I'm the redheaded step-child of WLS......

I'm not really sure where I belong on here. I have the lap band over gastric plication. I can relate to many of the band conversations. But I've been told the plication is close to the same as the sleeve because it reduces the stomach size by up to 2/3. So, since I have two proceedures combined, many of my experiences will be much different than other bandsters.

For example today I went for my post op-group for nutrition and psych. After that I got my first fill. It was done under flouro like many other bandsters. However I was told my band is quite tight even though my band was left empty when it was implanted. They debated on whether to try 1/2 or 1 cc. They went with 1cc and the fluid didn't come back up. They debated about whether to take half of it back out. But since the fluid didn't come back up we left it at 1cc. They did warn that there is a chance it may be too much restriction. So, if there are problems getting things down, I'll have to go back for an unfill. I know most other bandsers require multiple fills before getting much restriction.

When I respond to posts my experiences are different than most because of the plication. So do I belong here or the VSG board or somewhere else. I feel like the redheaded step-child of the family.

Well, I've had a band and a VSG - just not at the same time. Now with plication they don't reduce the size of the stomach because there is no cutting, it reduces the capacity  - they roll up the fundus and stitch it in place right?  What size band did they use? I woud be afraid that a band designed to go around a normal stomach would be way to tight to wrap around the plication?

IMO you will probably benefit from the Band board because you will have the issues (fills, pb, port stuff) that the Plication does normally deal with but everyone over on the VSG forum is very helpful (and there are a lot of former bansters over there as well that can probably lend a hand if you ever need it).

Good luck.

You're right, they only fold and stitch. No cutting. The similarity is in the size of the stomach after surgery. I'm not sure of the band size. One of the questions I wanted to ask today but forgot. I go back n a month to see if I need another fill and I will see my surgeon again. I'm going to have a list of questions again by then. I plan to check out the VSG forum but I was thinking the same as you. This forum is very helpful in helping me know what to expect when it comes to the band.

Having a list of questions at your doctor's appointment is a GREAT plan.  I pretty much always have a pen and paper in my purse and if I don't have that, I always have my phone where I keep a running list of things I wonder about.  The day before my appointment, I pull them all together and type out a list of questions I want to ask. 

I've always been someone whose mind goes blank in doctor's office when they ask if I have any more questions so I started doing this when I was doing infertility treatments.  I've found that if I have that list, it helps jog my memory with what I've been experiencing and/or wondering about since my last appointment.  And everyone at my clinic has kind of gotten used to it and they expect to spend a little longer with me now.

Also?  We like you here.  I think you're kind of fantastic.

In my opinion, you belong here AND there.  I think wherever you can get information and support for your needs, you should go.  

 

 

I say you belong where ever you want to belong and if you aren't welcomed with open arms then you don't need them anyway. 

Any way I have a feeling you would be welcomed here just fine.

Thanks guys. I like it here. This will be my home. You have all made me feel really welcome here. And I will visit the other boards occasionally. lol

We have a couple of people who had RNY to band, maybe a few other types. Since you have the band now, we probably have more in common, but I would venture to other places once in a while like you said. Continued good luck. I hope your band is not too tight. That is a nice thing to have to worry about so early in your journey ( you know what I mean, LOL).

I have a couple of questions about the fill. When they finished today they debated on take half back out. After some discussion we left it at 1cc. The fluid wasn't coming back up but they kept saying I was tight. I was cautioned that I MUST eat and drink very slowly. I'm on liquids through tomorrow. The liquids are going down and staying down. But *TMI ALERT* My mouth keeps filling with saliva. Is there swelling after a fill? Does the amount of restriction change after a few days? Right now I'm thinking I want to skip my meds until tomorrow.

Yes there's swelling after a fill and that's why most of us have to do liquids for 24-48 hours and then softs.  BUT I have never dealt with the saliva issue after a fill, only with a stuck episode with too dry of food.  Let your surgeon know if that keeps up tomorrow.  You could be too tight, but as long as fluids are going down, that's good.