difficulties with band

makana · December 20, 2008

I was banded 5 years ago in Australia. I initially lost a lot of weight: over 30 kg. So I dropped from 85 kg to 52 kg. It felt wonderful to be slim, fit in any clothes and look fabulous! I got a lot of attention to but what no one knew was my physical pain... I was vomiting a lot and had severe left shoulder pain. I also developed gastric ulcers, which are extremely painful, and severe reflux. I was mostly eating Soups. My blood pressure was very low, I was constantly cold, had major Constipation issues, seizure like feeling in my head, calf pain, general tiredness, dysphagia, sore throat, left shoulder pain and pain in the left arm and hand due to neural contraction in my neck from the shoulder pain.

I had the band adjusted a year ago and within a month, put on 10 kg. I could not eat much but obviously a little more then before. I did have a refill after a month, but was not able to loose the weight I had gained. Instead, I put on 3 kg more. I am still vomiting a lot and unable to eat most solid foods... easiest are snack, biscuits, no vegetables or fruits, only in smoothie form or soups.

I worry about stomach cancer due to my ulcers. I am unable to eat as others do and yet am overweight and hate the fact that I have put on all this weight...

The band is not always easy...

I am going to see the surgeon for a review of my symptoms.

Edited December 20, 2008 by makana

makana · December 21, 2008

With those complaints, I personally would insist on a thorough examination including upper GI contrast study to evaluate Band position.
Please keep us posted on your findings.

Thanks very much for that your comment Jack. I will ask for a GI contrast .

Have you had any of those issues yourself?

All the best

Lisa