I have been banded for 5 years. Countless numbers of fills and unfills. Most recently (earlier this year) I had to have the fluid removed because my pouch was swollen. After testing and everything was better, the Dr refilled 3cc and I fill like I have no restriction. I have an appt on Tuesday and I'm praying for a refill. I have gained 15 lbs this year alone and I am sad and desperate. I still continued my exercise routine but I'm hungry more often than not. Has anyone else had issues like this? Were you able to get back on track? I feel helpless most of the time but I want my life back!

Why,? was the Fluid removed? were you too tight? were you having issues with Reflux? Unfortunately this happens allot.....

I've included a LINK for a pouch enlargement

Hopefully it helps.

Pouch enlargement

Pouch enlargement (type-III prolapse) is diagnosed when dilation of the proximal gastric pouch is present with or without change in the angle of the band and in the absence of signs of obstruction. The lower esophagus may or may not be dilated. Pouch enlargement is a pressure-related phenomenon that may be surgically induced by band over inflation or overeating with resulting high pressure in the pouch.

Symptoms of pouch enlargement include lack of satiety, heartburn, regurgitation and occasional chest pain. The diagnosis is made with an upper gastrointestinal series.

Nonoperative treatment includes complete band deflation, low-calorie diet, re-enforcement of portion size and follow-up contrast study in 4–6 weeks. If the band position and the pouch size return to normal, then the band can be incrementally reinflated. A study by Moser and colleagues demonstrated that this conservative approach to pouch enlargement was successful in up to 77% of patients. Conservative treatment is considered unsuccessful when the pouch fails to recover its original size after 8–10 weeks. In this circumstance, surgical treatment with either band removal or replacement is indicated.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

Cutiepie, time to get beck in the game. Fresh start, focus on what you are eating, 1/2 - 1 cup per meal, Protein first (3-4ozs) then veggies, then carbs. Weigh your food, log what you eat, and if you can consult with a nutritionist.

You can do this. Change that helplessness and depression into positive I CAN DO THIS thoughts. As Ms. Carolinagirl says you have to have WANT POWER. & I know you want this. I believe in you.

I LOOOOOVE the "want power" expression!

I think that's the most important thing for success. Without that nothing will happen as we won't commit to all the necessary changes in eating habit that are must-haves for losing and maintaining on the long term.

Sent from my KFTT using LapBandTalk

I had my lapband for almost 2 years and just received my 2nd fill. At this point, I have about 4 cc's of fluid in my band. I never had restriction until now. I was filled 2 1/2 cc's which is something I had to get adjusted too. Right now, I'm just taking it slow and started myself back on the liquid diet. Previously to maintain my weight, I just watch my fluid intake and exercise 3-4 times a week and lost 85 pounds.

I would definitely see what your doctor says and get back on track. You can do this. I have faith in you.