Hello Everyone.

I am having a TT in May. I am sure if I should get defilled or not before surgery. Does anyone have any advice or can share their experience with defilling or not defilling the band.

thanks

I guess that would depend on how tight you wear your band to begin with. I am one week post-op and did not get deflated. I am doing great, maybe a tiny bit tighter than before surgery..but not much at all.

I decided that because my band can act up with my hormones (it does OFTEN)...

i can be fine, eat anything, even a few bites of bread and then be so tight, that Water gurgles days later....

also, i get nauseous VERY easy...a swing, elevator, bridge, a strong smell, etc. can make me feel like i'm going to be sick.

i threw up during both of my sections from the meds...

that i'm having a tiny bit taken out the day before i leave for surgery (2 days before my surgery)

the Dr's, both lapband and PS said i didn't have to, but the nurse at my lapband dr. said it was probably a good idea because she knows how finicky my band can get.

as soon as i'm up and about and as long as i'm not too tight already from swelling, i'm going to get it put back in.

I talked to the nurse again this morning and she said just give them a call when i'm ready and she will get me right in.

I'm thinking just a tiny amount will make a huge difference right now. maybe .25cc's

I had a tiny bit taken out, just in case (0.2ml) and I am glad I did. I barfed yesterday and my band shut right down. I, too, can go in anytime and get it put back. If you don't have a sensitive band you will probably be OK without an unfill.

Good luck.

Mimi

Hi:

I have nausea issues so I got my completely unfilled the day before tt. I'm glad I did because I was hurling for almost 24 hours after surgery.

Got refilled almost 3 weeks after tummy tuck because I didn't want to stretch the surgical area in order to get my port accessible to my surgeon. Still wasn't comfortable, but wasn't too bad to get the refill.

Best wishes to you.

Sue

I havent' had PS yet...but my PS who was recommended to me by NYU--and who I trust with my life...recommends that you get some unfilled...like your band should be half full....he said there was a case of aspiration during surgery due to tightness of band...I would unfill just to be safe..maybe not all the way...but some.

I can understand the threat of aspiration...but my surgery was done with a spinal block, not general anesthesia. It made a huge difference in my recovery and risk for blood clots!