Band People Long Term Heads Up
Beware and PLEASE learn from me. Today I had a new experience with my band and thought I'd pass on the knowledge here.
Today I had an UPPER GI (Barium Swallow Test). It showed something I did not expect. What I thought was a super loose band causing me no restriction whatsover turned out to be a super tight band that prevented food and liquid from freely passing. But wait....I thought I had heard Paul say that he could now eat like a pre-op and is gaining weight. Yes, that is true. The SAD truth is that the pouch above the band has become or always has been lucid. Meaning it can hold a huge meal and then slowly release it.
My doctor thinks that it is possible that my first surgery was not able to create the small pouch necessary to fully make it work (I had open RNY) because of my size when I first went under.
What does this all mean for band people? NEVER rely on your sensations as the only indicator as to the tightness of your band. NEVER rely on the "cc NUMBER" to tell you how full your band is. Get an upper GI and find out for sure. I'm not saying to ignore those indicators, just don't assume.
For me....the surgeon removed all fluid from my band. Indeed I am back to pre-op. I need to step up the mental game seriously. In a few weeks they will look again to see if things have shrunken back to normal size. Perhaps a hernia repair is in my future....who knows. But this would explain why I have had problems sleeping.
P
Today I had an UPPER GI (Barium Swallow Test). It showed something I did not expect. What I thought was a super loose band causing me no restriction whatsover turned out to be a super tight band that prevented food and liquid from freely passing. But wait....I thought I had heard Paul say that he could now eat like a pre-op and is gaining weight. Yes, that is true. The SAD truth is that the pouch above the band has become or always has been lucid. Meaning it can hold a huge meal and then slowly release it.
My doctor thinks that it is possible that my first surgery was not able to create the small pouch necessary to fully make it work (I had open RNY) because of my size when I first went under.
What does this all mean for band people? NEVER rely on your sensations as the only indicator as to the tightness of your band. NEVER rely on the "cc NUMBER" to tell you how full your band is. Get an upper GI and find out for sure. I'm not saying to ignore those indicators, just don't assume.
For me....the surgeon removed all fluid from my band. Indeed I am back to pre-op. I need to step up the mental game seriously. In a few weeks they will look again to see if things have shrunken back to normal size. Perhaps a hernia repair is in my future....who knows. But this would explain why I have had problems sleeping.
P
(deactivated member)
on 8/30/10 10:11 am - Clear Lake, MN
on 8/30/10 10:11 am - Clear Lake, MN
Paul,
I'm so glad you got answers.....Hopefully things will work out.....Hang in there, and awesome job on taking care of yourself.....Well with a little NUDGE.....
Kel
I'm so glad you got answers.....Hopefully things will work out.....Hang in there, and awesome job on taking care of yourself.....Well with a little NUDGE.....
Kel
Sorry to hear that Paul! That's definitely a lesson learned... I am glad you went to your doctor and got things figured out.
You've certainly had your battles since your revision. Dang!
Would they consider removing your band to prevent further complication? And at that point, consider a revision to the DS so you can have your pouch taken down and still have both malabsorption & restriction?
Insurance coverage on a third revision may be tricky, but...stranger things have happened.
I hope the new diagnosis helps and you're able to get some relief from the unfill.
Would they consider removing your band to prevent further complication? And at that point, consider a revision to the DS so you can have your pouch taken down and still have both malabsorption & restriction?
Insurance coverage on a third revision may be tricky, but...stranger things have happened.
I hope the new diagnosis helps and you're able to get some relief from the unfill.
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