Fellow Bandsters - Opinion Needed!

[SamanthaW]

Hello everyone!!

So I need to take a poll of sorts! First let me give a bit of background, hopefully won't be too lengthy!

I was banded on January 9th. First and second fills got me virtually no restriction so on the 3rd fill I went for a flouroscopy fill and saw my band and that everything looked great. However, I still had very little restriction at 3.0 ccs, so I went in for my 4th and finally at 3.2 I got restriction, not much but I could definitely not eat certain things and I had to chew most things to liquids before they could go down. About a month later I decided to go in for a 5th fill because I was still feeling hungry and was not tight in the morning and was still able to eat more than I thought I should be able too.

During my 5th fill I got totally freaked out. Basically I was told that most people do not need to have this many fills and that at this point I have probably stretched my pouch and need to have a flouro if this fill doesn't take and that if I have stretched my pouch they will completely unfill me and that 90% of the people this happens to have to have the band removed.

I was FREAKED OUT! 2 months ago my band was fine, I saw it myself! so how come all of a sudden they are saying because I need another fill that I have probably done detrimental damage and am going to loose this band???

Ok so they filled me up to 3.8 and sent me on my way practically in tears. My husband wanted Starbucks so I had him get me a big ice water and started sucking it down but I felt a huge lump in my throat so I went right back and they took out .4 which has me now sitting at 3.4 cc's in my 4 cc band. But she said she still wants me to come back for a flouro to check my band.

It has been about a week and I am feeling pretty good restriction, slightly more than before, even lost about 4 lbs but mostly I have been stressed for a week in tears every night thinking, "oh god, another weight loss thing that I have screwed up on and I have waisted $9,000 on!"

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Ok so here is where I need your help. Each of my fills have been $150, $250 for the 1 flouro I had. So far that is almost $800. I need to know if I should really agree to go back and spend another $250 (that I don't have!) to get this X-ray done. I kind of feel like they are telling me this just to get more money out of me.

Also - I know everyone is going to ask me the usual questions so here is the answer - are you using this band as a tool and not a miracle worker? YES! I am eating healthy foods, 3 small meals a day and 1 snack, over 64 oz of water a day, etc etc etc. I am a good bandster, trust me.

However, I am not perfect, I had to get this band for a reason and there have been a few times I have overeaten (not to the point of throwing up but just very stuffed) but I have only PB'd one time and I just don't feel like I have done anything in my eating that would have stretched my pouch.

Is this something you have gone through too? Am I the only one? Have any of you actually stretched your pouches? What happened? Do you think I should have a flouro to put my nerves at ease or let it go and just work with what I have right now?

If I could afford it I would get on a plane to San Diego tomorrow to go down and see OCC but the fact is I cannot, I just can't.

[Eclipse]

Hello everyone!!

So I need to take a poll of sorts! First let me give a bit of background, hopefully won't be too lengthy!

I was banded on January 9th. First and second fills got me virtually no restriction so on the 3rd fill I went for a flouroscopy fill and saw my band and that everything looked great. However, I still had very little restriction at 3.0 ccs, so I went in for my 4th and finally at 3.2 I got restriction, not much but I could definitely not eat certain things and I had to chew most things to liquids before they could go down. About a month later I decided to go in for a 5th fill because I was still feeling hungry and was not tight in the morning and was still able to eat more than I thought I should be able too.

During my 5th fill I got totally freaked out. Basically I was told that most people do not need to have this many fills and that at this point I have probably stretched my pouch and need to have a flouro if this fill doesn't take and that if I have stretched my pouch they will completely unfill me and that 90% of the people this happens to have to have the band removed.

I was FREAKED OUT! 2 months ago my band was fine, I saw it myself! so how come all of a sudden they are saying because I need another fill that I have probably done detrimental damage and am going to loose this band???

Ok so they filled me up to 3.8 and sent me on my way practically in tears. My husband wanted Starbucks so I had him get me a big ice water and started sucking it down but I felt a huge lump in my throat so I went right back and they took out .4 which has me now sitting at 3.4 cc's in my 4 cc band. But she said she still wants me to come back for a flouro to check my band.

It has been about a week and I am feeling pretty good restriction, slightly more than before, even lost about 4 lbs but mostly I have been stressed for a week in tears every night thinking, "oh god, another weight loss thing that I have screwed up on and I have waisted $9,000 on!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok so here is where I need your help. Each of my fills have been $150, $250 for the 1 flouro I had. So far that is almost $800. I need to know if I should really agree to go back and spend another $250 (that I don't have!) to get this X-ray done. I kind of feel like they are telling me this just to get more money out of me.

Also - I know everyone is going to ask me the usual questions so here is the answer - are you using this band as a tool and not a miracle worker? YES! I am eating healthy foods, 3 small meals a day and 1 snack, over 64 oz of water a day, etc etc etc. I am a good bandster, trust me.

However, I am not perfect, I had to get this band for a reason and there have been a few times I have overeaten (not to the point of throwing up but just very stuffed) but I have only PB'd one time and I just don't feel like I have done anything in my eating that would have stretched my pouch.

