Ask Dr. Curry

Hi Dr. Curry and thanks for taking the time to read and answer our questions when you can.  I am curious about calorie intake. I use an online program to log my calories and exercise. I don't usually eat more than 1100 calories a day and there are some days that I can burn up to 600 calories during my workouts. So I'm netting only 500 calories. Is this ok? Too low? Depends? I've never heard amount of calories discussed before and am not sure if I have to worry about going into a starvation mode or not? I thought I remember hearing that the band actually helps keep our bodies out of starvation mode because it reduces the hormones released by the stomach or something to that effect.

That's probably a little on the low side.  Make sure you are getting lots of protein in (with that much exercise at least 80 grams).  If you are losing your hair that's a good sign that you are not getting in enough protein or cals.

Well, no more hair loss than usual. I lose hair due to my thyroid, always have, and it's the same everyday, so I guess I'm ok. I am always getting my 80 grams in so I guess I will monitor these things and see what happens. Thanks.

I've posted this as a general question to the forum. But I think it is a specific medical question. I had my band removed last fall for ? pouch intolerance (not my the same surgeon who did the original surgery). The diagnosis was Pouch intolerance. He did do a work up for band slippage but when they did the x-rays for placement, and the Upper GI I wasn't having symptoms. But  then I had a couple of days where I couldn't keep anything down and they took it out. The MD told me aftrwards that there wasn't a problem with placement and that the band "hadn't slipped" and diaganosed it as band intolerance.  This isn't listed as a complication, or at least I can''t find any information r/t to this topic. does this proclude me from another band, or other procedures that creates an artificial pouch?

I would not recommend another band for you, however a sleeve or a bypass would probably be an option.

Hi Dr. Curry,
I am one month out on lap band. Ever since I started pureed foods two weeks ago, I have had irregular heart beats. I am going to see my doctor in two days. I have already had a stress echo(normal) and holter monitor (4100 pvc's in 24 hrs). I am pretty sure it has SOMETHING to do with the band or the surgery and wanted to know if you have seen this before? Thanks. Sue

That's a new one on me...I've never seen it or heard of it before.

 Dr Curry   I had no idea when I joined the group  we had YOU  how nice of you....... my question is... I am about 10 months out  and I have a 10cc band     I feel restricted for a little  while  a week or so after a new fill then I can eat almost as much as I did before  I try not to but that is ard when you know  you can   I am weak....... my last fill  was about 2 weeks ago  and he said that I may have a dead area in the line to the band or in the band  and sure enough I did    it was great   but I noticed today I was getting hungry again and did eat to much...  so  could the dead area he was talking about  still be a problem?  Thanks so much  for taking the time to answer all these questions

Some patients with higher capacity bands like yours can take 5-7 adjustments before they maintain restriction.  It could be a port leak possibly.  Have you had a fluoro exam? Say hi to Dr. Nease for me!

  I will  say to Dr. Nease for you  isnt he a good person  like you      Ok  my next appt with dr. Nease is in Aug  should I just wait and see or  would  you suggest that I go back sooner ?    THANKS AGAIN willa