. I just had my 4th fill done this past Thursday (total of 2cc in my 4cc band), and I can finally say I have restriction. Man, do I have restriction. It's strange when you finally get it, because your head and your eyes tell you still need to eat, yet your band gives a very loud NO THANKYOU. I'm trying to adjust to the new way of eating, and have been overly fond of yogurt these past few days. Stick with it, and when you finally get the restriction....You will know immediately.

Hi Everyone.. I was banded by Dr Fitzer in Utica NY. Everything has gone well, and he has a great office staff as well.

I can usually eat about 1/2 cup to 1 cup, sometimes a little more, depending on the food, the day, the hour..... :rolleyes2: It's always a crap shoot!

At 2 weeks postop, I was pretty much sticking with yogurt, applesauce, cream of wheat, hummus. I wasnt allowed to "try" pasta until about 5-6 weeks out.