FunDuck

Quick history. I got banded early 2008. Over the last 11 years I went from 260 to 170, held for a few years and then have been around 200 for about 6 years. I have been completely unfilled for about 5 years but still have some level of restriction. I have to eat slow, if I drink too many liquids (especially carbonated) I get the shoulder pains. Mostly ok day to day. 5 years ago I was abroad and basically experienced what felt like being stuck for around 2-3 days. I could barely get water down if anything. It eventually went away and I haven't had any issues since. Wednesday of this week, I was up all night feeling like I was stuck on something and couldn't lay down cause of all the burping and saliva coming up. Since then going on 3 days) I have barely been able to get water down. I was hoping it would clear up again. Mu problem is, I got banded in Mexico and have long lost contact with my doctor. I could go to the ER but over the years I have noticed that they rarely know what to do with lap bands. I have been drinking PediaLyte when I can get it down and I don't feel weak or bad at all. I am wondering if anybody has had a similar problem and what your solution or outcome was. I just want this to clear up and am seriously thinking of getting the band removed in May. I appreciate any help or ideas.

I'm not much for posting and blogging. I did read alot on this site before and after my surgery. I was always very inspired by the before and after success stories with pictures. It occurred to me that I should give back and post mine. I hope they will encourage someone. I was big every day of my life. I was born 10.5lbs and just ran with it :sad: I finally realized that you can BS everyone else, but you can't BS yourself. I knew that even though I wasn't extremely obese, I was never going to be able to do it on my own. I knew I would only get heavier. I had never exercised 1 day of my life. I had made the worst food choices I could make. I knew why I was fat. Hell, I'm surprised I wasn't bigger! Since the surgery, I have truly become a new person. I run 5 days a week. I watch calories very closely. I eat anything and everything but I always try to keep below 2000 calories a day. I am currently training to run the Las Vegas Marathon on December 6th. I have no doubts I will complete it! I have encouraged others in my life to run and eat healthier. It feels great to be in a position where people actually listen when I give weight advice. It's been said before but I will repeat it again...this was the best thing I have ever done!!! Life is too short to live overweight, unhealthy and miserable. Thanks to everyone who posts here for being my silent support group. Ramze

Hi Amanda I was banded the day after you. The thing I tell my friends is it's the wierdest feeling. I am hungry and full all at the same time. I have never experienced anything like it. If I don't think about it and keep up on my liquids it doesn't seem so bad. At the same time I see a pizza comercial and feel like I could eat the whole thing if I could. After all of the trauma I have put my body thru, I just feel like I need to learn to tough it out. Hope you feel better.

Thank you all for your help. I ended up having to go to the ER this morning. I went into a dry heave fit every 5 minutes like clockwork. They gave me anti-nausea meds and an IV. Did some X-rays and everything looks OK. Doc says it could be anything from stomach virus to ulcers to stomach acid. Gave me a script for the anti-nausea stuff and some liquid Pepcid. Feel better although I feel like I got hit by a truck again. Hope this might help someone in the future. I have to admit sometime around the 15th time I was hunched over the toilet I thought to myself "geez, if only you had eaten a few less nachos we wouldn't be here". But the biggest lesson I learned was not to panic and keep a sraight head. Thanks guys

Did you have dry heaves? Vomit any clear substance?

I am 4 days post-op and had no problems until today. I have felt like I have a lot of air in my stomach since the operation. I've been taking in liquids - protein shakes, juice, etc. in moderation. 7 to 8 hours ago I had a yogurt smoothie and 1/2 hour later started to PB. I have had nausea and have been vomiting up clear substance (sliming). The only way to find relief is to stand up straight. If I sit and recline at all it starts all over again. I'm going to call my doctor as soon as possible -- but has anyone had this experience? The smoothie or no food has come up.

Thank you all for your responses. I guess in the end I need to see in a few weeks how I am feeling. One of the main reasons I went with Dr. Gonzalez in the first place was his experience in this field, so I guess I should continue trusting in that experience. I have to say no matter how much you read and prepare for this surgery, you can't imagine the feeling afterward. I am amazed at what a body will tolerate and how it reacts. Thanks again

Hi Guys I have been reading on this site for a while and this is my first post. I was banded 3-19-2008 by Dr. Gonzalez in TJ. I had a great experience and am recovering well. My concern is that Dr. Gonzalez wants me to return to him in 15 days for my first fill. I have never heard of anybody getting a fill so soon. I hate to question the Dr. but has anybody ever heard of such a thing? Thank you all in advance for any opinion.