BAND SLIP?

Hello, I had  lapband surgery on June 22nd , 3 weeks out and I still have alot of swelling on my left side above port. My side is very swollen, extended and tight. It seems to get tighter after meals. I have not follwed meal plans as instructed but I have never vomitted. When I feel full I stop eatting. Please help, Is this swelling normal or have I slipped  band by cheating on my diet. My doctor is not aware of me cheating but says the swelling will go down with more protein in my diet. How  would I know if my band has slipped?

Have you tried the lap band or realize band forums?  Sorry I know nothing about bands, but it sounds like you're in discomfort.  Any fever?  Fever can mean infection post op for any surgery. 

Your safest bet is to call your doctors office and fess up.  Better you call for nothing than have a real emergency and let pride keep you from calling. 

Good luck.  I hope its nothing to worry about and you're better soon.

I will try the realize forum. I post on the lapband forum already. Thanks!

OK here goes....

Your band is just a device that unless your Dr has added fluid to during surgery is settling in place as your body heals post op and forms scar tissue.  Until you have restriction or have been constantly vomiting or overeating since surgery-no you have not slipped your Band.  It sounds like you have normal post op edema (swelling).  I know for myself it was literally 2-3 months before I was able to lay on my left side at night to sleep.

Now for what you might not want to hear-Are you trying to set yourself up for failure?  You have a restricted diet post op not because your doc wants you on a diet-but because you need to HEAL.  By getting by on liquids and soft foods the usual peristalsis movement of digestion is not as great which allows your band to settle in the spot your Dr stitched it to and allows it to form scar tissue in the correct area.

I hate to seem like I am being hard on you, but please be open and honest with your surgeon when you next see him.  You have trusted this man to cut you open and place a device in your body that will be there decades hopefully, but you don't trust his post op instructions?

You might have more luck posting surgery specific questions on the Lap Band Board.

Good luck.

Thanks for keeping it real.  My surgeon said my band is empty. Your only saying what I already know. Get my butt back on track and stay on track.  Thank you!

You're welcome. You're my first official butt kicking on the board.  I'd be happy to do it again if you need it.  Once I was cleared for mushies a small Wendy's chili could last me 4 meals.

Sweetie, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor.  Get in and do a flouroscope if necessary, but in the meantime go back to liquids only and let the tissue settle down.  Also, contact SandyR.  She is a wealth of info.  I promise you, you most likely do not have a slip and swelling is normal.  My port hurt like $#@*& for a least two months afterwards.  Its a  process sweetie.  Hope that helps.

Brenda