Had a complete unfill - questions now.

becky42 · December 1, 2008

I hadn't had a fill since 6/30/08, but since that fill I had a LOT of restriction and was having reflux problem and throwing up occasionally. I thought it would loosen up, but it didn't. Last week I felt like I was having a heart attack. Went to dr and he took all the saline out of my band. I haven't had any restriction in almost two weeks now, and I HATE IT - especially at Thanksgiving.

My question is - I got back to the dr on Thursday, do you think he will be aggressive with the fill or should I expect no restriction for several months again? He said he thought I had no slippage if the symptoms all went away, and they did immediately. I just don't want to have to start over again. Any thoughts?

Hoosier Tom · December 1, 2008

Not knowing your doc, I can't say what his attitude will be on how aggressive to fill your band. My personal take would be that if I knew how many cc's you had before, I would want to 1.) steer clear of that amount; and 2.) slowly creep up on an amount close to that and see how you do. You don't want your reflux coming back, and if you get too aggressive you may find yourself back in the same boat without giving yourself a chance to see where your body will be happy at.

I think patience will be your best friend when refilling in this situation. Just my .02 cents worth though...

Lynn43 · December 1, 2008

I've started having the same problems that you spoke of. I'm actually afraid to call the doctor because I am afraid that he will want to totally unfill my band. I have been having so much trouble with food recently that I don't even want to eat. My weight loss has slowed to nearly nothing this past month. I'm very stressed out with work and my daughter moving 20 hours away next month. I have issues with vomiting weekly. I don't know what to do. :thumbup:

tweety63 · December 1, 2008

I think you need to talk to your doctor soon too much restriction isn't always a good thing.

crazycatlady · December 1, 2008

I hadn't had a fill since 6/30/08, but since that fill I had a LOT of restriction and was having reflux problem and throwing up occasionally. I thought it would loosen up, but it didn't. Last week I felt like I was having a heart attack. Went to dr and he took all the saline out of my band. I haven't had any restriction in almost two weeks now, and I HATE IT - especially at Thanksgiving.
My question is - I got back to the dr on Thursday, do you think he will be aggressive with the fill or should I expect no restriction for several months again? He said he thought I had no slippage if the symptoms all went away, and they did immediately. I just don't want to have to start over again. Any thoughts?

I'm soooo glad you asked this because the same thing happened to me except I was just filled on Wed. & it was too tight so I had to get a complete unfill on Sat. (No vomiting though) I'm wondering the same & I'm VERY upset about this b/c I hadn't had that much success & was so hoping this was my time!

tripi · December 2, 2008

As someone who is a medical professional (RN), all of you need to go to your physicians. If you delay, you could do irreparable damage to your body. Statistically speaking, most or all of you will be able to have a normal lapband performance once your physician has gotten the fill amount correct. There are numerous reasons why you could be having your reactions, but only your doctor can determine what those are. Those of you that had all of the saline removed - it's a precaution. Don't think you're not going to get it back. It might just take a little longer for you to get to your ideal saline amount. ie 7 fills instead of 4, or whatever. Be patient, b/c if you rush weight loss, your body will eventually react negatively.

Best of luck to you all, and I hope you feel better soon.

lachica39 · December 4, 2008

I recently had .8cc removed, I suffered for about 2/12 months with sliming, vomiting, body aches. I finally got in to see the doc. and I asked to have 1cc removed, doc wanted to remove only .3cc and we both agreed on .5cc. During the procedure, my darling doc. decided to remove .8cc when I informed him I was coughing a lot during the night. he told me that was one of the many symptoms associated with a too tight bad.

you would not believe how wonderful I feel. I can eat normal again. no heartburn, no sliming, no vomiting, no more coughing and best of all no more body aches.

I agree with Tom, do not be aggressive with fills. start off slowly. I now have 2.2cc of fill and feel I am at my sweet spot. take your time, go slow and you too will find your sweet spot

best of luck

Lynn43 · December 4, 2008

I finally got up the nerve to call my doctor today. He sent me for an xray to see if my band had slipped. Thankfully it hadn't. The doctor did remove all Fluid from my band. I was a little upset at first and then I realized that it is for the best for now. I will go back in 2 weeks for a follow up. He said that if I'm doing ok he will give me a fill.