karenlynn79 Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Hi all, Just wanted to mention something that happened to me. I've had one fill in April after having my daughter. Dr. Romero was nice enough to give me the 2.0 I wanted (as I'd been at 2 before and it was perfect. Anyway since April I lost over 65 lbs, I am only 14 away! All of a sudden around Thanksgiving, I started getting tight. And it didn't loosen up. One day I had my normal restriction and was eating my little meals, snacks, that have worked so well for me. Then the next day I could not eat AT ALL. So........ I let this go til yesterday. Dr. So (whom I haven't met before) was surprised he had to take all of it out! He was going to be merciful and leave at least 1.0 if he could - but even with 1 my barium went down way slow. So......... it's VERY good that I didn't irritate it to the point of no return. He said that if the band tightens on it's own like that, don't let it go for more than a week. Anyway, now I have no restriction and I know it! I am going to try so hard to just do what I was doing before. It helps that the holidays are over I think. So for those of you out there who suddenly get tight, please just get unfilled. Up til Friday I wasn't really worried, then I couldn't drink. Then I was worried about a slip. Not fun! Even long-time banders make mistakes! I am just thankful that I can have another fill in 3 weeks and hopefully make my goal by March......... Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BandDiva Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Hi all,Just wanted to mention something that happened to me. I've had one fill in April after having my daughter. Dr. Romero was nice enough to give me the 2.0 I wanted (as I'd been at 2 before and it was perfect. Anyway since April I lost over 65 lbs, I am only 14 away! All of a sudden around Thanksgiving, I started getting tight. And it didn't loosen up. One day I had my normal restriction and was eating my little meals, snacks, that have worked so well for me. Then the next day I could not eat AT ALL. So........ I let this go til yesterday. Dr. So (whom I haven't met before) was surprised he had to take all of it out! He was going to be merciful and leave at least 1.0 if he could - but even with 1 my barium went down way slow. So......... it's VERY good that I didn't irritate it to the point of no return. He said that if the band tightens on it's own like that, don't let it go for more than a week. Anyway, now I have no restriction and I know it! I am going to try so hard to just do what I was doing before. It helps that the holidays are over I think. So for those of you out there who suddenly get tight, please just get unfilled. Up til Friday I wasn't really worried, then I couldn't drink. Then I was worried about a slip. Not fun! Even long-time banders make mistakes! I am just thankful that I can have another fill in 3 weeks and hopefully make my goal by March......... Karen Wow! So glad you are OK. Hang in there! We all know you can do it! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nothereanymore Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Karan, I’m so glad you’re OK, you are one of the most successful bandsters on this board – and I love watching your progress, thank you so much for letting us know about this. I think Pammie had something a little bit similar, she got tight out of the blue as well and had a partial unfill. (Do they know what could have caused it? Is it stress, food we’re eating – or we just don’t know why it self tightens)? You’ll hit your goal – you look awesome now though! Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagnoliaGurl Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Hi Karen! Congrats on your success and I'm sorry for your recent setback.. You have just described one of my fears to being banded so far from home. Really the only thing I worry about is what will I do if something like what you are going through happens to me?? I worry that because I don't have easy access to my surgeon and clinic after my procedure, that I will ignore situations like yours and make things worse for myself!! Good luck with the rest of your weight loss!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nothereanymore Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Magnolia girl, I actually had the same thoughts and questions. And I asked Dr. Ortiz about this way back when… He explained that most issues with the band aren’t emergency; we do have notice if we are listening to our bodies and time to get to the OCC. In the case like Karen you can see that she had some time to figure it out and get in contact with the OCC. One thing I’ve found they are really good at – follow up care – as long we go right to the doctors and give them notice. I always have my emergency $$ saved in case I need to take a quick trip down to the OCC. I also have a clinic up here in WA that I work with for my fills – for something like this I could just go to my local fill doctor for an unfill – that’s what Pammie did but she’s up in WA with me – Karen’s in CA so its most likely closer for her to go back to the OCC. However if I went into my local Doc and it was more serious such as a slip – I’d be working with Dr. Ortiz on a plan on how to handle and use the $$ I have saved for my trip down. We should all think of this, its something I’ve thought of and organized how I would handle – it does help to put your mind at ease. So make sure you don't ignore, get to know you're body and notice when things are off and ask questions. Like Karen did. Best, Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhawkchick75 Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 I am so sorry to hear that, but at least you got it taken care of before something serious happened. You have come so far, i'm sure you will be at goal in no time!