Two year blues... and possible problem here.

I was banded in Nov 2007, and lost 82 lbs by July 2008. With only 30 lbs left to lose, I decided to move to California (from Texas).

My LB doctor decided to remove my restriction during my relocation (I had issues with stress causing me to tighten too much)... and he was concerned that I might not be able to find a doctor in my new town if I had a complication.

Good thing he chose to do this because I have still not been able to find a Dr in my vicinity that will treat "other" Drs patients (stupid, huh?).

So, basically, I have had "no fill" for over a year now because I no longer have insurance, and cannot afford to fly back to Texas just for a fill.

Up until a few months ago, I had managed to maintain the weight loss I had already achieved, but was not able to lose that last 30lbs :confused:

Then, a few weeks ago... I noticed that I was feeling tight every time I eat anything.

That got me to thinking about how my old bad habits have resurfaced (eating WAY past full... eating too fast... not chewing enough... making bad food choices... drinking too much liquid while eating... etc).

This past week, I have been VERY conscience of my eating habits, and I am still getting "stuck" and sliming after only a few bites.

I have gained back about 7lbs, and am wondering if that weight gain has made me feel tight? Or if I have a slipped band, or if I have stretched my pouch and it is now prolapsed.

I know I need to get back on track, and get serious about losing these last "now" 37 lbs.

I have not been on this site in a long time, I only decided to log on to see if anyone else has experienced what I have been feeling. Several people have suggested going on liquids for a few days (so I am starting that tomorrow).

Any other ideas?

Edited November 30, 200916 yr by QuasiTova

Wow...This is kinda my story too....I moved from AZ to Marysville CA ( Right down the street from ya:smile2:) I also can't afford to get back to my Dr. not that it would matter because I don't think he would see me since I had to include him in my bankruptcy.

I had lost about 60 -70 pounds and was 186 but now I'm up to 216 granted I am 25 weeks pregnant...but I was gaining before I got pregnant...

I haven't needed an unfill and if anything could use a fill so this really sucks that you haven't found a Dr. that will take you in our vicinity...How far away have you looked??

The only place I called about fills was Fill Centers USA...the closest is 100 miles away and is about $450 dollars...It's alot but at least they will be able to tell me if anythings going on with my band after the baby's born. That's my only suggestion for you:blush:

Also I think I read somewhere that as you lose weight you lose layers of fat that are around your stomach which is why you need fills...so I guess it makes since that if you gain weight...your putting the fat back on so your band would feel tighter.......but apparently not in my case :w00t:

Good luck and Blessings!

Conceivably weight gain could make your band tighter as weight loss certainly loosens it. But it wouldnt be an overnight thing like you mentioned. Somethiing has more likely irritated your stomach and caused swelling.

Hi - I was wondering if the three of you could answer a question I have. (I have been looking around and you kinda spoke of my question - I am sorry if this is what they call thread stealing:blush:)

I am going to be banded in Jan. Lately I have been wondering about some of the bad habits I have (as mentioned above) I tend to eat now when I am not hungry, push myself to stuffed when I am full, just eat for no reason...... I notice that I do it in waves and less often than more. I don't want to sabotage myself and the band. Do any of you know if the band will help in those areas? How do you stop yourself from doing these bad habits?

Thanks for any reply.

Also, I hope you are able to find a fill doc soon.

Sounds to me, like what I went through. Concentric pouch dilation... Not pretty. (Can lead to band slippage, but doesn't have to.)

I live in Redding and would be happy to meet up with you (also moved to California from Texas recently, and was banded in Texas - have been banded for 3 years).

My blog describes a little about dilation...

myjourneywithlapband on Xanga

it's basically what happens after your stomach adjusts over time to the overeating.. the upper pouch stretches to accommodate and the results can be terrifying.. anything from the esophagus actually dying to band slippage or band removal.

Would love to chat, send me a message if you want to meet up-

Anjuli