I think I need an emergency unfill. I pb'd badly on Saturday and since then I keep pb'ing. The problems is, when I have a bad episode it always seems to have a snowball effect in that I get progressively worse days on. My stomach is sensitive and swells easily.

I can get fluids in now but it takes hours for them to go down. I can not have anything thicker than Clear liquids today (pb'd slimfast) but I am worried that by tomorrow, perhaps I won't be able to do liquids at all. This has happened to me twice before since I became pregnant but this is the first time that getting to my fill doctor will be so difficult.

My fill doctor however is 4 hours away and the weather has been absolutely terrible. I wanted to go yesterday but the roads were not clear. I am not sure I can drive it in the shape I am in right now.

Has anyone ever attempted to go to the ER? If so, what was your experience? Do you think I can get an emergency unfill there?

Heather, Did you try calling your "fill nurse/doctor" to see if they have any suggestions. They can also recommend someplace local for the unfil. Good Luck. My Dr's here told us not to go to the ER if something happened with the bands because they don't always know how to handle band patients.

Good luck

Please don't wait call your doctor now. Sharnut is correct, they should know where the best place to go that is closest to you. Does it also take a long time for warm liquids? If you haven't tried yet, try some warm SKIM milk. It is thinner than slim fast and regular milk. If you don't like warm milk, turn it into hot chocolate by adding some cocoa and splenda. Maybe it will go down a little better and it isn't thick.

I left a message for my fill doctor but haven't heard back yet (lunchtime might have something to do with it). I also emailed them about the prospect of going to an ER as well and will see what they say.

Oh no! I was told once I pb'd, that I should go back on fluids for a day or so, just to make sure any inflammation goes away quickly. It seem to work for me, but you have to make that call. Good luck!

I have been on liquids since then. But unfortunately even thick liquids are being pb'd. Usually liquids get me back on track . . . but maybe not this time. I am getting worse instead of better.

You've done so well on your band journey. What caused you to pb? I would go to the emergency room and if you can't drive - call an ambulance. That's what they're there for. Don't be timid and in pain. If you don't hear from your doctor soon, call the ER and see if they have a doctor that can do an unfill.

Hugs to you HeatherO! I know you must be worried!

Could your nerves about it all be playing a part? I know I've read that when we're tense (the old fight/flight thing) it can cause tight bands to restrict further. Makes sense because blood is shunted away from things like "digestion" and into legs etc so you can RUN if necessary.

You are normally calm and level headed (at least on here!) but have you tried just clearing your mind, doing deep breathing, centering yourself, not worrying about it?

And can you stay on Clear Liquids for a while, calmly, drink something warm, relax, practice some guided imagery, and see what happens?

It's possible you needed an unfill for your pregnancy but if you can make it until the weather improves and your normal doc can see you, you'll feel better about it, I'm guessing.

Try thinning the slim fast with some Water. It won't taste good, but shouldn't be vile either. Once you "know" you ARE getting some nutrition in, maybe that will help too.

If you've tried all that, or if you "know" it won't work, I guess you could try the ER. I've read that it's really dicey about whether or not they will be able to help you, at least not without a lock of ruckus.

Heather:

So sorry this happening to you. Sounds like you are making the right decisions by contacting your doctor. I am sure they can refer you to a local ER, which can do the unfill.

hope you are feeling better from this very soon, you have done amazing with your weight loss, please let us know how you got on with the un fill

Heather I would go to the Er not just for ur sake but for ur babies...make sure u stay hydrated ur prego and u dont want any problems...good luck let us know what happens

Heather....did you go to your doctor or ER? I keep waiting for an update...I hope that you are OK!

My hubby took the afternoon off work and drove me 4 hours to my doctors for an emergency unfill yesterday. My fill clinic said I could go to the ER if I needed to but it might be best to call first to see if they had any bariatric doctors on call because they may not know what I am talking about.

I did call the ER, but the people I spoke with might of understood better if I told them I need the inkydinks removed from my whoozlewhatzit for all the more they understood what the heck I was talking about.

My OB called me back and she also said it might be better, and cheaper, just to go to my regular doctor. She said not to worry too much about the baby yet because it is like a parasite . . . it will take everything it needs first and my needs are secondary. A few days of limited intake as long as I am somewhat hydrated should not have an effect . . . but a couple of weeks would be worrisome.

I ate last night after the unfill and felt completely normal. Maybe 30 minutes later it felt like the baby was doing backflips, lol. I think I am good to go again.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone :0)

I'm glad you got yourself unfilled, for both of your sake's. Question though...why did you go to a doctor 4 hours away? Is that the only one available in the area or just the best one with most experience?

Heather,

Glad your feeling better!

Sharon

Thanks for updating us! I was getting worried. I am glad you are feeling better. Are you going to try to just stay unfilled the rest of the pregnancy?