Is it possible for food to get stuck right above the band for several days? I know I need to go to the dr but I can't because my insurance was canceled and I can't afford to go. Thanks Obamacare!!!!

Here's the problem: I had my 8th or 9th fill in October. I had perfect restriction! Then the day after Thanksgiving I couldn't get ANYTHING down. Sliming like crazy etc. I never feel nauseous, never have acid etc. No major problems. Just super tight. I'm wondering if I have food above my band preventing me from getting stuff down. I can get all fluids down including Protein shakes with no problems at all. Last night I was even able to get some nachos down. Before this I could swallow fish oil pills. Big ones!

I started my monthly cycle Thanksgiving Day and I put on a couple pounds too! I just can't figure out, why after a month of being fine, I'm soo tight now. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

What you describe is pretty common. Most likely there is some extra swelling around the band site making the hole just enough smaller that food that you used to pass can't now. Take it easy for a few days focus on getting your Protein and and chewing everything to the point it would pass through the holes of a Pasta strainer. If you start to have trouble passing liquids then you might have an obstruction and you'll need to see your doctor (it will still be cheaper than an emergency room visit).

BTW: your insurance company may claim they dropped the policy because of The ACA but that just means the plan didn't meet minimum standards and rather than fix the plan they're ditching it. It's like blaming a speed limit for getting caught driving too fast.

Is it possible for food to get stuck right above the band for several days? I know I need to go to the dr but I can't because my insurance was canceled and I can't afford to go. Thanks Obamacare!!!!

Here's the problem: I had my 8th or 9th fill in October. I had perfect restriction! Then the day after Thanksgiving I couldn't get ANYTHING down. Sliming like crazy etc. I never feel nauseous, never have acid etc. No major problems. Just super tight. I'm wondering if I have food above my band preventing me from getting stuff down. I can get all fluids down including Protein shakes with no problems at all. Last night I was even able to get some nachos down. Before this I could swallow fish oil pills. Big ones!

I started my monthly cycle Thanksgiving Day and I put on a couple pounds too! I just can't figure out, why after a month of being fine, I'm soo tight now. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

While I am not a physician, I can share my similar experiences and what I did to cope...

For some Bandsters, TOM can increase restriction for a band. And from what you are describing, the tissues around your band may be irritated and swollen.

When I got that way, I went back to my post op diet for a few days, and only had liquids and Protein Shakes. That seemed to give my pouch the rest it needed. After the days on liquids, I stayed with soft foods for a couple of days before returning to my regular foods.

And yes, the "Obamacare" regulations are wreaking havoc on many people. It is being discovered what a bad and misguided "idea" it was from day 1.

I too find I'm tighter at my time of the month. Very often, it may feel like food sitting above the band when really it's only swelling. If you had food sitting there, it would be clogging the path through the band and it's unlikely you'd be able to even drink liquids.

With that said, food sitting above the band is very dangerous and can lead to band erosion. If you do think this is happening, it's really important to figure out a way to see your doctor.

I'm no doctor, but I'd go on liquids for a day or two to see if that resolves the problem.

Btw, you're one of many being screwed thanks to Obamacare. I fear there will be many, many more hurt as you are being before they get a clue and undo this healthcare hell they've created.

Best wishes

BTW: your insurance company may claim they dropped the policy because of The ACA but that just means the plan didn't meet minimum standards and rather than fix the plan they're ditching it. It's like blaming a speed limit for getting caught driving too fast.

Minimum standards like requiring men to get maternity care coverage.................

I wonder if you would be able to speak with your Dr.'s office if in fact you really do need to go in and maybe they can work with you on the visit and cover the cost for you...as follow up from your last visit....?

Hopefully it's not something that you would need to have any tests for and just maybe a tiny unfill. I don't have that TOM issue anymore but the hormones are still around, so I do notice that at certain times the band is tighter then others.

Let us know how your doing....and if your feeling better

BTW: your insurance company may claim they dropped the policy because of The ACA but that just means the plan didn't meet minimum standards and rather than fix the plan they're ditching it. It's like blaming a speed limit for getting caught driving too fast.

Minimum standards like requiring men to get maternity care coverage.................

Yes otherwise women would all have to pay more insurance even though they don't really get pregnant by themselves. In order for insurance to work we all have to share the risks even when we may personally be immune to them.

food can not be stuck for days because the band is still around your stomach that still digest food. You are probably feeling swelling not food. I would call you insurance company because a lot of people's insurance that got canceled were reinstated until a year from now.

BTW: your insurance company may claim they dropped the policy because of The ACA but that just means the plan didn't meet minimum standards and rather than fix the plan they're ditching it. It's like blaming a speed limit for getting caught driving too fast.

Minimum standards like requiring men to get maternity care coverage.................

Yes otherwise women would all have to pay more insurance even though they don't really get pregnant by themselves. In order for insurance to work we all have to share the risks even when we may personally be immune to them.

That is socialism in a nutshell.

BTW: your insurance company may claim they dropped the policy because of The ACA but that just means the plan didn't meet minimum standards and rather than fix the plan they're ditching it. It's like blaming a speed limit for getting caught driving too fast.

Minimum standards like requiring men to get maternity care coverage.................

Yes otherwise women would all have to pay more insurance even though they don't really get pregnant by themselves. In order for insurance to work we all have to share the risks even when we may personally be immune to them.

That is socialism in a nutshell.

Who do you think is paying for these peoples care today? Asking THEM to pay for their own insurance policy isn't socialism.

Yes otherwise women would all have to pay more insurance even though they don't really get pregnant by themselves. In order for insurance to work we all have to share the risks even when we may personally be immune to them.

