This may seem long and I apologize but I have some questions that I was wondering if any of you in the same or similar situation can answer. Even if you aren't and can provide an answer I would really appreciate it.

Background Info

I'm 19 years old and a freshman in college. I recently got banded on March 26,2010 and I'm still trying to get used to my band. I started off really well and lost a bunch of weight. The month or so before my surgery I weighted 360 and last week I was at 335. Unfortunately now I'm at 341.

Questions

1. Is gaining weight normal when you start to eat regular food again?

2. I'm worried about stretching my pouch. I haven't gotten a fill yet. Is it possible to stretch the pouch before the first fill?

3. How would I know if I did stretch my pouch?

4. Is there any way that it can be fixed or if I ever do/did will I have ruined my chances at this working for me?

5. Would someone know if their band slipped? If so how?

6. Do weird things cause the band to slip or is it simply overeating or something like that?

Thank you so much to anyone who can answer any of those questions. I'm sure I'll think of more soon since I'm so worried about this. Thanks again for reading.

To take your questions one at a time:

1. Is gaining weight normal when you start to eat regular food again?

Yes, when you've been on liquids for a while (pre-op + post+op), you empty out your alimentary canal and this accounts for probably 5-10lb of the "weight loss". You probably would have noticed a marked decrease in the amount of matter eliminated from your system. When you start to eat regular food again, you refill yourself and this will appear to be a 5lb weight gain. Don't worry about it - it's normal.

2. I'm worried about stretching my pouch. I haven't gotten a fill yet. Is it possible to stretch the pouch before the first fill?

Stretching the pouch is something that happens through significant over-eating over a prolonged period of time, i.e. always eating the the point of absolute fullness (as far as the band allows) and doing it often. If you haven't had a fill yet, it is unlikely that you will have restriction, so you won't be filling your pouch much at all -the food will be going straight through into your main stomach. The likelihood of stretching at this time is very small.

3. How would I know if I did stretch my pouch?

It's hard to tell but if you had a fill test (i.e. they take out the Fluid in your band, measure it, and replace it) and the test showed that the band was very full and you should have restriction, yet you were still eating large meals, that might be an indicator - not a definite, just an indicator.

4. Is there any way that it can be fixed or if I ever do/did will I have ruined my chances at this working for me?

Yes, in the event that you stretch your pouch, there are several remedies that can be applied before you have to even start thinking you might have "ruined things". One simple remedy is to do the "5 Day Pouch Test". Search this site for threads on that - there are dozens.

5. Would someone know if their band slipped? If so how?

One of the common symptoms is being able to eat a lot in the day but getting severe reflux at night, i.e. when lying down/sleeping.

6. Do weird things cause the band to slip or is it simply overeating or something like that?

There are several causes but you'd be better off asking your doctor about that one.

Thank you very much for your reply. That really helped ease most of my worry. :thumbup: