I was banded back in January 2006. I have had 3 fills (don’t know the specifics) and have never got full. My Dr. says my stomach muscles are very strong and this might not work for me. I only lost 20 lbs the first year. Since then, I have started Weight Watchers. I am losing again. One thing I realized is the band is not the answer. It is only a tool in which I have to make an effort to eat right.

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Around January of 2007, I noticed I was having restrictions in the morning (meaning, I was noticing pain and lots of burping) not being able to eat any solids until lunch. Then it was taking over an hour to eat a little Healthy Choice meal.

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In February, I couldn’t tolerate any meat including fish. I went to soft foods. As of last Friday, I was had very bad pain trying to eat soup. Burping and foaming a lot. Saturday, was the worst, not even a sip of water would stay down (could not take my meds). I had a very bad headache and my back was killing me.

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Sunday morning, my husband went to the store and bought me some chocolate ice cream. Finally, something stayed down. I even ate a baked potato that evening.

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Today (Monday) I am back to pain if I eat. I tried some cream of mushroom soup, and the pain returned. I have called the doctor and they can’t work me in until Wednesday.

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I am so scared. I am self pay and I can not afford a second operation if needed. I also feel so guilty about the cost of the first surgery. Is it fair that I put us into a financial bind ($20,000.00) for the next five years because I didn’t have the will power to stay on a diet?

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I am so frustrated with myself and don’t know what to do if my band has slipped. What else could it be? I know, wait till I talk to my surgeon, but the clock seems to be going backwards!

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Can someone out there give me a little encouragement?

Fergie, you will be okay. Just move to liquids until you see the doctor. He can unfill you and the band can move back into position if indeed it is a slip. That is very common to work. Good luck to you. Everything will be fine.

Thanks, for your reply. But I am having trouble with liquids. Hopefully I can stand it until Wednesday.

It almost sounds like you now have the restriction you should of had in the first place. Maybe your band wasn't quite in the right position and it slipped into place. Hopefully, just getting it loosened up will be fine.

I am trying to stay optimistic for you. Hope it helps!

Wow, thanks for all your replys. I used this web-site back when I first got banded and no one replyed to my post.

One other thing, my doctor appointment will now cost $100.00 each visit because it has been over a year. Is this normal?