THAT IS 100% SOCIALISM!! Why should I share the risk? When I went to college no one shared their credits with me. What's the difference? Our very large and very stupid government is leading us into a very dangerous dictatorship. Obama said " They’re going to have to give up paying for things that don’t make them healthier. … If there’s a blue pill and a red pill, and the blue pill is half the price of the red pill and works just as well, why not pay half for the thing that’s going to make you well.” Does that sound like a government that will stay out of your healthcare decisions? That is VERY SCARY! Obamacare is a massive intrusion in the doctor-patient relationship, micromanaging how health care should be delivered to patients. When the government is given this much authority and discretion, it does not result in higher-quality care for patients. Rather, it leads to price controls and one-size-fits-all regulations that misallocate resources and will lead to headaches for doctors and problems for patients trying to access health care. More socialism!

To achieve a health care system where patients come first, Congress must not embrace the flawed and failed policies in Obamacare. Instead, Congress must use this opportunity to offer an alternative vision for the future of health care—a future where individuals get better care at lower cost without government controlling the dollars and decisions.

If you like your policy you can keep it! Tell that to my freaking lapband!!!

BTW: your insurance company may claim they dropped the policy because of The ACA but that just means the plan didn't meet minimum standards and rather than fix the plan they're ditching it. It's like blaming a speed limit for getting caught driving too fast.

Minimum standards like requiring men to get maternity care coverage.................

Yes otherwise women would all have to pay more insurance even though they don't really get pregnant by themselves. In order for insurance to work we all have to share the risks even when we may personally be immune to them.

That is socialism in a nutshell.

Who do you think is paying for these peoples care today? Asking THEM to pay for their own insurance policy isn't socialism.

Of course it is. The only difference is now it will be mandated by government or you will get punished.

Really doesn't matter though because obummercare is a disaster already and will likely be repealed eventually.

THAT IS 100% SOCIALISM!! Why should I share the risk? When I went to college no one shared their credits with me. What's the difference? Our very large and very stupid government is leading us into a very dangerous dictatorship. Obama said " They’re going to have to give up paying for things that don’t make them healthier. … If there’s a blue pill and a red pill, and the blue pill is half the price of the red pill and works just as well, why not pay half for the thing that’s going to make you well.” Does that sound like a government that will stay out of your healthcare decisions? That is VERY SCARY! Obamacare is a massive intrusion in the doctor-patient relationship, micromanaging how health care should be delivered to patients. When the government is given this much authority and discretion, it does not result in higher-quality care for patients. Rather, it leads to price controls and one-size-fits-all regulations that misallocate resources and will lead to headaches for doctors and problems for patients trying to access health care. More socialism! To achieve a health care system where patients come first, Congress must not embrace the flawed and failed policies in Obamacare. Instead, Congress must use this opportunity to offer an alternative vision for the future of health care—a future where individuals get better care at lower cost without government controlling the dollars and decisions. If you like your policy you can keep it! Tell that to my freaking lapband!!!

Your blaming the government for a decision made by your insurance company. All insurance is socialist by nature it only works if the insurance pool shares risk the larger the pool the less individual risk; the alternative is to pay for all medical expenses from personal savings. I'm not arguing which system is better I'm just pointing out a basic detail of how insurance works.

Of course it is. The only difference is now it will be mandated by government or you will get punished. Really doesn't matter though because obummercare is a disaster already and will likely be repealed eventually.

I hope the ACA isn't repealed I've seen a lot of families who were denied coverage in the past finally get coverage. It needs improvement but It's a step forward from what I see. Your mileage may vary but I see more good than bad so far. I see more fear mongering than facts and I'm definitely more of an evidence over anecdote kind of guy.

I do think the thread title has steered us off the original posters real concern and into more politics than bariatric concerns.

Your blaming the government for a decision made by your insurance company. All insurance is socialist by nature it only works if the insurance pool shares risk the larger the pool the less individual risk; the alternative is to pay for all medical expenses from personal savings. I'm not arguing which system is better I'm just pointing out a basic detail of how insurance works.

I'm absolutely blaming the government because if it weren't for Obamacare I'd still have my insurance! The ACA set minimum standards for all individual health insurance policies so the ACA FORCED CANCELLELATION OF MY INSURANCE!! The insurance companies are simply complying with the law. Under federal law, the carriers had to accompany the cancellations with an offer of replacement insurance. In many cases, premiums for those policies ARE much higher. People most likely to be offered renewals of relatively cheap, noncomplying policies are young, healthy Americans. If those people do not participate in the health insurance exchanges, the concern is that the premiums charged to those who do enroll – older, and less healthy people– will be insufficient to support future claims. The result would be higher rates for everyone the following year. BIG SHOCK!

Just wait until the "employer mandates" kick in next year!! Millions more will be without insurance, allthanks to Obama and the Democrats paranoid desire to "just pass something".

Socialism has never worked in any society. It won't work now either.

I hope the ACA isn't repealed I've seen a lot of families who were denied coverage in the past finally get coverage. It needs improvement but It's a step forward from what I see. Your mileage may vary but I see more good than bad so far. I see more fear mongering than facts and I'm definitely more of an evidence over anecdote kind of guy.

I do think the thread title has steered us off the original posters real concern and into more politics than bariatric concerns.

So your happy that those families are now getting insurance. ...are you completely ignoring the fact that millions have LOST their insurance. I need an un-fill in a very bad way and my insurance was canceled. I worked hard for my insurance. And now it's gone! The thread title is doing what it's designed to do.... Expose failures in our failed presidents law.