I am devastated

As some of you know I was off to Moncton yesterday for my fill under Fluoroscope.  I have been so hungry for the past 4-5 weeks and my last fill was 9 weeks ago.  I got in front of the fluro and he instructed Dr. Daly to put in 1cc...but........Dr. B. immediately told him to take out that one plus one more.  huh????  why????  He started to explain to me from behind the xray wall and couldn't hear him so he came around so I could see him. 

He got me to look at the xray which indicated that I have a stretched pouch.  He said we have to unfill you so it can relax back to normal.    I was shocked and devastated.  I asked if I had done this to myself and he said "no" that this happens to about 10% of band patients.  With some fills it can put pressure on the upper pouch and cause it to mushroom or balloon out.  If it's caught it time it can go back to normal (and for this I love the fluroscope). 

I was crying so hard I couldn't comprehend all he was saying but between he and Dr. Daly the radiologist, the consoled me enough to ensure me that this is correctable and should probably be able to get a fill in 4 weeks.  I have to go again under fluoro to see if it corrected and then they will decide if I can have a fill or not. 

I can't even begin to tell you how it has left me feeling.  I am devastated.  I thought for sure I would get a fill because I've been so hungry.  He said I'm hungry because the pouch is stretched and the nerves which tell you that you are full are working properly.  (or something like that).  Like I said I was crying so hard I only comprehended some of what he said. 

After that I decided to go back to see Lise and tell her what happened and between her and Rinette they calmed me down.  I had to see Rinette anyway because they are now putting band patients on calcium + Vit D pills.  Only started in the last 2 weeks. 

I gained another 3 lbs (up three in July and up andother 3 this time).  Again devastated.  They told me that wasn't the end of the world, but they have no idea until they experience it for themselves. 

I've also read that you can stretch your pouch by over eating and /or drinking carbonated beverages...so girls, lay off the soft drinks and beer.  It's not funny at all when they tell you you have a stretched pouch.  don't take any chances.  Not that this is what happened to me cause I haven't had carbonation in a year.  but you would hate to contribute to possible stretching.

Anyway, this is my devastating story from yesterday.  My appologies to Sherry from Sydney who had to see me cry but had to talk to someone.

Anyway girls, keep up the good work.

Penelope G ( aka Patsy)

 

Patsy - MY GOSH GIRL!!!!!! I so wish my fill had been yesterday instead of Wednesday- we could have had a nice chat and maybe helped each other.  I have been starving and eating too much and worried about a stretched pouch.  I had been scheduled to be seen by the doctor but Lise did my fill and I did not even get to see the doctor.  I too am devastated with my progress - or lack thereof.  I have to start the Calcium and Vit D too and so I am looking for a good one that is easy to swallow.  

I think you have my home phone number - if you need to talk give me a call. Or I will call you if I need to talk.  Like I said in a previous post - nobody said this was a miracle cure and nobody said it would be a walk in the park and for sure this is no fun.  Although I do not regret having the surgery, I certainly am not having a good go of it just now.  But I think that is something we all have to come to terms with.  Its not the magic pill, its not an easy peasy way to get healthy and lose weight but it is what we have signed up for and so we have to make the best of it.  

I hope you are okay.  I hope you can manage to hang in there for the 4 weeks and if not - call me - I can at least listen and try to encourage.

Ann

I am so sorry Patsy. I would react the same way. ...I was upset by an unfill, you have every reason to feel the way you do.  For now, just do your best to maintain your weight. You have done so well thus far, and you will do well again.

Ahhh Patsy I am sorry your pouch is acting up - doesnt seem fair for all the hard work and dedication you put into this journey that "its" not playing fair and giving you such grief.

Big Hugs and I hope that in 4 weeks you will be able to get your fill and be back on track.
 
You have come so far and dont forget the huge amount you have lost and how much better your health is - I know its hard but try to be kind to yourself during this challenge - other wise its pretty easy to fall into old patterns and with anger comes punishment or stuffing emotions which is what a lot of us did to get into this boat.

I know personally for me through all the challenges with my dad and my own health this summer boy am I seeking ways to find comfort in food again and thought I had come so far- my pouch doesnt agree with my little stunts but damn if I haven't pushed the limit and tried any ol way I can come up with to return to that old reliable pal that has always been there for me in the past- FOOD!

Post and vent and hang in there - we certainly all understand .

take care,
deb

Oh Patsy,I am so sorry to hear about this for you. We all go into this scary surgery to correct  something that we cannot fix ourselves hoping and praying this will work for us. You have had such a hard time with Felix. You were so sick last year until you found out you had gallbladder trouble,you had that huge stall trying to get to the century mark and now this.  You know they say everything happens for a reason but for the life of me,  I can't see a reason for all of your troubles. Maybe a higher power does. Hang in there Sweetie, it has to get better, can't get much worse. 

Now for the positive spin.... It's a good thing the stretch was caught now and not later. It could have done some major damage, ulceration, rupture ect... So it is a good thing it was caught now while fixing it is just a matter of resting it and letting it relax and go back where it belongs. If you had not gone for a fill and it not been caught, you might be looking at more surgery and nobody wants that. Hang in there Patsy. You will get there. Honest.

Having the lapband isn't a miracle cure, it is darn hard work, from what I have read here from all who post. It takes strong women and men to persevere against set-backs, but girl you can do it. how do I know that , I just took a look at your weight loss to date.You are strong, and another of these setbacks is just a bump in the road to your final goal.  Hope you feel better soon.

I just feel so bad that you are having such a hard time. I can't even imagine what you are going through. One thing I do know though, is that based on everything you have already gone through and all the weight you have already lost, there is no doubt in my mind that you will get through this too.  Just try to keep things in perspective and think about how far you have come and because of that, how far and how strong you are to go further.  Thinking of you and sending cyber love your way.

Sugarbear.

Awe Patsy, my heart goes out to you because like everyone who has had this surgery, they know that its always an uphill battle.  Now I'm not gonna repeat all the great advice the girls have given you but I am gonna tell ya this....

Take all that anger and devastation and turn it into positive energy.  Anytime you start to think about it and it gets you upset and you may want to turn to food or cry......go for a walk or exercise or something to get you moving.  You wouldn't believe how fast you can walk when you are mad or upset.....lol

Sending big hugs your way

Oh Patsy, so sorry that things are not going as expected.
You have worked too hard to be having these setbacks. 
As the others have said, try and focus on how far you've come and not on the difficulties, it is just a setback and the desired end is just a little further away -that's all.

ALl the best and I still have no doubt that you can do this.

Joann

(((( Patsy ))))

I would have been feeling the EXACT same as you were and my heart goes out to you. Take a deep breath. I say that but I know I would be in your shoes and devasted as well.

I am very glad that you were to stop and talk with Lise and RInette and I hope that their words made you feel a little better. All you can do it let the healing beginning, try to stay positive and hope for the best. Lean on us ~ we're your lap band family and we care about you!

You can get through this, my friend.