Mom2Twins24

I got my lap band in August 2010. Immediately after the surgery I had major issues of not being able to even drink. The Dr. told me it was related to swelling and to sip fluids. For a solid week I barely could keep any fluids down, even when he removed the 1ml of fluid that was in the band. I went in for my first fill and for four days I couldn't keep anything down--I'd take a drink, then immediately it would come back up. By day 5, I was able to keep fluids down. On my second fill, it was day 7 before I was able to drink without problems. On my last fill--it was day 14 before I was able to drink normally--after I had .25ml removed from the band. The theory has been that I was "sensitive to the fills and swelling." Well, after this last fill/removal the AP said that "maybe you've had a band slip from right after surgery" and was wanting to do an x-ray or fluoscopy if I didn't improve. I'm so frustrated. I have had such poor follow-up care from my doctors. Until this last visit where I told them how frustrated I have been with how they have addressed me, they've always seemed to be in a hurry. They didn't pay attention before when I said it was days before I was able to drink normally AND that I frequently (daily) will have food get stuck and immediately come back up. I thought it was normal because nobody seemed concerned. I was told there's a difference between throwing up and regurgitation and that regurg is expected. They seemed focused on the weight loss being so great 70# in 5 months. So--now I don't know what to do or think. I have no one to talk to, no one I know that has done lapband. I live far away from the surgical center and I can't find a support group in my area. I need basic information from making sense what has happened so far, to what to eat, not to eat, why it's hard to eat/drink first thing in the morning, why you can eat one thing today and tomorrow it won't go down, you name it--I need the info. Please don't think that I must be doing something right because of my weight loss--the weight loss has come in dramatic numbers following the fills. The last 14 days, I lost 20 lbs. Not a great way to do this. So--sorry for the novel. I'd appreciate anything you can share with me.

I got my lap band in August 2010. Immediately after the surgery I had major issues of not being able to even drink. The Dr. told me it was related to swelling and to sip fluids. For a solid week I barely could keep any fluids down, even when he removed the 1ml of fluid that was in the band. I went in for my first fill and for four days I couldn't keep anything down--I'd take a drink, then immediately it would come back up. By day 5, I was able to keep fluids down. On my second fill, it was day 7 before I was able to drink without problems. On my last fill--it was day 14 before I was able to drink normally--after I had .25ml removed from the band. The theory has been that I was "sensitive to the fills and swelling." Well, after this last fill/removal the AP said that "maybe you've had a band slip from right after surgery" and was wanting to do an x-ray or fluoscopy if I didn't improve. I'm so frustrated. I have had such poor follow-up care from my doctors. Until this last visit where I told them how frustrated I have been with how they have addressed me, they've always seemed to be in a hurry. They didn't pay attention before when I said it was days before I was able to drink normally AND that I frequently (daily) will have food get stuck and immediately come back up. I thought it was normal because nobody seemed concerned. I was told there's a difference between throwing up and regurgitation and that regurg is expected. They seemed focused on the weight loss being so great 70# in 5 months. So--now I don't know what to do or think. I have no one to talk to, no one I know that has done lapband. I live far away from the surgical center and I can't find a support group in my area. I need basic information from making sense what has happened so far, to what to eat, not to eat, why it's hard to eat/drink first thing in the morning, why you can eat one thing today and tomorrow it won't go down, you name it--I need the info. Please don't think that I must be doing something right because of my weight loss--the weight loss has come in dramatic numbers following the fills. The last 14 days, I lost 20 lbs. Not a great way to do this. So--sorry for the novel. I'd appreciate anything you can share with me.

Hi Utah group--- I live in Ogden and would love to have people to talk to! I was banded on August 12 and have a long way to go, but I'm working at it. I too haven't told many people, however one of the people I did tell, told my entire family--long story. Anyway, I had a fill on friday and seem to struggle for 3-4 days post fill with not being able to drink even water. I know everyone always says, run to the dr. if you can't swallow, but this happens every time and I've continued to need fills despite this weird swelling post-fill. I'm wondering if anyone has the difficulties like I do post fill. I'm wondering if anyone was given any guidelines on do(s) and don't(s) prior to fills. Thanks, Amy

I'm a little over six weeks out and I've been off diet coke for about 7 months. I miss it a lot. Not so much for the taste, but for the "treat" it was for me. Whenever I've dieted or changed my eating habits (a million and a half times) diet coke was always the sweet treat I could have. Even when you're out and doing something fun--just to grab a diet coke was a reward. Hard to find Crystal Light in a fountain at any convenient store. So--I'm missing it--for emotional reasons.......

If it were me, I'd make sure to get an x-ray! Nothing better than knowing for sure. Good luck to you.