I had the lap band installed last Tuesday - 1 week ago. I have not been able to keep fluids down since that day. Went home for two days and was re-admitted to the hospital last Friday. Getting very discouraged and wondered if anyone had any ideas. Scott

Hi Scott,

Where was your surgery? There is a girl who lives locally that had the same problem. She had her surgery in Mexico by Dr. Lopez. She left the hospital and couldn't even swallow her own spit. She flew home and had to be admitted to a local hospital for treatment. I think they ended up referring to another local surgeon for advice and her swelling did go away. She is now about 100 lbs lighter and doing great. I will email her and see if she remembers what they used to get the swelling down. Teresa

Some people definitely do have severe swelling post-op, but most tend to do better within a week to 10 days. Definitely keep a watch on fluids as dehydration is not something you want at this point. Can you use a straw and just sip, sip, sip constantly? Even tiny tiny sips?

I'm really sorry to hear you're having a tough time, but just think, if this IS just post-op swelling, it's a good sign you'll have some restriction after the swelling subsides, which is a bonus most bandsters don't get right at first! Please keep us posted on your progress!

Are you emailing us from the hospital? It almost sounds like you are. I hopr things get better for you real soon. Think of this way...hundreds and thousands of people get this band placed in them every year and they turn out fine and you will too. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

So sorry you are having problems... hopefully the swelling will resolve soon and this will all be behind you! I was extremely restricted post-op but was able to sip and get fluids down... I can see how more swelling could make even that a challenge. Hang in there... it sounds like they are getting fluids into your body and I'm sure you will feel better soon!

Darcy

Scott have they checked for slippage. There was a woman who had surgery the week before me and was still in the hospital by the time I went in for mine we were released the same day, she was experiencing the vomiting, could not even sip water. They ran some tests and found that her band had slipped right after surgery. Usually when you cant keep down liquids without vomiting (not PBing) but vomiting ..I was told it is a good sign of slippage. If you havent asked your doc about this..do so. I hope you get answers soon..hang in there

Scott, how are you feeling today? Hope you've gotten good answers by now. Please keep us posted and Best of luck to you!

Sorry to hear you are having so many problems. Please keep us posted on your recovery.

Hi Scott,

I talked to the local girl who had the severe swelling problem and they had to do steroid shots to get it to go down. As I mentioned before, she couldn't even swallow her own spit for 4 days and then had to go to a local hospital. They wanted to remove the band but she wouldn't let them. After 4 days of being in the hospital someone finally got the bright idea to call a band specialist in Portland and she reccommended the steroid shots. It worked like a charm. Best wishes and hope it all gets resolved, Teresa