Fill kicked in while on vacation

cfred · September 11, 2007

I received my second fill about 3 weeks before I went on vacation (a 7 day cruise). While we were gone in the middle of the ocean my fill decided to kick in... I thought it already had, I had great restriction.

The last three days of the cruise it was horrible. I'd wake up coughing, and choking on reflux. As soon as I got home I called my Dr and they had me come in for a barrium swallow. Needless to say, I was closed completely!!! It took the barrium 10 minutes for two little trickles to go down. Now I am at a complete unfill to give my band a and stomach a rest (it slipped just a very, very little). I am now on 2 weeks of liquids and hoping everything goes back to normal.

Has anyone had this happen to them. I'm very worried about the band slipping some...

juliegeraci · September 11, 2007

You doctor did the right thing. YOu should be fine. I was told by my surgeon when that happened to me that sometimes the stomach lining will thicken giving you more restriction. The only thing you can do is get an unfill to help you. Give it time. That is all you need. Start with a small fill next time as well.

Mary-2b150 · September 12, 2007

I know some doctors ask their patients not to schedule a fill if they're going to be travelling within the week. But it sounds like your fill kicked in one week out, so that wouldn't have helped anything i guess.. Maybe 2 weeks would be a better policy? Sorry to hear about your experience!

ragdollx19 · September 12, 2007

That sucks! I am glad it wasnt any worse than it was and you were able to get it taken care of as soon as you got home. How was vacation?

cfred · September 13, 2007

I know some doctors ask their patients not to schedule a fill if they're going to be travelling within the week. But it sounds like your fill kicked in one week out, so that wouldn't have helped anything i guess.. Maybe 2 weeks would be a better policy? Sorry to hear about your experience!

Actually, I had my fill 3 weeks prior!! I had good restriction from that so my Dr's office, everyone thought I'd be fine. We were all thinking I'd had the fill in plenty of time for the cruise. Guess not, I'm in that 2% that this happens too!

Next time, NO FILL within a month or two of vacation!

cfred · September 13, 2007

That sucks! I am glad it wasnt any worse than it was and you were able to get it taken care of as soon as you got home. How was vacation?

Hey Ragdoll, our cruise was WONDERFUL! We are already planning one for next year. I can't wait. Even though I had a rough time with my band while gone - I survived!

My 19 month old had the best time. He was the hit of the ship!

I can tell from your stats that your doing a great job.. keep it up! :clap2:

tjfandri · September 13, 2007

Now when you guys talk about "kicking in", is that what can happen sometimes. I thought it was strange, but I was fine fight after my first fill, to a point I called and scheduled a second fill (in 2 weeks). That same day I called, day 6 after my first fill, I felt like the band got tighter that night and hasnt let up. ?? Why would that happen? I read what happened to you 3 weeks out and I'm thinking maybe I'm not crazy. Did the slip come first and then things swelled up or did things swell and then the slip?

Tammy

cfred · September 13, 2007

Now when you guys talk about "kicking in", is that what can happen sometimes. I thought it was strange, but I was fine fight after my first fill, to a point I called and scheduled a second fill (in 2 weeks). That same day I called, day 6 after my first fill, I felt like the band got tighter that night and hasnt let up. ?? Why would that happen? I read what happened to you 3 weeks out and I'm thinking maybe I'm not crazy. Did the slip come first and then things swelled up or did things swell and then the slip?
Tammy

Hi Tammy,

My Dr said the (very, very small) slip came in after the fill took full effect. It happened from my band being way, way to tight. They said it was a very good thing that I went in as soon as I got back into town.

I was really worried about the slip at first, but now I'm not.

I have a friend who's been banded now for 2 years and it always takes her fills at least 2 weeks before she can feel restriction from them. Everyone is different though.

tjfandri · September 13, 2007

Thanks for the info Crystal. So maybe I want to wait a little. Why would it take a while? I'm glad you are ok. I am nervous about ever hearing that word "slip". Tammy

cfred · September 13, 2007

Now when you guys talk about "kicking in", is that what can happen sometimes. I thought it was strange, but I was fine fight after my first fill, to a point I called and scheduled a second fill (in 2 weeks). That same day I called, day 6 after my first fill, I felt like the band got tighter that night and hasnt let up. ?? Why would that happen? I read what happened to you 3 weeks out and I'm thinking maybe I'm not crazy. Did the slip come first and then things swelled up or did things swell and then the slip?
Tammy

Thanks for the info Crystal. So maybe I want to wait a little. Why would it take a while? I'm glad you are ok. I am nervous about ever hearing that word "slip". Tammy

I'll be honest, when they said the work slip to me - I freaked!!! Then they were telling me that everything is fine. The liquids should take care of it and NOT TO CHEAT during that. Oh believe me, I will not! From the very beginning my Dr's office has said, when I feel that something isn't right - come in. That's what I did and I'm so glad I did.