I was banded on May 9, 2008 and I thought that by now I would be feeling much better. I'm having breathing problems (which did not occur until after the surgery) and my surgeon and therapist tell me that it's all in my head. Yeah, me feeling like I'm being smothered at night is a fabulous feeling. Whatever!

Sorry everyone but I had to vent!!!

Either way, the band MUST be removed!!

Thanks

Thanks, MsJai.

Are you going to have the band removed or have you had it removed. I'm sure it's very frightening to feel short of breath.

Yes it is scary, but I try to stay calm. I plan to have it removed soon. I'm waiting on my insurance, but if need be, I will pay cash for removal.

Good luck and I hope you find good health as quickly as possible. :thumbup:

Have you had your blood levels checked? When I was anemic, I was EXTREMELY winded after just a few steps. I didn't have enough red blood cells to get to my heart/lungs to make things "work" right. I had to have my band removed because of complications completely unrelated to the band and I REALLY wish I still had it :tongue2:

Have you had your blood levels checked? When I was anemic, I was EXTREMELY winded after just a few steps. I didn't have enough red blood cells to get to my heart/lungs to make things "work" right. I had to have my band removed because of complications completely unrelated to the band and I REALLY wish I still had it

I've been in the hospital twice and my blood count has been normal each time.

Obese, and normal weight people can get similar syndromes, and they are reported and described in various different ways. There are those that do seek medical evaluation, and after spending a great deal of money, learn that they are "OK". However, it isn't necessarily "all in your head", but it does seem to be self-perpetuating. As you have never had this before, it is likely the band, (and related consequences) are the cause. You may, however, I would guess there is likely an anxiety reaction to what you are physically experiencing, whether it is the "gas', or diaphragmatic pressure, etc. Obese people have a lot of weight pressing down upon their abdomens, which pushes up against the diaphragm- making it harder to breathe. We are able to take deep breaths when the diaphragm is "pulled down", creating negative pressure in the lungs, and air comes in. Obese people who eat a very large meal, will have noted the symptoms, and instinctively change into more comfortable clothing or sit in a chair for a while. I have had the experience of feeling as if I were unable to take a deep breath, and that may be part of what you are feeling. I agree with the writer who suggested a short course of benzodiazepines; her klonopin 0.5 mg BID is a good start. I don't recommend band removal at this time. You could spend the money on testing, but it is very likely that being morbidly obese, the band and "gas", (etc), and your anxiety about it, is causing the problem. Anxious people sometimes do better with supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula- at least it reassures them. I would also be inclined to recommend increased activity, if not exercise. Also an incentive spirometer, or a peak flow meter to give you positive feed-back. Hope you do well. Keep us posted.

Obese, and normal weight people can get similar syndromes, and they are reported and described in various different ways. There are those that do seek medical evaluation, and after spending a great deal of money, learn that they are "OK". However, it isn't necessarily "all in your head", but it does seem to be self-perpetuating. As you have never had this before, it is likely the band, (and related consequences) are the cause. You may, however, I would guess there is likely an anxiety reaction to what you are physically experiencing, whether it is the "gas', or diaphragmatic pressure, etc. Obese people have a lot of weight pressing down upon their abdomens, which pushes up against the diaphragm- making it harder to breathe. We are able to take deep breaths when the diaphragm is "pulled down", creating negative pressure in the lungs, and air comes in. Obese people who eat a very large meal, will have noted the symptoms, and instinctively change into more comfortable clothing or sit in a chair for a while. I have had the experience of feeling as if I were unable to take a deep breath, and that may be part of what you are feeling. I agree with the writer who suggested a short course of benzodiazepines; her klonopin 0.5 mg BID is a good start. I don't recommend band removal at this time. You could spend the money on testing, but it is very likely that being morbidly obese, the band and "gas", (etc), and your anxiety about it, is causing the problem. Anxious people sometimes do better with supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula- at least it reassures them. I would also be inclined to recommend increased activity, if not exercise. Also an incentive spirometer, or a peak flow meter to give you positive feed-back. Hope you do well. Keep us posted.

Thanks Brian.

Sometimes a trial of nitroglycerin will relieve the esophageal spasms; it is somewhat diagnostic, (along with your EGD, etc) Yes, this is the same NTG used for cardiac pain, (angina). It relaxes the smooth muscle of the esophagus. Very unfortunate.

My insurance approval came thru today (thank goodness). My removal is scheduled for June 27th. I have TRULY learned alot about my weight loss and what I will need to do after removal. I will be so happy when this is behind me.

Oh wonderful! I bet you are counting the days. Best of luck.

Oh wonderful! I bet you are counting the days. Best of luck.

Yes, marking the days! :biggrin2:

Thanks!!

I was banded on Monday June 9th and I hate it! I want it gone...out of me. I am having a hard time breathing, it took me 4 days to pass the gas and I ended up back in the hospital due to the breathing problem. You are not the only one out there with this and I don't blame you for wanting it gone. Your insurance has to approve the removal?? I can't believe they wouldn't pay for that.

Hastings, thanks for your post.

No, I haven't fainted, but one of the reasons I was hospitalized last week was for difficulty breathing. And yes, I've seen several doctors, but because my oxygen levels are satisfactory by medical standards, they dismiss it as being mental.

I've had constant chest pressure (not from the gas they used during surgery--had that sensation and it passed) and I get "winded" by performing the smallest tasks--talking on the phone, working at my desk, bathing--none of which were ever a problem prior to surgery!! As for the cold, blue fingertips, yes that is an issue BUT I've always had that issue even as a child. Either way, something is not right.

I was banded on Monday June 9th and I hate it! I want it gone...out of me. I am having a hard time breathing, it took me 4 days to pass the gas and I ended up back in the hospital due to the breathing problem. You are not the only one out there with this and I don't blame you for wanting it gone. Your insurance has to approve the removal?? I can't believe they wouldn't pay for that.

Debby,

I am so sorry to hear that you are going thru this, I DEFINITELY know how you feel. I hope that you feel better soon.

Even though I've had my complications, are you certain you want to have a removal?

FYI--My removal surgery is in two weeks.

Debby I'd give the band some more time, it might just be because you are still healing. Good luck.

As for MsJai28. I am sorry the band didn't work for you and I am very happy you are getting it removed soon. Good luck and be well.

So, is your insurance going to pay for it? Everyone keeps telling me it will get better. I can't stand this feeling I have and I hate watching people eat. I know that I chose this becuase of the way I eat but, I am beginning to wonder if it's really worth it.

Debby,

I am so sorry to hear that you are going thru this, I DEFINITELY know how you feel. I hope that you feel better soon.

Even though I've had my complications, are you certain you want to have a removal?

FYI--My removal surgery is in two weeks.

So, is your insurance going to pay for it? Everyone keeps telling me it will get better. I can't stand this feeling I have and I hate watching people eat. I know that I chose this becuase of the way I eat but, I am beginning to wonder if it's really worth it.

Yes, my insurance is paying for the removal (Thank God), but I planned to pay for it out of pocket if I was denied.

As for YOUR situation, I can't say whether this surgery is really worth it or not because there are many people who have no complications and adjust very well. But no matter what I or a happily banded person says, just remember, DO WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU!!!

I truly hope you get thru this okay! Keep us posted!