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAMMIE Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Karan,I’m so glad you’re OK, you are one of the most successful bandsters on this board – and I love watching your progress, thank you so much for letting us know about this. I think Pammie had something a little bit similar, she got tight out of the blue as well and had a partial unfill. (Do they know what could have caused it? Is it stress, food we’re eating – or we just don’t know why it self tightens)? You’ll hit your goal – you look awesome now though! Lisa YOUR RIGHT LISA, JUST OUT OF THE BLUE I HADN'T HAD A FILL IN OVER A YEAR THEN BAM, IT HIT LIKE A HAMMER, NOTHING WOULD DO DOWN. I WENT IN WITHIN A FEW DAYS AND HAD AN UNFILL AND HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE. I WOULD LIKE TO GO IN FOR A BIT OF A FILL BUT JUST HAVEN'T TAKEN THE TIME TO DO IT YET. I THINK BECAUSE I REMEMBER THOSE FEW DAYS HOW HORRID IT WAS AND NEVER WANT TO BE THAT TIGHT AGAIN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenlynn79 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Karan,I’m so glad you’re OK, you are one of the most successful bandsters on this board – and I love watching your progress, thank you so much for letting us know about this. I think Pammie had something a little bit similar, she got tight out of the blue as well and had a partial unfill. (Do they know what could have caused it? Is it stress, food we’re eating – or we just don’t know why it self tightens)? You’ll hit your goal – you look awesome now though! Lisa Thanks everyone! I do feel so much better. I am actually excited about being able to eat fruit! It's been weeks. I am pretty sure it was stress that caused it. Holiday and job-related stress. Though I DID have a bit of an overeating session about 2 days before this started happening.... so maybe both? Thanks Lisa! I can't wait til I can wear size 8's. That's all I care about! Also I am dying to have alot of the PS you did, but probably can't afford it! Maybe someday......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenlynn79 Posted January 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Hi Karen! Congrats on your success and I'm sorry for your recent setback.. You have just described one of my fears to being banded so far from home. Really the only thing I worry about is what will I do if something like what you are going through happens to me?? I worry that because I don't have easy access to my surgeon and clinic after my procedure, that I will ignore situations like yours and make things worse for myself!! Good luck with the rest of your weight loss!! Do exactly as Lisa said and have the $ set aside just in case you do have to go back. I really didn't and had to use a credit card which I hated to do. But I don't think it usually hits all at once if there is an issue. I had weeks of trouble before I went down. But do have a plan in your head just to be safe!!! Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nothereanymore Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 I do love my PS, and if you ever want to go to him - his TT's are only $3950 - he also has some no interest options. And just Pammie or I know - we'd be happy to help. (Hopefully my 24 year old will move out soon so I can get my guest room back)...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlgpdx Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Karen Thanks for your post! I had a similiar situation this week. I got really sick with the flu over Christmas. A week later and I felt better but just couldn't keep any food down, super super tight. I could "feel" that I was just to tight so I had an unfill on Friday. I had .3 cc's taken out. I thought I had 2.9cc's in my band but found out that I had 2.6 and now I have right around 2.3cc's. I feel better, I am able to get liquids down and eat small portions. When you stay in tune with your body you really can tell when something is different. The band is fickle and it's really hard to tell from one day to the next. Lisa I agree that everyone should try to have a little emergency fund set aside just in case anything comes up. Even a couple hundered dollars for an emergency unfill locally. Also.. I hope your son moves out by the summer/fall because I'm wanting to get my thighs and upper arms done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julieburns Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Dear Karynlynn and others: I am so glad you went in and got yourself taken care of. Your story has me rethinking what I am doing for sure. Thank you for sharing your situation. I had to have an unfill after my 2nd fill within 4 days because I couldn't even keep liquids down. It worries me about what Dr. So said. I've had a rough month or two. The last 2-3 weeks I could barely eat anything. I was able to sip slowly and get protein drinks down and have a rare few tiny, tiny