I was banded over eight months ago. Doing well. Lost nearly 30 lbs. One fill back in maybe September.

Ok, so I regurgitate some, but not too big a deal. But starting I guess on Thursday or Friday (today is Monday) I started getting a shooting pain in the area above the band - around the upper pouch/lower espophogas - whenever I eat or drink. Even Water will make it hurt. Sometimes saliva. It does not feel like heartburn. We're talking shooting pain like a cut, though I've noticed no signs of bleeding. Other than the pain, no change in my ability to pass things through the band. I've felt pain around the band itself before and this ain't it.

Is it an infection? My gums were swollen at the onset of the pain and are now recovering. A few months ago I got a viral strep-like infection in my throat and mouth in which my gums were swollen at the onset. Could this be a relapse with infection in different location? But last time I also had fever and chills at the onset and no fever this time at all.

I don't know. Thoughts? Similar experiences?

I'm trying to take it easy on the band and give it a week, but even water hurts.

I was banded in Mexico by the late Dr. Sanchez. I got one fill in College Station in October. The doc today was shocked that I had a VG band as he said that's really for big men with big organs. It has a max fill of 10 cc's. It had eight in it today. Today's doc said that was all wrong. I gave him the notes on the surgery after he did the unfill..

Prior to the unfill, the doc said that the pain might be caused by a bacterial infection, but insisted that the restriction was caused by stress. He said that if the unfill didn't make the pain go away in a few days I might need to get tested for an infection. After the unfill he seemed to think maybe the problems were caused by too much fill for me.

He said I should take it easy on my stomach by only having mushies for a few days, but that I didn't need to be on all liquids.

That's the end of the good part of the visit. Now for the bad.

I was unhappy that we didn't do an x-ray. So, I still haven't confirmed no slippage.

Doc insisted on doing 20 minutes of psychotherapy to start since I was a new patient. He presented the following opinions:

- too much restriction on the band is nearly always due to stress

- The 30 pounds I've lost in the last 9 months is not enough so I must not be following the program [note: I had read to expect to lose half my excess weight in the first year, so I think I'm pretty close to on-target]

- Obesity is 100% caused by lousy childhood

- Since I'm a single mom and the kids' are fatherless, they will be fat

- Since my daughter (now age 3) doesn't have her dad around she will probably be promiscuous

I nearly walked out during his tirade of offensive opinions, but I needed that unfill. I will not be going back there. So, now I'm AGAIN looking for a good local fill doc.

I'm feeling much better now. Some nausia, but not too much. The pain is more like muscle soreness at this point. No vomiting. Getting stuff down. Eating mostly liquids and mushies. Taking it slow. Even though the band is unfilled, I can't eat much just because I'm not used to eating much.

I think I should be behaving as though its slipped, regardless of what the dumb doctor said. What is one supposed to be eating for the weeks following unfill if one has a slip and is hoping it will slide back in place? I see different things on the forum. Some say similar to post-op diet while other say it really doesn't matter.

Liquids Only, that includes protein shakes. My advice would be to prepare for the worst even if that's not the case. That doctor is something else, I couldn't imagine having someone like that looking over the welfare of my band, he's incredible!

I would try calling docs with good reps in your area and explain to people that you are having problems finding a decent doctor and you are in pain, worried about a slip, etc. If they won't see you, ask them if they can please recommend because you really need help.

My unfill was four days ago. I pretty much ate mushies for 2 1/2 days and started on solids. I know NaturalBeauty recommending liquids, but I'm feeling good and don't see how I can stay on liquids for a few weeks, let alone a month (I know, I know, why ask for advice if I won't take it).

The pain is gone except for a little discomfort around the port. Don't know why I would have pain there. Nausia is gone. No restriction. Eating normally and not having problems, except that I can't eat much simply because I'm not used to eating much.

I had gotten down to 187.5 the morning I got the unfill, but I know I was dehydrated. I expected to gain at least a pound when I rehydrated. Now I'm around 189.5. I'm worried about gaining a lot. But then maybe I should look at this as a test to see if I can maintain weight or maybe lose a bit over the next four weeks. If I can, then I'll hold off on getting a fill.

I am going to keep looking for a different local doc, though, since I think I need to find out for sure whether I have a slip.

If I did have a slip, then would I be feeling as good as I am right now? Considering the progress I've made, I'm wondering whether it was, in fact, an infection that caused swelling.

I do hear what you are saying but if it is a slip you will have no other choice but full liquids. I know that is hard but in order to save your band & not possibly have to have surgery you may have to do that.

Try to stay away from solids if at all possible, if you do have a slip solids will only make it worst. I am glad that you are feeling better.