Has anyone ever had the saline taken out of your band?

I have a 10 day business trip to Costa Rica and I am nervous about going with my current fill. Its a work related trip and no one going is aware that I have had surgery. I tend to get nervous eating with people who don't I am banded which makes eating even more of a challenge. And I am worried about what type of food we will have since I am not in control.

I called my dr and he said I could have the saline removed before my trip and put back in once I return. Has anyone does this?

I think it's smart just in case you might get sick and not be near a Dr. But knowing me, subconsciously I would think I could have a free for all. This is very hard eating in public with people who don't know we've been banded. Last night I was out for dinner and someone I knew came over and for a minute it was so awkward because I was in the middle of chewing and so concentrating on that- I couldn't even open my mouth to say hi- I just had to nod. lol I am in the same boat! What I am worried about is going for dinner at someone's home and them thinking I don't like their cooking! If anyone ever accuses me of taking the easy way out I wanna smack them! I had an idea for you- not the most tempting but if you can, take some food with you that you can eat- like powder pudding mix or oatmeal. Medifast makes some. It's not that bad, but at least you know you can have something to eat if you get in a place where you aren't sure what they will have.

Has anyone ever had the saline taken out of your band?

I have a 10 day business trip to Costa Rica and I am nervous about going with my current fill. Its a work related trip and no one going is aware that I have had surgery. I tend to get nervous eating with people who don't I am banded which makes eating even more of a challenge. And I am worried about what type of food we will have since I am not in control.

I called my dr and he said I could have the saline removed before my trip and put back in once I return. Has anyone does this?

Do you want an unfill because you are very tight right now? You don't have to have it all taken out, you can have just some taken out.

I have found that people don't really pay much attention to what others are eating, but when we know we might have trouble we think they are watching.

Many people just eat very slowly and push the food around on the plate, take small bites, say they aren't feeling well, stomach ache, that kind of thing.

I usually do that..."oh, I am not that hungry or I had a big breakfast"...but since I am going to be with the same people for 10 days..., morning, noon and night, I don' think I can have an excuse for that long.

I got my last fill in Jan 08...but for some reason I has been really tight for the last 3 weeks...I think its stress. And I know the trip is going to be stressful work, so I am just worried.

I understand. I think I would not do a complete unfill, but have some taken out. Maybe someone on the forumcould advise you on how much. Or you could base it on your previous restriction/fill levels. Maybe removing 1 cc would work?

But I guess a complete unfill wouldn;t make much difference if it's only a couple weeks.

I hope you can have some fun on the trip!

the only time i'd suggest an unfill before VC is if you are slightly too tight right now.

VC and unfills can result in disasterous eating... maybe bring some Protein powder/drinks and say that you arent hungry? ???

good luck and have a great trip