Ask Dr. Curry

Hi Dr. Curry, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! It is very generous of you! I am wondering if it is possible to still be getting smaller and not see the scale move?  I was banded in December and have lost 50 pounds, but feel like I am not getting anywhere right now. I have 3 cc in my band becaue 4 restricted me. I get full, not as early as it was when I first got my fill, but it is there. It really makes a big difference if I drink fluids with my meals. I have had a hard time cutting that out. Can fluids really make that big of a difference? Thanks for you help!

If you are replacing fat with muscle (which is more dense) you may be losing inches but not pounds.  We see this all the time at Fast Track our exercise center.  Fluids with meals usually cause band patients to be hungry sooner as it flushes the food out of the pouch.

Dr. Curry, I didn't think to ask you this question when you did my surgery. Do you routinely put in a few CC's in the band at surgery or is that just an individualized thing? Joann

In an Allergan AP band we put some saline in, with the Realize band it's not recommended so we don't do it.  I can't remember off the top of my head which one you have!

When a band is placed and stitched into position... How many locations is it stitched?

I usually do 3 stitches but it can vary.

Hi Dr. C Just wanted to thank you once again for all your help. I have since followed up with my Dr. and asked for a referral for another upper GI/Endo. If they are clear he wants to start filling me again. I feel a lot better in general but had an episode of reflux last wk. My Dr. said the EGD would have pinpointed any dialation/slippage. I was wondering if there were any ulcers? Sicne I haven't gained wt, should I just stay unfilled in the meantime? Also, would there be any benefit to switching out to an AP?

Julie - email me at [email protected] I don't want to post any of your medical history here!

I am having trouble with the website--could you do me one more favor and hit the "contact" button on the post? it will go straight  to my profile here.

i have the hiccups and i am 5 days post -op.  is there something wrong?