Did my pouch stretch?

Ezzysmom · October 9, 2008

Ok hi ladies. I was banded in March of 2005. The good news is that I had, at one time, lost from 285lbs down to 150lbs. However, I got to that 150lbs because I was starving. In early 2006 after I got be around 170lbs, my band slipped and I could not eat for two weeks. I could'nt even keep Water down so I had revision surgery and they fixed the slip. Since then I was so scared to get a fill so I went without one for almost a year. By this time I had gained back up to 180lbs. Gradually I started getting fills until I now, and I have 3.1 in a 4cc band. I have not had any restriction whatsoever since my last surgery. Each fill feals the same. My doctor seems to think that I am just not following the band rules and by the way I feel like a failure because I am now up to 225lbs! Omg back over 200lbs! I know this isnt as high as before and I know I can lose it but I just need my band to help me out. I know I have to work hard and I am ready to do that. I admit I have made many mistakes but I do need that little bit of help from the band to let me know I am full. My doctor won't put anymore in my band until I take a nutrition class and have an upper GI to see if it slipped again due to my history. It doesnt feel like a slip because the first time It slipped I couldnt even eat and now I can eat anything I want....I mean ANYTHING! I know just because I can, doesnt mean I should but why the hell did I get this band if it isn't going to give me some help? Ya know? Anyway, I lost 135lbs once before so I know I can lose 60lbs, I just hope it hasn't slipped again. Could it be that my pouch has stretched over time and I just need to shrink it? I was thinking maybe if I went on a liquid diet for a week or so that it might help shrink it if indeed that is the case. Anyone have any suggestions? My upper GI should be scheduled soon and I am just waiting on the DR to call me. I am on my second day of liquids and I just figured that at least this might jumpstart my weightloss....if anything.

Bigstuff · October 9, 2008

You may have stretched your pouch. My surgeon confirmed for me last week that I had. I was not following the rules - I ate white bread, red meat and drank fizzy drinks. I felt I had no restriction, but when I watched the barium x-ray it was clear that there was restriction. My doc gives you the barium photo and I compared it with last years - my pouch is twice the size. My doc has given me 6 months to shape up or he will defill completely since the stretching could lead to complications.

Ezzysmom · October 10, 2008

Thank you so much for your response. So what did your doc tell you to do in that 6 mos period? Do you have to follow a special diet (besides the lap-band rules)? I am trying to do liquids right now but I feel so hungry. This will be my third day. I thought if I do liquids maybe it would shrink my pouch. Did your doc give you any tips to shrink it back? Thanks a lot.

Amber

Bigstuff · October 11, 2008

Hi

He told me no meat, no raw vegetables, no rice, NO fizzy drinks, no bread and no fatty foods and most important to stop drinking with meals - a habit I had got back in to. I have to admit that I do already feel a little difference. I struggled with the rice bit to start with though as I ate a lot of rice based dishes.

Shaia · October 14, 2008

Hi there my name is Shaia and I have had my band for 12 months - I also drink with meals & now my whole stomach feels either swollen or really bloated and tender. Is that what you are feeling with your stretched pouch?

Ezzysmom · October 20, 2008

At first yes, but now I feel nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. I don't have restriction at all ( 3.4cc in a 4cc band) and I honestly can't even tell I have the band.