Is this what proper restriction feels like?

[marfar7 1,528]

Hey everyone!

I was banded on 10/1/09 and have lost a whopping 9 lbs. I actually lost 20 lbs, but gaiined back 11. Before today, my 2 fills didn't really work - I felt no restriction at all and didn't keep to the program. Today I had my 3rd fill and decided to actually play by the rules - 24 hrs of Clear liquids. I can't even finish a 2oz container of Jello. The Water feels likes it's staying in my chest. I'm almost afraid of eating food tommorow. Is this what the proper restriction should feel like - or am I too tight? Thanks!

Marci

[kiz 1]

Restriction doesn't feel like that, but it's too early to tell for sure if you're too tight because you might have swelling. If you were able to drink Water right after your fill (we have to drink a small cup before we leave the office) there's a good chance it's swelling right now. I would stay on liquids for three days (I was instructed to stay on liquids for two days, but an additional day was added when they thought I had been given a bigger than normal fill), and then try to add soft foods, and stay on those for two days. If, at any time, you can't drink liquids, or if you start to experience reflux or vomiting, go back in for an unfill. You don't want to be too tight too long, even if it is swelling. Better to get to a good restriction level slowly than to irritate you stoma. If within two weeks, you can't add back in solid foods, you should call your doctor too. That was pretty much my instructions from my doctor.

However, if you just feel miserable, I wouldn't wait it out. You can always add more Fluid back but at a little slower pace.

Edited January 28, 2010 by kiz

[vlp1968 83]

I have the same issues when I first get a fill. It goes away in a day or 2. If it goes beyond that I would go in for an unfill for sure. You get in danger of being deydrated. Are you vomiting?

[ElfiePoo 109]

Hey everyone!

I was banded on 10/1/09 and have lost a whopping 9 lbs. I actually lost 20 lbs, but gaiined back 11. Before today, my 2 fills didn't really work - I felt no restriction at all and didn't keep to the program. Today I had my 3rd fill and decided to actually play by the rules - 24 hrs of Clear Liquids. I can't even finish a 2oz container of Jello. The Water feels likes it's staying in my chest. I'm almost afraid of eating food tommorow. Is this what the proper restriction should feel like - or am I too tight? Thanks!

Marci

Take smaller sips of Water and I'd wait it out a few days as long as you can drink water and Protein shakes. It's most likely swelling.

[marfar7 1,528]

No, I haven't thrown up at all. I had about 4 little bites of scrambles eggs last nite and it hurt. I spose it's swelling, everyone says you can be tighter right after a fill and it will lossen up, I guess I just need to be patient. If this goes on mucch longer tho, I WILL lose weight. My doc is 3 hrs away, so I don;t want to go in if it;ll go away soon. Does it?

Marci

[scottyd 0]

It is all in your body adjusting to the fill, sometimes the swelling takes a few days to calm down. I for one will get a fill and the adjustment will not be noticed for a few days to a week or so. It is like my stomach is so tough or the area the band is around wont give in it takes awhile to let the band work. I don't know if this is what really is going on but I talk to my Dr all the time about this and he just says your in the 2/5% that just keeps us on our toes and we keep learning from you. I just say Really is this good or a bad thing. He says I will be fine. I always say ok then. So I have all the faith in the world in my Dr. he is the best I can call anytime and get a appt any time.