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.

Hi I had surgery on August 16th. My surgeon had me on clear liquids for 2 days, pureed foods day 3- 14 and regular food, small portions chewed to applesauce consistency. I had so much trouble on day 2 with what was most likely gas pain and swelling that I didn't eat or even drink for close to 4 days. The Dr. took out all of the fluid in my band on day 4 hoping it would help with me being able to swallow. Now--I've been perfectly fine for two weeks and I'm so hungry. I can eat just about anything as long as I chew it up well. Bad thing is, I KNOW some of it is old habits creeping in and I have nothing that is preventing me from eating. I'm so frustrated and I have 3-4 weeks before they will put in a fill. I initially had lost 35 lbs, but have gained back 5. They tell me my metabolism shut down from not eating that first week after surgery and the weight gain is my body's way of self-preservation. But it's SO hard emotionally to gain weight and struggle with feeling hungry all the time, when you thought, maybe incorrectly, that you'd have some relief from the constant desire to eat. So--I'm looking for some support. If you have any words of wisdom, let me know. I'm pretty discouraged right now.