Is this something you have gone through too? Am I the only one? Have any of you actually stretched your pouches? What happened? Do you think I should have a flouro to put my nerves at ease or let it go and just work with what I have right now?

If I could afford it I would get on a plane to San Diego tomorrow to go down and see OCC but the fact is I cannot, I just can't.

Well I am at 3.7 and 1/2, my last fill i had up to 4cc, but was way to tight could not drink anything so they took

out .2and1/2. i did feel so much better, had great restriction for a week and today i feel a bit hungrier than before.

they say our 4cc band can hold up to 5cc, so there is still a bit more room, I was banded 12-11-08. i to have had 5

fills, but i probably will do my next one at the OCC, just to make sure everything is ok, and not to be over filled that is the worst feeling.

I think if you are feeling restriction and are not Pbing, you should be fine, you can email the occ and tell them what

your fill center said, i am sure you will feel better hearing something from them, they answer back real quick.

Good Luck!!

[stormy]

I have 2.75 in my 4cc band and I am tight but ok. I have problems eating in the morning and at lunch but dinner is fine. I think every person is different. I would be freaked out too. Unfortantely, I would be so freaked I would go get it under flouro but if you just had that done, that seems like to much. I go to have my flouro down in Olympia Wash. Where do you get yours done?

[BrandNewDawn]

SamanthaW,

I have 1.4CC's in my 4CC band. I had 1.9CC's last fall but that was way too tight and I went and had some removed. I need a fill now though. I still have morning restriction and some days it will last all days but most days by the evening I can eat anything, even bread. Plus, I have been at a plateau since March. I need to get down to OCC.

I would call OCC and get their opinion. However, if you have restriction and you are following the rules (especially the NO drinking and eating at the same time rule) I would wait and see what happens with this fill. See how long your restriction lasts.

From what I understand, you have to eat to a level of discomfort fairly regularly to stretch your pouch. Except for the eating/drinking thing which can stretch it because the liquid backs up behind the food and expands the pouch. I do not know for certain though, that is why you should call or email OCC. Good luck.

Dawn

[nothereanymore]

Well, here's my opinion. I don't drink ice water right after a fill, it tends to constrict my band and tighten me up. (Also when you say sucking where you using a straw) that can cause problems. So in my book, you kind of did some things that could/may have caused you to tighten up, not a 100% sure, but its things I don’t do when I first get a fill.

When I first get a fill I tend to take it easy, I always have a bottle of room temperature water in the car waiting for me and sip on that. I don’t push it; I stick to liquids, focus on staying away from salty foods, don’t stress myself out and stay away from things that might cause my band to tighten. (Right now you most likely are extra tight due to the stress and worry; you'll probably loosen up as soon as you relax a bit). It’s amazing how stress can affect our bands.

I really doubt that you stretched your pouch if you truly have been eating small meals (start measuring how much you are eating to understand the amount of food you consume and make sure you're not drinking when eating). I never assume anything, and I’ve learned to trust myself and my band.

So take a big breath, and stop worrying, I know it’s hard, but the truth is I don’t think you hurt your band. And normally if you have stretched it, they first just put you on a liquid diet for a while to see if you can bring it back, so you may just try doing that right now.

Start over, it’s going to be fine – tomorrows a new day and just take a deep breath and go! You're most likely going to be fine! (I'm 99% sure you're good and the .01% isn't worth worrying about right now).

(Also since you're in Kirkland, if you ever want to meet up at Bellevue Square, just let me know. I work a couple of blocks away and I'd be happy to meet you there)

Lisa

[my_friend_amber]

Hi dearie - so sorry you are having these problems! It doesn't sound to me like you've done anything to stretch your band...but I am certainly no doctor. I have 3.2cc's in my 4.0 band and I am at pretty much perfect restriction, but I took my time with fills and got there slowly and I feel great with this amount - every body is different and everybody is different.

One thing to consider is that going back to the OCC IS expensive, but if, in the future, you will save all the $ from those $150 and $250 visits you will have the money to go back so they could do it under flouro with their fill doctors (who are, in my opinion, just the best). Just something to think about. It seems to me that the people who do save up to go to the OCC for fills have far fewer because they are pros and get it right in just one or two fills.

Wishing you all the best!! ~Amber

[JazzyJude]

Well, here's my opinion. I don't drink ice water right after a fill, it tends to constrict my band and tighten me up. (Also when you say sucking where you using a straw) that can cause problems. So in my book, you kind of did some things that could/may have caused you to tighten up, not a 100% sure, but its things I don’t do when I first get a fill.

When I first get a fill I tend to take it easy, I always have a bottle of room temperature water in the car waiting for me and sip on that. I don’t push it; I stick to liquids, focus on staying away from salty foods, don’t stress myself out and stay away from things that might cause my band to tighten. (Right now you most likely are extra tight due to the stress and worry; you'll probably loosen up as soon as you relax a bit). It’s amazing how stress can affect our bands.

