Ask Dr. Curry

Buzz on over to the Realize Band forum, there is a whole section of articles my staff and I put together on this very topic!

Dr. Curry,
I am scared to death right now - I have jumped thru all the hoops to have the Lapband procedure - including spending all day for pre-op.  This morning I went to have the Upper GI done and as I was driving home this afternoon, I got a call from the surgeon's office that there was a *problem that would require having an EGD done first*  After asking more questions, I got the NP on th phone and was told that there was inflammation of the stomach.  They would do the EGD and then felt comfortably sure that the band would be placed. 

I am going to be put to sleep in the morning and not know until I wake up if I have been banded or if there is something wrong....  My surgery date is in the morning.

Of course, I have looked on the internet and read about gastritis.  I have had no pain, no reflux symptoms, no nausea, vomiting - I do not take NSAIDS and have not for over 2 years - I do not smoke, drink alcohol, nor do I drink caffeine.  I have not been aware of a problem.  Several years ago I had H.pylori - my surgeon's office does a breathing test to check for H.Pylori and it was negative.

I don't know what to expect and not knowing is the worse part of this.  I have known what to expect when I was intubated and banded, but not now.....

Please spread some light on this situation. 

I've never cancelled a case because of gastritis, if that helps.

Dr. Curry, I have a 4cc band. I was filled 1.2 after 6 six weeks out  and 1.8 four weeks after that it that to much to soon? I haven't lost any weight in two month. 

It's only too much if you are too tight!

Dr. Curry,

I am 4 weeks preop.  There was a question regarding dilated esophagus or stretched pouch earlier and that it requires an unfill.  What causes a dilated esophagus?  Is it over eating?  What measures can be taken to prevent this.  Thank you,

Mari

Combination of being too tight and over eating.  Don't get too tight and don't ever eat, that should avoid the problem!

Today is my band anniversary and I have 2 questions. 

1.  I will be getting a colonoscopy to make sure I have IBS  (abdominal pain gb & appendix removed and fluctuations between diahrea and constipation) and nothing else more serious.  I have to do the half-lytly prep w/ the pills.  How much should I be able to tolerate?

2. I have been at a stand still in my weight and have been under extra stress.  I have been eating I think at the right speed but maybe a tad to fast.  However, I keep throwing up at least 1/2 of my meal.  Am I too tight  or is it something else?  

Thank  you as always!

We usually unfill our band patients a little for a colonoscopy so they can drink the whole prep.

As far as being too tight, it sounds like you are too me, especially if you feel like you are eating right.

Dr. Curry,

I was banded 3/22/06, and now seem to have sprung a leak.  At my last adjustment my PA pushed 7cc but only pulled back .5.....is this a common occurance, what could have caused it, could a misplaced needle punctured the port tubing or is this "just one of those things" and I have no recourse but to hope against hope that my insurance will pay for a revision??  ( I was a self-pay)