bites of something. I've been stressed out and got shingles of all things. I'm also in full blown menapause and that is screwing up my cycles and temperment something terrible. I have thought about getting an unfill but I keep thinking because I can drink liquids I am OK. I have had times where I PB almost every day for a few days in a row even when I am following the rules and trying to eat something I used to be able to eat. I can't even try to have anything until after noon and then it's liquids only. I think I have figured out though that the foods that make me PB are ones I should not be having anyway especially bread of any kind. I have been able to eat some "bad" things like shortbread cookies, a few pieces of chocolate and I had chips and salsa last week, all within reason and only a few bites so when this happens I just think it's stress causing the fluctuation and I just need to be careful. Anyway that's where I am. For the most part I am happy with this amount of restriction as I am losing well but I just don't want to have anything go wrong. Good luck in this new phase for you sweetie!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzyJude Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Karen ~ thank you for posting this valuable message. I am sure with all you had went through, being nervous and concern, may even made the band tighter too. As you are pretty much starting over, at least you've been educated enough to jump start yourself on the right track. THAT is a good thing! Wishing you luck and good restriction soon...keep us posted on your progress, as I am most interested in seeing how you are doing. Best to you ~ Jude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nothereanymore Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Lisa I agree that everyone should try to have a little emergency fund set aside just in case anything comes up. Even a couple hundered dollars for an emergency unfill locally. Also.. I hope your son moves out by the summer/fall because I'm wanting to get my thighs and upper arms done! What we should do is just plan on having a big ol Plastic Surgery party - kind of like Tupperware party - if that doesn't make him move out - nothing will...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagnoliaGurl Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Karen and Lisa - Thank you both for the advice!! I am so thankful that Karen posted this thread!! I am definetely going to save some money just in case I have to return to OCC. Bariatric surgeons in my area refuse to work on patients banded in Mexico, even though it is my understanding that one of them has actually trained under Dr. Ortiz??? Anyway, if something did go wrong I would have to get back to him!! Thanks again, I soooo appreciate all of the wisdom of all the vets on this forum!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenlynn79 Posted January 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 Oh my gosh Julie! You sound miserable. Maybe you should get an unfill? I totally understand your point, you are getting liquids so why bother? That's why I waited so long. But I stopped losing after about 9 days because I wasn't getting enough FOOD. Also I was eating a lot of chocolate because it went down! I bet your hormonal changes are really affecting it as well. Please take care of yourself!!! I totally know that I am going to gain a few, but whatever. At least I can eat something! I am so scheduling a fill tomorrow for 3 weeks from now so I can't get too wild! Please be careful with yourself!!! Karen Dear Karynlynn and others:I am so glad you went in and got yourself taken care of. Your story has me rethinking what I am doing for sure. Thank you for sharing your situation. I had to have an unfill after my 2nd fill within 4 days because I couldn't even keep liquids down. It worries me about what Dr. So said. I've had a rough month or two. The last 2-3 weeks I could barely eat anything. I was able to sip slowly and get protein drinks down and have a rare few tiny, tiny bites of something. I've been stressed out and got shingles of all things. I'm also in full blown menapause and that is screwing up my cycles and temperment something terrible. I have thought about getting an unfill but I keep thinking because I can drink liquids I am OK. I have had times where I PB almost every day for a few days in a row even when I am following the rules and trying to eat something I used to be able to eat. I can't even try to have anything until after noon and then it's liquids only. I think I have figured out though that the foods that make me PB are ones I should not be having anyway especially bread of any kind. I have been able to eat some "bad" things like shortbread cookies, a few pieces of chocolate and I had chips and salsa last week, all within reason and only a few bites so when this happens I just think it's stress causing the fluctuation and I just need to be careful. Anyway that's where I am. For the most part I am happy with this amount of restriction as I am losing well but I just don't want to have anything go wrong. Good luck in this new phase for you sweetie!