Dealing with a setback...

[bbammom 0]

I had my surgery 11 months ago. Everything went well until I had an overfill (10.5cc in a 10cc band) in February. I ended up in the E.R. and the doc on call didn't know what to do so he emptied my band. I gained several pounds during the 5 days it took me to get to see my surgeon.

Again, everything was OK, even though I was at a full fill (10cc), until we moved from Hawaii to the Mainland. Almost immediately on the flight I felt my band tighten. We traveled across country for over 2 weeks and when we arrived to our new location, it took me a week to see a new doctor. In the mean time, I was throwing up or slimming every time I ate. At night when I went to bed, I would be up within 10-20 minutes throwing up and coughing for most of the night. I hardly slept the entire 3 weeks.

My new doctor took out 3cc from my band to give my body time to heal. That was 3 weeks ago and I have since gained 10 pounds! I admit that my food choices haven't been the best but even when I eat salad all day, I eat way too much. I have absolutely no restriction and can eat anything and everything I want. I hate this feeling of no control!! Even worse is how I feel in my clothes. Every time a piece of clothing felt lose, I got rid of it. Now even a 5 pound gain makes my clothes feel uncomfortable!!

I keep thinking that this is part of my journey and, in reality, it's not that bad. I was heavy for over 30 years so a month isn't really that long. At the same time, I have also learned that I liked the too tight feeling and depended on it too much. I know this is only one tool in my weight loss, not the only tool!

My new doctor is out of town this week and I see him Tuesday morning. He only does fills at the hospital in x-ray on Thursdays (which I've never heard of!) and I gave his assistant a heads up that I'll need a fill. I'm worried that he'll want to take it slower than I'm wanting to take. At this point, I will be happy with 9cc.

If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it. Even though I have amazing family and friend support, in reality no one can really understand how I feel.

[Snoopyloverny 3]

You know what works for YOU! You have been on the green zone compfotrtaby before. You r paying him! He is new to your case so let him know upfront that you have already experienced your sweet spot. You r in tune w/ your body!

[bbammom 0]

Thanks! You're right!! He made such a huge deal out of accepting me as a pt b/c I had surgery in another state that during my first visit, I agreed with whatever he said! Now the ball needs to be in my court. Thanks for the reminder!!

[SarahStLouis 1]

Sorry to hear about your rough spot here, but it will get better. Also, Snoopy is right... you know what works for you so communicate that to the doctor. Best wishes to you!

[bbammom 0]

Thank you! Whoever thinks this is the "easy way out" is crazy!! Sometimes it's just as challenging as any other diet I have tried. The biggest difference for me is that it gives me hope, keeps me focused, and keeps me in check. The feeling of my port under my skin keeps me grounded!!

[NYdad 21]

I recently had an unfill. I understand how you feel. My doc wont add more than 1cc at a time. Its very frustrating. I am at 5cc and have a 14cc band. I need to be around 11cc. at his rate It will be 4 months before I even feel some restriction again. I am thinking about changing doctors but I dont know if there is anyone around me and if so are they willing to give me a proper fill? I hope you could update your status because i'm very curious to how your new doc responds to your request. I'm very frustrated at this point... thanks