Anyone know...?

I just know if I researched this I could find the answer on my own, but I'm being a bit lazy this evening. The end of November I had 1cc taken out of my band to give my "slightly" dialated esophogus a break for 8 weeks. I've had .4cc's put back in so far, but I'm no where near the restriction I used to be. I have another fill scheduled on March 26th. My question is: can you stretch your "pouch" when you don't have that optimal restriction? I can literally feel the food slide right through me...sometimes within 15-20 min after eating. I've gained 15lbs in the past 3 mos and I'm scared I'm going to gain more before I get where I need to be....yet I'm hungry again all the time and I know I'm eating more then I should sometimes!! Any support or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Annette, I had to have my band repositioned in 2004. I, of course, had a total unfill for the surgery and then started with the one fill per month (after six weeks) program. It too****il about April 2005 to get me back to the right restriction. During that time, I could eat too much and I gained back to about 150. But, the minute I got back to the sweet spot, it came back off. I guess my message is, hang in there - once you get the right restriction back you should be fine. Take care, Vicki

I sure hope so...the guilt that comes with gaining is horrible sometimes. It makes a person eat worse! I get so ashamed of myself for gaining.

I understand, Annette. I remember thinking, "am I just another one of those surgical weight loss patients *****gains the weight?" Here is the reality. We know we need the band to maintain a normal weight. We realized that prior to getting the band. So, with no restriction - we eat. But once the restriction is back, that "extra" weight comes off. Take care and don't beat yourself up. It will be okay. Vicki

I don't know the answer but it seems to me that if your doc took some fill out to give the pouch time to shrink back, then that must mean that without optimal restriciton, the pouch cannot be dilated. Whatever the answer may be - hope you get it sorted quuckly. Good luck. kate