Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Hi everyone I'm new.... Can anyone help?



Recommended Posts

Just introducing myself. I'm frances (37) I live in ireland. I was banded on july 3rd/13. I started out at 350llb. I'm now at 286llb. I've just had my second fill on the 28th of last month.. I'm at 8cc of a 14cc band. I'm suffering dreadful pain sometimes when I drink or eat. Feels like my throat is vibrating and only lasts briefly... I don't want an unfill as I was starving and struggling before but am finding this pain miserable. I'd rather not eat at all..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just introducing myself. I'm frances (37) I live in ireland. I was banded on july 3rd/13. I started out at 350llb. I'm now at 286llb. I've just had my second fill on the 28th of last month.. I'm at 8cc of a 14cc band. I'm suffering dreadful pain sometimes when I drink or eat. Feels like my throat is vibrating and only lasts briefly... I don't want an unfill as I was starving and struggling before but am finding this pain miserable. I'd rather not eat at all..

What do you want us to tell you? Pain should not be part of eating, if you are too tight and don't like how it feel, but like the scale moving, it will be hard for anyone to convince you that you need to get a small amount out.

I am not here to tell you what you want to hear, I am here to tell you what will help you, and the lap band has a VERY high complication rate for this very reason alone, being too tight and not removing saline, after a recent fill when you know full well it is too tight.

If you are having pain with drinking your band is too tight, you need to face that fact, the pain will only get worse and you can damage your esophagus and cause enough damage to prevent you from getting a band again.

Some people have more swelling than others, you are about 5 days post fill, sometimes a fill does not settle in until about 2-3 weeks later, and it could get a lot worse before it's over, and it may get better and could just be swelling.

In the meantime, you may want to sip slowly and start your meals with warm tea, and if you cannot eat anything solid after 2 weeks, you are putting your band at risk/

Sometimes getting a very small amount like out immediately like .1cc can put you at the sweet spot, fills are NOT an exact science and sometimes the surgeon can go over the green zone into the red zone and it is up to YOU, to go back, and be honest of how you are feeling and get a little bit out to prevent any type of complication.

Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi thanks for the reply.. I have to travel to the uk for treatment/fills. So only want to go back as a last resort.. After my first fill I felt nothing at all.. I was permanently hungry, eating quite large portions etc. There were foods I couldn't eat at all but asides from that felt unbanned.. My after care team said no drinking 30 mins prior to eating or after food but I will try Hot Drinks as you suggested.. I don't get weighed very often it's not the scales influencing my decision... I'm scared of being constantly hungry again.. I'll persevere a few more days if things don't improve I'll have an unfill and see how I go.. Thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi thanks for the reply.. I have to travel to the uk for treatment/fills. So only want to go back as a last resort.. After my first fill I felt nothing at all.. I was permanently hungry, eating quite large portions etc. There were foods I couldn't eat at all but asides from that felt unbanned.. My after care team said no drinking 30 mins prior to eating or after food but I will try hot drinks as you suggested.. I don't get weighed very often it's not the scales influencing my decision... I'm scared of being constantly hungry again.. I'll persevere a few more days if things don't improve I'll have an unfill and see how I go.. Thanks

.

I understand, many people who have to travel for fills are most reluctant to go back to get saline removed, but also more likely to suffer more band complications than those who have a surgeon nearby.

Give it 2 weeks, if you are still having issues, you really need to get some out.

If you are too tight -- eventually that saline will come out by force, but you don't want to end up getting all the saline removed, WITH a possible dilated pouch, you want to prevent complicaitons.

If you go back immediately and only get maybe 1 or .2cc removed you may be at your green zone and feel good and lose weight, but if you keep a too tight band too long, it could cause some serious damage and you could very well lose your band too.

Be safe and careful, good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Maybe you just need a small unfill. But my best advise is see your doctor. You don't want to wind up with other issues that are more serious.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

sounds like you are too tight.. 8 cc's is quite a lot .. I was banded in Jan and only have 2 cc's in my band.. so far.. I would call the surgeon and or staff and see if they can remove some ...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to tell you this sweetie but you need a small unfill. Too much in my personal opinion was put in at one time. I know from personal experience that lead me to the ER because I was too tight and had ALL my Fluid taken out and had to start all over again. It's not worth living in misery. My advice would be to take out at least .5cc and see if that helps a bit. I hope you make the right decision. Hope you feel better soon so you can eat and drink properly.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi again, firstly thankyou to everyone that took the time to reply. I really appreciate it.. Spoke to the after care team/band fill lady. She said it was possible I needed a slight unfill..(you were right) but as I'd had 6•5 cc added to my band in a 3 wk period some tightness could be swelling. I said about the pain also she suggested buscopan or deflatine.. I'm now taking these and can eat pain free..very small amounts. Still on soft ish foods. I'll have an unfill if I havent progressed to normal food next week. Thankyou again. Xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I live in England and am interested where you had your surgery. I know that where I had mine done, they have a lot of clients from Scotland and Ireland. I had my surgery with The Hospital Group - Dolan Park - Mr Sigurdsson on the 15 Aug.

Hope things work out for you :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just introducing myself. I'm frances (37) I live in ireland. I was banded on july 3rd/13. I started out at 350llb. I'm now at 286llb. I've just had my second fill on the 28th of last month.. I'm at 8cc of a 14cc band. I'm suffering dreadful pain sometimes when I drink or eat. Feels like my throat is vibrating and only lasts briefly... I don't want an unfill as I was starving and struggling before but am finding this pain miserable. I'd rather not eat at all..

Sounds Way too tight !!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I live in England and am interested where you had your surgery. I know that where I had mine done' date=' they have a lot of clients from Scotland and Ireland. I had my surgery with The Hospital Group - Dolan Park - Mr Sigurdsson on the 15 Aug.

Hope things work out for you :)[/quote']

Sounds like you guys should become friends!

Everyone here has been there for me ! Great Site!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Pastor O we are now! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×