Hello everyone!

I recently got a fill of 0.5mls (I usually get 0.25mls) in my band and for the first week and a half afterwards felt fine. I was eating appropriate amounts and not struggling with it too much (no pain, no stuck incidents).

I've been staying with some friends for the last week and a half whilst I undertake a voluntary midwifery placement in Ireland (which is very stressful ) and have been really, really restricted since. I'm having difficulty drinking water sometimes. I'm finishing up my placement on Wednesday so I should be more relaxed but I wanted to ask what you thought - is this a common thing? Should I perhaps consider having a TINY amount removed from the band to account for these kind of things? Physiologically, how does it occur?

Thoughts?

Stress can really tighten your band. Not to mention that after a fill that gives you really good restriction can also cause you to unconsciously take in less fluids leading to dehydration. You may loosen up on your own or you could try liquid motrin to help with the swelling. There's certainly nothing wrong with getting a little fluid out and I do think it's worse to be too tight rather than too loose. Good luck!

I encountered similar issues with my band that increased the level of restriction significantly due to the stress of major life changes, several major ones occurred at the same time.

I opted to have my band unfilled completely so that I was able to continue to get proper nutrition and Fluid intake.

I have noticed in my experience there is a direct correlation between my stress level and the tightness in my band. I attribute this correlation to be the same as in other instances of stress when I will realize that I have been either clenching my teeth or have tightened my muscles as a stress response. I believe that the same internal response to stress happens with my band.

As you will soon be out of the stressful situation, perhaps you do not need to have a slight unfill, but you need to consider that it is essential to stay properly hydrated and nourished.

Thanks for the replies!

I think the dehydration thing makes sense.... I work 13 hour shifts, though, so I think it's very important for me to remain hydrated. I am not sure what Motrin is? The next time I can see my nurse is 7th September so I guess I will see if any natural slackening occurs in that time.

I was badly overfilled for more than a year which was hell, so was completely unrolled I'm order to re-learn the sensations attached to my band. We have been slowly advancing my fills, working me towards restriction...I wonder if this time, we just overshot the target.

I know when I am stressed or rushing around to get a lot done I am not eating very carefully and sometimes rushing to eat a meal, and/or not getting enough hydration. Try to get some deep breathing in now and again. I hear it's beautiful in Ireland! Try to enjoy that aspect of being there as well.

Best of luck to you! Be well.

Yeah I am planning a mammoth lie-in tomorrow!

I grew up here so the beauty doesn't relax me as much as it used to.

motrin is ibuprophen. A liquid anti-inflammatory was suggested. I am often tighter when stressed and dehydrated. Sept 7 is a ways away. I hope you can find some tricks to help. I'd be sticking with liquids to help get through.

Feel better!!