I have a VG band put in July '06. I had two fills in TJ, but still had no restriction. Went to a fill Dr. in Ohio in October, who filled me to 6.2 cc. I was a little tight, but waited until beginning of Jan. 07 to have .5cc taken out. I was having pain and back aches went I ate solid foods. Three weeks later, I had another .5cc taken out (5.2cc fill now). It has been exactly one week now, and I've been taking Prilosec OTC and Mylanta, but still cannot eat any solid foods without getting a sour stomach, and having nausea all the time practically.

I'm so worried, and I don't know if this is a sign of slippage. The doctor said that if I couldn't had trouble after 3 weeks, to come back for an upper GI (I think that's the test)...but I"m miserable...then, again, could I just have the flu??

I've lost 60lbs...so, that's a good thing!!

Please, someone help me...

Jodie

Hi Jodie,

I've had what you describe, and also had the upper GI test. There was no slippage but I did have esophagitis. The cure for that was liquids for a week, a precription (they gave me Prevacid, but others probably work) and a complete unfill.

Try sticking to liquids for a good long time, and ask your doc for a scrip. Antacids work in different ways and some just don't do the trick for people. It's worth finding one that works for you.

Hello Jodie, I've also had this same problem. I was filled to 6.4 in November, couldn't swallow easily, felt sick, had a hot sensation in the back of my throat. The doc took .2 out before Christmas and I had instant relief, although the symptoms came back intermittently over Christmas. I've had a follow up appt yesterday, and another .2 was taken out, and I have also been put on to Nexium for a month. If it hasn't improved I will go for a barium swallow, and also, have all fill removed for a couple of days, and then refilled back to 6 cc to see if that helps. Having said that, I haven't had any problem, last night or this morning, so feel really positive about it.

Brenda

I'm sooo relieved that I'm not the only person to have these symptoms! I have scoured a few forums, and came up empty until now! THANKS!

After my post this afternoon, I made some frantic calls to my surgeon in TJ and also to my after-care Dr. in Ohio. My Ohio Dr. is having come in and get a complete unfill and he wants to then do a scope. My TJ Dr., however, thinks that the scope is not necessary, since it's evident that I have inflammation. He would prefer they do a barium swallow. But, he did say--like both of your experiences--that basically, I need to unfill and start over. By that I mean, go on liquids again for a week or two, then soft foods, and then when I can tolerate eating regular food as I did pre-banding (and start gaining weight :tired ), then I will go back in for a fill.

He did say that he doesn't think I have a slip...he thinks that the irritation has cascaded from the initial fill being too tight.

I feel much better--I was beginning to think I was CRAZY! I'm going to try to drink some clear broth for dinner...man I'm starving! haha

So, another question--how long did it take you to get the proper fill after this set-back? Did you gain any/much weight in the transition?

They weren't kidding when they stressed how important it was to NOT be filled too tight! I think they should elaborate on exactly what complications can occur even BEFORE a slip occurs! But, I'm not a Dr.!!

Thanks,

Jodie

Hi Jodie, Brenda here again,

I haven't had a complete unfill as yet - that will be the next step if the Nexium doesn't settle it. I can honestly say, so far, its all positive, I haven't had any of the discomfort today that I have had over the last couple of months.

If the doc does do a complete unfill, she said it would only be for 24 hours to let things settle, and if there had been any stomach in the wrong place, it would right itself, then fill straight back up to 6 cc (or close). She said leaving it more than 24 - 48 hours, would mean I would have to start from scratch again (its taken me over a year to get to 6 cc.) The 24 - 48 hours would be enough time for the stomach to right itself if it had moved up, into the band. More than 48 hours and it would be too much of a shock, and it would definitely be a case of starting at the beginning from 1 cc.

I have a follow up in 3 weeks to assess it again then, so fingers crossed.

Brenda

I am so glad to read about some one else having problems eating anything. I am going to have to find a doctor close so I can get this unfilled a little. I really cannot keep anything down other than a milkshake. If I try vegetables, meat, eggs or anything like that I am just miserable for days. I really thought I needed a doctor to talk to here in Texas, but maybe I just need to find a fill center and get it done there.

Thank You,

Starvin Marvin