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julieburns Posted January 5, 2009 Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 Dear Karynlynn: Thanks you for the concern. Just like magic last night I made this delicious crockpot chicken, carrots, green beans and potatoes with some white wine and herbs. I cooked the chicken so it was falling off the bone. I was able to eat about 2/3 to 3/4 cup total and probably could have eaten more but didn't want to overdo it. This is so crazy. I hadn't eaten that much in weeks. It was SOOOOOOO good. I guess I still need some time to figure this out. Thanks again and I wish you well on your upcoming fill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicolek Posted January 5, 2009 Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 Karen I've just made an appointment for an unfill at The OCC for Saturday,after reading your post. The last few weeks I have had heart burn, pain in my back and can hardly eat anything healthy and Pb the foods I'm meant to be eating. Not only have I ended up eating foods I shouldn't eat i.e. chips, cookies and Baileys, my hair loss has increased and I had to have it cut short. Even though I don't really have the money my health top of the list. I hope I haven't left it too late. I report back from the Lucerna. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnm75 Posted January 5, 2009 Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 Informative thread! Julie... sorry to hear about the shingles, no fun --- and, super painful! Karen... so glad to hear you are okay! You look amazing... and, you have an adorable daughter to boot! This thread has me thinking. I know going to the OCC involves the travel cost... and, if you choose --- a fluro cost. However, what have experiences been if you have to have something more than a fill or unfill in regards to cost? A slipped band? Etc? I'm a pretty good saver, but I'm pretty good at spending that saved money (i.e., surgery, treadmill, an extra car (it's old and decrepit) to put work miles on, etc.) I suppose I may need to have a separate OCC savings that I can't touch. Kristy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAMMIE Posted January 5, 2009 Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 LisaI agree that everyone should try to have a little emergency fund set aside just in case anything comes up. Even a couple hundered dollars for an emergency unfill locally. Also.. I hope your son moves out by the summer/fall because I'm wanting to get my thighs and upper arms done! What we should do is just plan on having a big ol Plastic Surgery party - kind of like Tupperware party - if that doesn't make him move out - nothing will...... I'LL WANT ONE OF THOSE INVITES LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzyJude Posted January 5, 2009 Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 Dear Karynlynn: Thanks you for the concern. Just like magic last night I made this delicious crockpot chicken, carrots, green beans and potatoes with some white wine and herbs. I cooked the chicken so it was falling off the bone. I was able to eat about 2/3 to 3/4 cup total and probably could have eaten more but didn't want to overdo it. This is so crazy. I hadn't eaten that much in weeks. It was SOOOOOOO good. I guess I still need some time to figure this out. Thanks again and I wish you well on your upcoming fill. Julie ~ thanks for your post and I sure hope you feel much better! Having both the shingles ANd menopause is not a fun time at all. Relax and like Lisa always says, listen to your body and your band and only you can make the decision to know what to do. Godspped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenlynn79 Posted January 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 Karen I've just made an appointment for an unfill at The OCC for Saturday,after reading your post. The last few weeks I have had heart burn, pain in my back and can hardly eat anything healthy and Pb the foods I'm meant to be eating. Not only have I ended up eating foods I shouldn't eat i.e. chips, cookies and Baileys, my hair loss has increased and I had to have it cut short. Even though I don't really have the money my health top of the list. I hope I haven't left it too late. I report back from the Lucerna. Hey Nicole, I am sorry to hear that! Sounds so similar to me! Weird. I wouldn't worry though. I also had heart burn but no nausea or random vomitting. Good luck, I'll be thinking of you! Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim2BSlim Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 Karen~ I am so glad you got that fixed! I have days where my fill is too tight and others where it is just right. I did cancel my fill for this month because I know I can't handle anymore saline in my band. Take care! You look so amazing, honey!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigali Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 i now exactly how you feel. I had the same thing happen to me back in November 7 days before Thanksgiving. I feel awful and Dr. So did the same thing... took everything out. But two weeks later I got me fill and now I am back losing weight. The important thing is that you are okay and the band is, too. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
litlady Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 Karan- Thank you for sharing your story. You have certainly made me more aware. And, thank goodness you are well. Does anyone know what it feels like when the band slips? Just curious -- one of my semi-irrational fears. sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now