Can the stomach flu cause problems with my band?

[Awapuhi]

On Jan 22nd, I went to Mexico for my fourth fill: 3.2 cc. At first, I had the normal uncomfortable restriction with food & liquids, so I didn't think it was unusual. I'd try to drink or eat something light.. it would be uncomfortable & sometimes lead to PBing.

Everything was fine until 3 days later I caught the stomach flu. I had the occassional uncontrollable vomiting over about a 24 hour period. Despite the effects of the illness, I still tried to take liquid medication & drink fluids.

Since then I have noticed that every time I lay down to sleep...I am rudely awakened every couple hours or so from coughing & choking, often leading to involuntary vomitting. It seems that if I drink something before bed, have a late dinner, or go to sleep on an empty stomach..I still wake up with what feels like indigestion. I can't rest until I throw up everything. Even then, it reoccurs within a few hours.

I just don't understand why this is happening or how to get rid of it. This has never happened before. So, tonight I purchased something for indigestion & I'm going to take it before I go to sleep.. hopefully, that will help.

Another thing I've noticed since this stomach flu issue...I don't seem to be able to digest milk. I noticed that sometimes, when I am at my sit-down job, the milk will just sit in my pouch & curdle. NOT all the time...but most of the time (if I don't get away from my desk). I am curious if it's bc I am sitting down (not that it has ever been an issue before...but I did read something in one of the topics about restriction associated with sitting down). Once, I noticed my food sat in my pouch longer than it should have...so, when I tried to drink milk, it curdled & came back up a while later (with the food). One thing I do know, is that when I am at my waitress job, I can eat or drink anything with little discomfort & no such issues.

I'm just not sure why I am having so many issues. I don't think it has alot to do with my new band restriction...but I could be wrong. I just need to know how to fix it. Does anyone have any advice or ideas?

[nothereanymore]

You could still be swollen due to the flu and PBing, and since you went on liquids which was the right course to follow and you didn’t get better (I go on liquids for 3 days after an episode) I think it might be best to get back to the OCC for a check up and an unfill if it continues much longer.

And another note, food goes down better if we are running around, and don’t have stress. So I’m guessing that at your waitress job you have less stress and you run around a lot after eating. Sitting or lying down (for me) does slow down how fast my food drops. I do try to walk after eating and I make sure that I don’t eat or drink (unless it’s clear herbal tea) a couple hours before bed. I don’t like to leave anything in my pouch. Also check out your stress levels at the places that cause you problems eating – it can be really eye opening when we start looking at what causes our bands to close up.

Take care, sorry you had to deal with this!

Lisa

[Awapuhi]

WOW! I didn't think it could take so long to unswell. You're right, I haven't given it sufficient time to recover ...& like I said..the indigestion has only been happening since my flu. Perhaps bc it forces me to vomit in order to have relief, it makes sense that I'm probably not completely healed.

I took that indigestion pill before I went to sleep, but it didn't help too much. Within minutes of falling asleep, I was coughing & choking again, until it came up & I was running to bathroom. It was worse this time bc the pill hadn't cleared my stomach & I found myself dry heaving after I vomitted all my stomach & pouch contents. It was really bad...& this time it scared me bc I feel there's seriously something wrong.

I will take your advice & do the liquids for a few days. If that doesn't help, then I will call them before the week is out.

Thank you so much for your advice!

You could still be swollen due to the flu and PBing, and since you went on liquids which was the right course to follow and you didn’t get better (I go on liquids for 3 days after an episode) I think it might be best to get back to the OCC for a check up and an unfill if it continues much longer.

And another note, food goes down better if we are running around, and don’t have stress. So I’m guessing that at your waitress job you have less stress and you run around a lot after eating. Sitting or lying down (for me) does slow down how fast my food drops. I do try to walk after eating and I make sure that I don’t eat or drink (unless it’s clear herbal tea) a couple hours before bed. I don’t like to leave anything in my pouch. Also check out your stress levels at the places that cause you problems eating – it can be really eye opening when we start looking at what causes our bands to close up.

Take care, sorry you had to deal with this!

Lisa