I really doubt that you stretched your pouch if you truly have been eating small meals (start measuring how much you are eating to understand the amount of food you consume and make sure you're not drinking when eating). I never assume anything, and I’ve learned to trust myself and my band.

I totally agree with what Lisa said. Stress plays a major role in my band life. When I am stressed, I am on liquids, soups, etc. I got to know the "Me and my Band's" life and you have to listen and act accordingly. I, too, feel you haven't stretched out your pouch. Like you said, you are a good bandster. Just keep the focus and try not to worry and move on forward. In time, you will relax.

I was banded in Oct 08 and I've had 3 fills thus far. I've a 1.8cc fill in my 4cc band (and I was told it could hold up to 6cc filled). After receiving my fills, like Lisa, I took it easy and did liquids. I never did cold liquids, as it tightens my band - so it's always room temp. The only time I have ice cubes is when I am socializing with others and using ice cubes in my drinks makes it last longer; and even then, I am sipping all the time, not taking a huge drink at a time. I am actually 'self-centered' after a fill, as I tend to worry a lot with family life and so I tend to focus on me more the first few days to 'baby' me and my band.

My other suggestions is to not drink from a straw...as you can draw in air bubbles into your pouch and can cause discomfort.

Like everyone is saying...relax and keep the focus and monitor your stress level...you will be fine hun...Jazzy!!

[Christy26]

I was banded the day before you. I have had 3 fills, I am up to 3.0 cc in my 4cc band. I think you are probably fine but I would have it checked out under xray. All of my fills have been done that way, its expensive but peace of mind is worth it!

I am sure you are fine... Good luck and let us know what they tell you

[Smiley]

Granted, I have the larger band, but it took me about 9 fills before I really had restriction. Maybe in the future you could ask the person that does your fills to not think out loud unless they are absolutely sure they can prove what they are thinking.

Based on the information contained in the "Rule Book" given to me by my surgery center during my consultation, being too tight or overeating are the two main reasons the esophagus or the pouch will dilate. Based on what you said, it doesn't sound like either one of these have been an issue. As was mentioned earlier, it is also being over full due to either one of these issues on a regular basis that causes the pouch to stretch. From what I understand excessive hunger within 3 or 4 hours of eating can be a sign of a stretched pouch or being able to eat more than a cup of food without being satisfied - notice I said satisfied, not full. Has this been an issue for you?

Treatment wise, my surgery center will deflate the band and have the patient limit their portions to 1 cup of food 3 times per day and exercise daily. Six weeks later they will do another barium swallow and if at that point the pouch is still stretched then band removal is recommended. If the problem has been resolved then they will gradually start to fill the band again.

I seriously doubt you have stretched your pouch, I just think someone needs to stop thinking out loud and scaring the ever livin' daylights out of their patients. If someone else does fills at that office I would schedule my next appointment with them instead. If seeing the band on flouro or doing a barium swallow is what it is going to take to ease your mind, then go for it because stressing out over this is not a good idea either.

[SamanthaW]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally broke down, paid the $$ and went in and had a flouro today. I was so nervous when I went in there that I was almost in tears but everything still looks perfect and I am not stretched out at all! NO MUFFIN TOP!

WHEW!!!!!!!

I can't tell y'all how much sleep I have lost over this the last 5 weeks worrying over this. We finally decided to just spend the money ($250!) and get it checked out so I can be at peace a little bit. I honestly didn't think I had stretched it but now I am sure of it! I decided that I wouldn't get a fill today since I have good restriction right now so we'll just see how it goes and hopefully the next 6 months will show another 40 lbs!

Thanks everyone for your replies

[PAMMIE]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally broke down, paid the $$ and went in and had a flouro today. I was so nervous when I went in there that I was almost in tears but everything still looks perfect and I am not stretched out at all! NO MUFFIN TOP!

WHEW!!!!!!!

I can't tell y'all how much sleep I have lost over this the last 5 weeks worrying over this. We finally decided to just spend the money ($250!) and get it checked out so I can be at peace a little bit. I honestly didn't think I had stretched it but now I am sure of it! I decided that I wouldn't get a fill today since I have good restriction right now so we'll just see how it goes and hopefully the next 6 months will show another 40 lbs!

Thanks everyone for your replies

THAT'S AWESOME NEWS!!!

I THINK THE COMBINATION OF ICE WATER AND WORRYING PLAYED A MAJOR PART HERE

[magpel]

I agree with everyone, too.

I had some problems with my band over the last 10 months or so. I ended up getting unfilled, because I could not even swallow my saliva. Then I was too stressed, and didn't want a fill. So I went months with no fill. I finally decided I was ready to have a fill again, in mid-June, and I'm doing much better. I realize I need to take things slow, I never have anything cold first thing in the morning, and I always chew, chew, chew!

I also live in the Seattle area - I've even met with Lisa once before becuase I was having a hard time and she was there to lift my spirits. I'd love to meet up with you - we could get a coffee and talk about the band, life with it, etc.

Be well.

Peace,

Maggie