Trouble With A Fill Several Months Later??

[MoTown22 1]

I'm just about 18 months out from surgery. I'm down 112 lbs which I lost incouple months pre op and within 6 months post op. I lost very, very quickly and have now maintained this weight for about a year. Which is a perfectly healthy weight for my height, although I could still stand to lose 15-20 more being at the top of the healthy BMI range....so I get a bit frustrated now and then.

I have 3cc's in a 9cc band (I think) I had my first fill about 7 months out, 2nd fill 2 months later, and then my 3rd fill was around Jan/Feb of 2012. I can't recall when I started noticing a real difference, I'd say for sure I've been struggling for at least 6-8 wks.

I know that I am guilty at times of eating problem foods, too quickly, too much etc etc but yet sometimes I feel I am doing nothing differently yet have more frequent stuck episodes and they are quite painful. I used to sit through the pain and the food would work itself through within a few minutes....maybe I'd have a little sliming. But now I've had a few episodes where it hurts so bad I induce vomiting to clear it out. That's happened about 3 or 4 times and I made a Dr appt today for a possible unfill....That's what the problem sounds like to me, even .5 out or something from the sounds of other post-ers. But has anyone had such a delayed reaction to a fill? It's like some days I can take down anything and then other days I barely eat.

[2muchfun 8,928]

The induced vomiting could be a real problem. You're a veteran and should know that the vomit convulsion can cause your band to slip right?

If you want to lose those last 20 lbs you'll have to put up with a tight band and go back to eating slow, chewing big and eating small. I'd think .5 or maybe less unfill would lessen the stuck episodes but if you got the last fill to lose those extra lbs you may now have to diet to get there if you aren't going to follow the rules.

Sorry to be so blunt but most of us who are still losing dozens and hundreds of lbs still have to follow the rules and by your own description you don't always follow the rules. Still, congrats on losing so much weight. You must be super happy now?

tmf

[MoTown22 1]

_{I do understand which is why after this last time I made the appt.}

_{I do follow the rules, which is why I've had the success I've had, but as I am sure you can relate, we are all human and have a temporary lapse of judgement if we're in social situations or not mindful. That's bound to happen at some point of the course of our lives. We take that too big of a bite or too soon a bite. This is only human I assume?}

_{I'm not sure what you mean by dieting. I follow the strict 1000-1200 calorie intake for females. I get 60 grams of Protein and I eat lean Proteins, fruits and veggies. There is no diet with the lap band it is a lifestyle change. I'm not out there eating McDonalds. I'm not saying I expect it to slide off I'm simply stating the facts. At this point , if I didn't lose a singular ounce I would still be elated, I am more annoyed with the sudden stuck episodes. Despite having those slip ups I have changed NOTHING, which is why I am questioning this on a post. But thanks for the lecture.}

[2muchfun 8,928]

Lecture? Sorry, I wasn't aware that you knew everything or I wouldn't have replied. People post on this forum all the time who have had the band for years and still don't understand how to eat or how their band works.

And I too was just stating the facts. Sorry, I'm not the kind of guy who pats your head and tells you all will be better. Good luck and I think the unfill is a good idea.

tmf

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I think it's wise you're going in. You've had great success with your band it sounds like you're still very much dedicated to a healthy lifestyle.

There are other things that can issues, for instance a hiatal hernia. Sometimes it can slip ever so gradually that it's not even considered a "slip" but it's just enough to seriously effect band tightness. Even weight loss and/or gain can effect it.

It's always better safe than sorry, so I'm glad you're going in. Be sure to mention the vomiting to your doc because it's crucial he's aware of that. Unfortunately vomiting does increase your risk of a slip substantially.

Congratulations on your weight loss!!

[MoTown22 1]

A-ha! Interesting..... A person can go crazy thinking of all the what ifs too! I understand slight un fills can correct minor slips as well sometimes. I had an upper GI 6 months ago and everything looked good at that time.

I will be certain to tell him about the vomiting. I hate to go into too much detail on here about vomiting.... but I wouldn't call it a full on vomit versus more or less just the slime coming up? I don't know if that makes sense but I think of vomiting in the sense of prior to surgery everything in your stomach and this is more like just the mucus?? I will explain that to him as well.

I'm not sure it's any different since your stomach is still contracting but I know one of his main concerns with vomiting is always dehydration which I stick on top of pretty good.

There are other factors I have heard of too that can cause the band to be tighter in your environment too so it will be interesting to have a refresher on that. You hear these rules and they don't always apply to you, such as some people never needing fills and some needing it quite full. When those happen to you it's a good reminder that finding your sweet spot doesn't mean you're set for life!

Thanks!!