need a little help

[MightTank]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this board, just found it researching online. I was banded October '08 at 290 lbs. I am currently at 247 lbs and just had my third fill Thursday.

My problem is this.. Right after my fill Thursday, I could drink fluids. (of coarse I'm an idiot and didn't stick to just fluids and figured I could chew small bites small enough to be like fluid). Well I drank fluids and ate soft food like sugar free pudding thursday and Friday (with a few stupid choices of bites of hard food). Saturday I noticed it was hard to eat or drink anything. Today I woke up and tried to take a sip of milk, and small amount of water, and couldn't even keep that down.

Am I swollen? Did I screw it up tring to eat too soon?? Do I need to get an unfill? I can't call the doctor because it's sunday.. But I can't even drink water.. I don't know what to do, and I definatly don't want to go to the hospitol =(

Also, I've read everyone mentioning "PB". What does that mean?

Thanks for any help y'all.

P.s. Sorry for any typos, I'm on my iPhone at work.

[nothereanymore]

Right now you need to relax and stop stressing. You’ll only have to go to the hospital if you become so dehydrated and need an IV or if you have an emergency. Stress can cause us to tighten up so we try to avoid it, and I understand that its hard right now, but this is a good time to start learning how to relax during stressful times, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself you’re going to be OK. (Because you are).

First of all, many doctor has different rules, we’re on liquids the first 24 hours by the third fill – (this is a forum for Dr. Ortiz’s patients).

Once you settle down, get yourself a cup of warm soothing herbal tea. (Not hot) take some small sips; you’re trying to relax your band. See if you can get anything down, slowly – just to keep yourself hydrated. (Nothing solid or solf) liquids only.

And even though it is Sunday I would call into your doctors, many have an answering service and are here to help us. You do need to get in as soon as possible, you most likely did get a swelling from eating solids too quickly or it may be that its just too tight – your doc will help with that.

PB stands for "productive burping" Its when you burp and some of the food/drink you ate comes out with it- it can happen if you get an over fill and are too tight, or if you eat too much, too fast or don’t chew enough.

Take care, most of us have had this type of episode and you’ll make it through!

Best,

Lisa

[MightTank]

thanks for the response lisa.

After going back and reading my post.. I realize I did come off as being stressed and in a panic, but i'm not. More annoyed at my situation and angry with myself for possibly causing it. I'm at work at the moment, so finding hot tea won't be that easy, but I have manage to keep water down if I drink about a capfull at a time every minute or so. Allthough now I'm getting hunger pains, lol.

I mentioned the hospitol because when I called my fill center their voicemail said they were closed and if it's an emergency call 911.

It's good to know that others have had similar episodes. I have never been as strict on my band rules and dieting as I should be, and this is definetly teaching me my lesson.

Thanks again for the support, I'll keep y'all updated.

-Clint

[nothereanymore]

Hey Clint,

Sorry if I mother hen’d you. The band is strange at times, you never know – you may end up loosening and being fine with the fill you have. (And you didn’t sound too stressed out), but even a little will tighten the band up. I hope its going better, and glad you can drink some - you just don’t want to stay too tight for any period of time.

Just as an example of the fickleness band, I’ve had much of my fill removed since I hit my goal coming on a year. (I’ve had my band for over 31 months) Last night I went down and grabbed a bag of kettle corn and jumped in bed to snack on a little and watch a movie. (I hardly ever do this, I’m normally really careful at measuring my food and not eating from bags since it’s the fastest way to over eat, and I don’t eat in bed since I try to not eat 2 hours before sleeping). But hey, we’re all human….

This morning woke up, went to Starbucks for my Chi tea, drank some and could feel a problem; BP’d right up some kettle corn mixed with chi. It didn’t drop from my pouch and I’m guessing adding the Chi on top caused an issue. (Yuck).

We have this tool inside us that we’re all still learning from. It’s an awesome tool, but there are lots of learning’s on how to use it, and since we’re all different, sometimes our experiences are different as well.

Take care and hope you’re feeling better!

Lisa

[MightTank]

Hey lisa,

I really appreciate the support and help. After I was able to sip on some water for a few hours I went to eat with a co-worker and got a cup of tortilla soup. I just ate the broth (man did they look at me funny, haha). Anyway I felt toooons better. I think I was just so used to my precious loosened bandsize, and I think I got swollen and that was the start of my pb'ing. But now it's good and I don't think I'm going to get it unfilled.

Thanks again lisa, you'll see me around