Hi Everyone,

I went to see if I could get another fill today. I have been gaining weight since I quit smoking and I cant seem to get back on track. I explained to the radiologist how hungry I am and that I am snacking between meals, eating more etc. He looked at my present level of restriction on the flouro machine after I swallowed barium and said if he closed me up anymore, I would not be able to swallow.

I guess I dont understand. i dont have pouch dilatation, I dont have a slipped band, I dont have leakage, I dont barf and PB very often (maybe 3x per year). I can eat bread both toasted and untoasted, any kind of meat or vegetable and I dont get full til I have eaten at least 5-8 oz or more of food. So whats the deal? Where did my satiety go? Last year, I ate 4-6 oz and I was full. Or is it just me not listening to the signals? To prove a point, before my fill appointment, I brought a small Wendys Chili and a 3 pieces chicken nugget and 2 packages of crackers with me so I could eat it all in 5 minutes and show them how much I can eat. I ate it in the waiting room and then found out that my radiiologist was not there for the appointment and had to wait an hour to see another one. I had a lengthy discussion with the radiologist, but I am sure the guy thought I was crazy. He did compare my restriction after my previous fill with my present restriction . He said that I had more now than before , but he was absolutely sure based on the flouroscopy and barium swallow that I did not need another. I grabbed the thick barium and proceeded to guzzle it to show him that I wasnt upchucking or refluxing anything I drank or ate. Altogether, I drank 6 oz or more quickly of very thick barium the consistency of yogurt. He watched it, said it was going through slowly, it was sitting in my pouch comfortably and said everything looked normal. I explained that I quit smoking. He thinks that this is the only reason for the gain. I guess I will have to find low calorie oral fiaxations!!! LOL Anyway, he sent me on my merry way.

So back to basics for me. My plastic surgery is scheduled for August 3rd 2005. I am going to attempt to lose the weight I have gained before surgery. I was really hoping to be in the 170's now, but quitting smoking was more important for my overall health. I am a little depressed and frustrated. It seems I am maxed out at fill, not at goal and slowly gaining weight. This is not making me feel too good....

Any ideas?

Babs in TX

I nominate you for woman of the year. You are a miracle, do you realize that?

Smoking increases your metabolism, but I can't offer any other explanation. However, I can offer hope. I know people that have quit smoking, and the general consensus is that yes, they all gained weight at first, but eventually the weight came back off naturally and they stabilized. It's only temporary, believe in that.