My band is at a 3.0 fill and has been for about 8 months. If I advance past this fill I am awaken at night by liquid backing up and aspirating into my lungs. I can't fill therefore my weight loss is at a stand still. I should be able to hold another 1 to 2 cc's. Anyone having this problem?

Manwell,

I'm not having this problem (thank God), but it sounds like you're having classic reflux. This happens when you get a wee bit too tight. Now, just because going past 3.0cc makes you a little too tight at this point in your journey doesn't mean that 3.0 cc's will be all you can ever achieve. After some weight loss, the fat layer around your stomach also shrinks making your band technically looser with the same amount of fill. Give it time, you may be able to get past this point, eventually.

But, a thought has just occurred to me........do you really NEED to go past 3.0? Just because you want to doesn't mean you need to. My understanding is that as long as you are eating healthy portions and you can make it at least 3-4 hours between meals without being hungry, you're therapeutically restricted. That's not to say that some people really like to be tight and actually feel their food passing from esophagus to pouch through band, etc. Because some do. Personally, I feel being too tight can lead to other problems like erosion or slippage. That's my opinion, I'm not sure if there's medical research to back it up.

Good Luck and hang in there.

Thanks for the advice. I have been banded for 14 months and have lost 50 lbs. I still need to lose 45 more lbs. but because of this problem I am slowly gaining instead of losing. Any suggestions?

Manwell,

You haven't given me much of your dietary and activity history, but I'll start from the start. Make sure you're staying within your doctors recommended caloric restrictions. Mine said to stay around 1200 calories. If you're going over, well that may be part of the problem. Also, make sure you're getting adequate Protein. Again, this comes down to your doctor or your dietician's recommendations. I was told to get between 45 and 60 grams per day. Men require more and overweight people also need more. So, I try to hit the higher end of the requirement but I'm not successful EVERY day. ABSOLUTELY critical is your daily Fluid intake. 8 glasses or 64 oz, minimum of calorie free liquid. That means Water, crystal light, and coffee or tea sweetened with artificial sweetners. Fruit or vegetable juices are NOT counted, neither are things like soda. Many people don't realize how many empty calories they consume with these drinks.

My suggestion, LOG EVERYTHING YOU EAT FOR ABOUT A WEEK. This will give you a good idea what you are eating both calorically and nutritionally. It may give you an answer as to why the weight is creeping back on.

Also, exercise. As much as we may not like to do it, it is a must. My goal is to exercise at least 3-4 times a week with cardio and strength training. I'm doing pretty well with it as far as consistency. I usually take the weekend off for sanity sake. I suppose eventually, I'll have to do it EVERY day.

Bottom line, make sure you're following the band rules. If you are and you're still gaining despite what sounds like pretty tight restriction, talk to your doctor. Not just your band doctor, maybe your primary care physician because there are conditions that may limit your ability to lose weight-hormonal, metabolic, etc.

Good Luck,

Have you tried any medication for the reflux? After my last fill about a month ago I started getting reflux at night. It is miserable! So, I started on Prilosec OTC and after four days of that, I slept like a baby with no reflux last night! I also took a Zantac before I went to bed to make sure I didn't wake up choking. Good luck!

Megan

Question to you all-

Does everyone who is banded destined to suffer from acid reflux one time or another??

Thank you

ps-Manwell I am not banded yet but will all weight loss-is it possible you are at a plateau but will lose again soon?

Sounds like you are a wee bit too tight??? How do you feel and what do you eat during the day?

Shawn