Hey Folks, I was banded last Tuesday April 19th and Life has been Hell since then. I see so many people on this forum that are so happy with their band but I can't imagine why from sitting in my seat. I feel I am the poster child for someone to not have this done. I have suffered from Nausea for several days and Phenegran and Zofran doesn't work. I started maxing out on water and that helped with the nausea but has left little room for nutrients. Last friday I was admitted to the ER on doctors orders because of the Nausea. My doctor actually came to the hospital and took me back to radiology. He then proceeded to draw 1cc of fluid out of my supposedly empty band. He said that the factory sometimes leaves them with some fill in them. After that I felt a little less restriction with my breathing and swallowing. I then took in a Liter of IV for dehydration and went home 4 hours later. Saturday I felt like a new man all day long. I was told to stay on clear liquids and not to get back on the protein until sunday. Saturday night I was back at the closest sink breathing through my nose and out of my mouth trying not to hurl. Cause when I hurl there is nothing there. It is gas that won't go up nor go down. So I took my gas-x chewables and my liquid lor-tab. Finally things stablized enough for me to go to bed. Yesterday Was a Fantastic day physically. Emotionally it was a wreck but what the heck. I drank more water yesterday than I ever have been able too, 45oz plus I had about 20 more oz of soup. But at 10pm I felt this restriction (or constriction) I should say around my throat. It was as if someone hand their hand around my throat at my adams apple and was just slightly squeezing. WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT FROM???? Another miserable day after all. So I have a few questiosn that I would like you seasoned veterans to answer if possible. Cause I have to tell you folks that I am wondering what my options are as far as getting this thing taken out.

1) what does it feel like to have to no restriction with an empty band? Do you have the ability to eat as you used to? Same portions and same bite sizes.

2) Should I feel restriction with soup with a zero filled band? Shouldn't fluids just go right though?

3) Do you ever get to the point where the band is not your primary focus 24 hours a day? I want to enjoy life and not be thinking about this device all of the time. Yet if I always feel this restriction then I can only think I would be focusing on the band all day every day.

4) what are some of things you ate during your mushy food stage. I have a week left of liquids and then I can move to mushy food but I don't think I will be able to with this feeling in my throat.

5) How long did it take for you to expel thegas from your surgery?

6) if you have complications like a slippage and youhave to have surgery to correct it do you have the option of having the band removed?

I know this is a lot to read and ask for a response on and I do apologize. But I am kicking myself for doing this when it took me three years to get it approved.Perhaps I focused too hard on the fight to get it and didn't think enough on the effects of the change. I did expect to feel different but not to the point that I am an emotional basket case. I realize too that there are others out there going without the band who really want it and are fighting for it just like I did as well as some who have paid for it out of their pockets. I am not trivializing anyones efforts at all.

Mark.....Well one week ago today you got your band. I know you have had one hell of a time and I so wish things would hurry up and get better for you! I just so hope that each day gets better and better for you...it will. Hang in there, bro!

Hi Mark! One thing you may want to watch out for is swallowing air while drinking fluids. The sensation you describe is the one I had while I was still on liquids. I called the Dr and said I was staying within the liquid limits but had a knot in my throat and nauseous all day long. That's when they said I was a "gulper". I swallow air while I drinking. After I stopped using straws and kept my tongue at the roof of my mouth it was much better.

Also, you asked about when it ends being the center of your life and actually today I realized I didn't think about it once at work. I was banded 1 month ago yesterday and the food perils, chewing, etc have become part of my life so far. So, life does go on! Actually, I can't wait to get my fill next week!

Anyway, good luck and take it slow. It does get better and keep in touch! Laura

Check in and let us know how ur doing.................................

Im' not banded! so I' cant no how your feeling. But I hope you are feeling better.You put all this effort in getting banded just hang in there lot's of people on this lb site it has worked for them it will work for you in time.... Good luck.

Thanks folks. Again you are so encouraging. today was my one week post op appt with my Dr. He has elevated me to pureed food such as some fruit cocktail in a blender and maybe even some tuna or chicken salad in a blender. So life is looking up for sure. I feel much better and my family and I had a great day today. I will admit I am a control freak and I think part of my immediate anxiety was fearing the loss of control (which obviously I never had or I wouldn't weigh this much) over what I ate and when. I am adjusting and I think things will work out fine now. Because I realize the band is actually going to give me the control I never really had. Much Thanks and God Bless.

Hi Mark,

I am sorry you have had such a rough time, some people react really badly to anesthesia, but even without that, just the pain and the huge change to life ( specially during those first 6-10 weeks, is mind boggling. I have had the surgery twice, both times I felt like I had made the worst mistake of my life, and regretted it for ... well, 6 or 10 weeks. Then it just became life as usual.

It will get better.

take care

You are the third man I've read about who had a difficult time post-surgically in ways that seemed specificaly related to excessive swelling. It sound like a freaking nightmare! Two guys over at spotlighthealth.com (http://spotlighthealth.com/common/forum/topics.aspx?m=1&sb=25) had very similar sounding problems--difficulty swallowing and breathing in the month after banding. You might want to post over there and see if they'll respond. One was JimmyC and I think the other was Dan the Man. In both of those case, the swelling eventually resolved but it took much longer than the 3 or 4 days that is more common with most of us women. I wonder if it has something to do with the size of male anatomy, or the differing ways mens' bodies retain Water.

In any case, don't hesitate to go to the ER again if you can't swallow saliva, or if you think you may be becoming dehydrated again. It's a huge pain, I know, but you really have to watch it. Again, if the problem is excess swelling, it will resolve eventually.

So sorry to hear of your horrible time!

Sheila