Banded @ OCC aug 07... Currently *empty* band, still pbing & sliming!

[kimmizing]

I'm frustrated and confused!! First, let me say that ALL of my experiences @ OCC have been A+!! I'm only writing here, because I know if I call them, they'll ask me to go there, which I know I need to, but finances are tight right now. So please let me ask a question:

After getting banded, had first fill, then second (not @ OCC), and after 2 days of sliming on my saliva and not being able to even drink water, had some taken out (again, not OCC). After a while, I wanted a fill again because everyone I knew who was banded kept getting fills (not that I needed it, but I was trying to "keep up" w other bandsters). Went to OCC, had the barium x-ray..... And apparently, my stoma is so large, that the dr felt it was best to unfill it and "wait and see". I'm 5' 10" large boned, idk if that makes a diff, but an "empty band" seems to stop binging and rice, pasta, bread, ground beef, and anything not thuroghly chewed!! Even just ONE bite can send me running to the bathroom to pb and slime!!

So, my question is, is this *normal*? Anyone ever heard of this? Do you think my band has *slipped*? I've gained most of my weightt back because I'm depressed and ice cream goes down easily and painfree... I'm also not exercising at all bcuz of the depression (which is worse due to current weight and other life issues).......

I was under the impression that the band can be emptied (not removed) for pregnancies or illnessess... So I'm sure my situation isn't *normal*!! Ok, sorry for the rambling!! It's really hard to put this into easy to understand wording...

Thanks in advance for your feedback!!

Hugs

[dawns]

Hi Kimmizing,

Wow sounds like you have had quite a ride with your band. Sorry you are having so much trouble. First I would like to say that I absolutely do think you should call the OCC and talk to Dr. So or Dr. Acosta and explain to them the whole situation, money issue and all. And I would suggest writing it down on paper before you call in the order of what has taken place so that you are able to give the whole picture. They may say that they want you to come back but I also know that they will give you other things that they will want you to try to help alleviate what might be going on. They are very patient and helpful. Every time I have called I have felt so relieved and have asked myself why didn't I call sooner.

Secondly, whether whatever is going on with your band is "normal" or not, if it were me and I was thinking something isn't right, I would sure want to get it figured out sooner than before it might be too late. We spent a lot of money for our bands and on ourselves to not take care of the band and ourselves.

I hope that you get some relief and please keep us posted on what you find out. In the meantime you might want to just stick to liquids until you are able to get through to the doctor. Good luck,

dawn

[ValleyGirl]

I know we are all different, but I am unfilled right now (this is the second time in a year I've had to go for an unfill) and for me I can eat just like I did before being banded. I have absolutely no restriction- bread, pasta, it all goes down. Which is why I'm going to get filled again this weekend!!! I don't want to scare you, but the last person on here that was unfilled yet still couldn't get much of anything down (Nicole K?) had to have her band removed. Please get yourself checked out soon.

Sabrina:)

[PAMMIE]

I'm frustrated and confused!! First, let me say that ALL of my experiences @ OCC have been A+!! I'm only writing here, because I know if I call them, they'll ask me to go there, which I know I need to, but finances are tight right now. So please let me ask a question:

After getting banded, had first fill, then second (not @ OCC), and after 2 days of sliming on my saliva and not being able to even drink water, had some taken out (again, not OCC). After a while, I wanted a fill again because everyone I knew who was banded kept getting fills (not that I needed it, but I was trying to "keep up" w other bandsters). Went to OCC, had the barium x-ray..... And apparently, my stoma is so large, that the dr felt it was best to unfill it and "wait and see". I'm 5' 10" large boned, idk if that makes a diff, but an "empty band" seems to stop binging and rice, pasta, bread, ground beef, and anything not thuroghly chewed!! Even just ONE bite can send me running to the bathroom to pb and slime!!

So, my question is, is this *normal*? Anyone ever heard of this? Do you think my band has *slipped*? I've gained most of my weightt back because I'm depressed and ice cream goes down easily and painfree... I'm also not exercising at all bcuz of the depression (which is worse due to current weight and other life issues).......

I was under the impression that the band can be emptied (not removed) for pregnancies or illnessess... So I'm sure my situation isn't *normal*!! Ok, sorry for the rambling!! It's really hard to put this into easy to understand wording...

Thanks in advance for your feedback!!

Hugs

YOU COULD HAVE A POSSIBLE SLIP, GET IT CHECKED UNDER FLUOROSCOPY ASAP. SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY FRIENDS PROBLEM BEFORE SHE HAD TO HAVE HERS REMOVED AS AN EMERGENCY SURGERY LOCALLY. I JUST WISH SHE'D GONE IN EARLIER AS TO POSSIBLY SAVE HER BAND

HOW LONG AS IT BEEN SINCE YOU'VE HAD THAT UNFILL?