So I go for my unfill appointment today, and the doc agrees that this is the right approach. Naturally, I have no idea how much is in my band, since they don't tell us. (They're in the "too little, too much, just right" school.) So I'm thinking he can take out .25 or .5 cc and that would do the trick. As it turns out, my TOTAL fill was only a little under 1 cc!! I was amazed; I figured it was somewhere in the 3 range.

As I described my symptoms, of course the doctor felt it necessary to observe that these are symptoms of slippage. (I know he has to say these things, however much I didn't want to hear them.) He took it all out, so now I'm sailing with an empty band. I'm going in for a barium swallow under fluoroscopy on the 8th of September, and if all is well (please, please, please let all be well) I might get some Fluid put back then.

In the meantime, my fingers are crossed that if there IS any slippage, being unfilled will correct that. Good vibes to that effect will be greatly appreciated, y'all!

Fingers and toes crossed here

Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate all the good thoughts.

Kelly, you've given me hope! Somehow I too totally believe there is nothing wrong with my band; my symptoms were just too obviously linked to something I did, and went away with time (i.e., healing of irriration). But I wanted another barium test so this will work out well. Believe me, I will keep y'all posted. Don't worry about that!

You know, support really matters. Last night, while I was entertaining my deepest fears and calming myself with ice cream, I asked my DH if he'd still love me if a) we had to pay for an expensive revision that wasn't covered by my insurance, or we had to pay for an expensive removal that wasn't covered by my insurance and I gained all my weight back. He looked at me like I had three heads. He said I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll love you no matter what happens. Suddenly all was right with the world. :D

Good Luck Alex! And give that sweet hubby of yours a big hug!

Good luck. I think some are more sensitive to fills than others. The weather may also be a factor here. Keep us updated. Celeste

Sending white light your way! I'm sure that the unfill will help things tremendously.

Funny how someone we really care about can say just a few little words and make the world right again.

First - I what an amazing accomplishment you have done Alex & to think you only had less than 1cc! HOLY COW!!!!

I am so blown away at that!

You are getting special prayers starting tonight just for you. I have a feeling deep inside, that all will be fine on the 8th! I won't have computer access so we will all have to check w/Lisa in Vegas to hear your good news that everything is as it should be & you even got a little fill. :0)

Please take it easy until then & really be good to your throat!

Very smart move Alex-well done!

Alex, I'm wishing you the very best of luck. I'm not sure I understand about the band slippage. I was under the impresson that onces your stomach has healed from surgery that there would be scare tissue around the band that would hold it in place. I thought that was the reason we can not eat solids for the first 6 weeks. Please explain this to me. I'm only 3 weeks post-op.

Nickie, I too thought the chances of slippage diminish over time, and they in fact do to some extent. But there will always remain a portion of the band that is not sutured to anything, and given the right kind of provocation the stomach could move in just the wrong way (I guess) resulting in a slip. My doctor said the risk really stays with us forever, although it's a small risk if we allow the band to really control our eating habits the way we're supposed to.

Here's wishing for you a good report on the 8th, Alex. A slip is but a bump in the road, but still an annoying and unnerving nuisance. I hope just backing off awhile and slowly re-entering will be all you need!

Leatha

Alex,

I pray it is not a slip either. I have 1.cc in my band right now and I seem to have trouble if I go beyond. I Remember when I was having alot of reflux it was due to some kind or virus that affects us banded folks and was fine when they took it all out and put me on Prevacid.

Did he give you anything to take?? Or is he thinking the unfill will cure the reflux??

Prayers and good vibes going out to you...

Hi Alexandra

I do hope it's not a slip, but.... if it is, it's not so bad. You and I have had a lot of similarities throughout this 2 year process. I was having lots of band slippage signs and was on a plateau for almost a year. Finally, in July, I went in for a band revision - I had a slightly slipped band and a slightly enlarged pouch. The surgey was really pretty simple, though it was like starting anew. I go for my first fill next week. Since the surgery, I've been totally unfilled and supposedly on the food regimen of starting all over (liquid, mush, soft, progressive soft, etc.) Unfortunately, I have felt NO restriction, and I just (yesterday) returned from a cruise. My doctor is going to kill me when I get on the scale next week. But I'm hoping that once I get the fill, I'll be able to get back on track. Since surgery however, all the problems with reflux and vomiting have disappeared. By the way, my insurance did pay for the revision (though I have a co-pay).

So.... wishing you the best. I hope it's not a slip. But then again, if it is, it should be able to be revised and you'll be back on track.

Mary

Good Luck, I hope everything goes well.

Alex, I'll be praying for your results as well. HUGS

Hi Alex,

I hope its not a slip. The good news is many slips will resolve themselves with n unfill. I dont think it really matters what you have in your band. If you did not have anything in the band, then there might be reason for more concern. Hopefully, everything will turn out fine.

Crossing my fingers,

Babs in TX

334/180

-154

Hopefully the unfill will give you some relief to tide you over until your barium swallow. I'll pray also that everything is well!