Ask Dr. Curry?

Tina,
Don't sweat it, the first 4 weeks are just for healing,  I don't care how much my patients lose during that time, just that they don't gain.  Weight loss will come with restriction.

Hi, Dr. Curry - what do you think about continuing with 81 aspirins as a preventative measure?
I've been given three different answers: phys asst - ask primary; surgeon - continue; nurse
who gave us nutution talk first visit after op: no - not as preventative - can erode band and
cause irritation.  Thanks.  Katherine B

Hi Dr. Curry
I had my 3d fill of .5 cc last Tuesday giving me 5cc in a 14cc band.  I did liquids Tues, and mushies Wed.  Thurs I moved ontosolids itout any issues, still not too much restriction.  i actually didn't feel ny diferent thanbefore the fill.  All of a sudden Monday I am having a lot of restriction.  I eat a small amount and am full for hours.  I think I am at my sweet spot.  I don't have any reflux, hearburn, PBing, sliming, vomitting, or pain.  i feel bloated, like i really need to burp.  Is it normal for a fill to take a few days to "kick in" or could i have a slip?  thanks!

Yes, it is very typical. Congrats on hitting the sweet spot!

Hi Dr. Curry I have a question about restriction. I'm nearly three months out from my revision (slip repair and port replacement) and I had two fills and now have 8cc in my 14cc band (doc put in 6cc at surgery) and I don't know what to think about my restriction. I definitely feel my band and I'm quite tight most of the day but none of the healthy foods I try work but junk does. Most of the day I throw up nearly everything I try but for a small window of time (usually late afternoon) I can eat as much as I want of anything. Aside from that time I throw up no matter how much I chew but during that time I don't have to chew well at all and then I'm fine. I'm not losing because I can't eat good band foods but unhealthy foods go down slightly more easily. I also don't stay full for more than 20 minutes or so when I do get full so I don't think what I'm feeling is good restriction. And the full thing is another problem, I don't usually feel full before I throw up so I don't see it coming. I'm thinking this is deja vu because my band slipped after three months the first time but I don't know what to do about it. Does this make any sense to you? What would you suggest? (I'm scared to go to Fielding because he will probably suggest a fill because i'm not losing but I know I can't handle that right now!)

Unfortunately I have no suggestions...I would do an upper GI to look at your pouch and band position.

Hey Dr. Curry.
I need a fill, I haven't been doing things right. I just edited this post because at first I was thinking it was my band, but now realize it's all been ME! I lost 50 lbs initially I was SO HAPPY, but got an unfill (probably due to how and what I was eating), and then you put 0,75 cc in, and I'm still too lose. 

what is the success rate with the band?

Am I supposed to come see you every 4 weeks? A girlfriend of mine just lost 110 lbs in 8 months, and she said mostly it's because she has to go see her surgeon every 2 weeks, to get filled, and weighed...

OH ONE MORE QUESTION.. I don't have the realize band, but can we get a log in to their online web site, it seems to have a lot of cool opetions for us with the band. The mysuccess tool, or do you know of something similar?

Thanks!
Crystsal

There is a brand new tool for Lap Band patients - go to www.LapBand.com and you will see some details there.  It is similar to mySuccess.  As far as how often you need to come in - it's variable for every patient.  Monthly is certainly an option if that's what you need.  Every two weeks is extreme, I don't know how the surgeon would ever find time to do any surgery!

I could use your advice please.  I am getting banded next month but currently have gallstones and get alot of acid reflux.  I have had 3 attacks in 2 years.  Dr. says I should have it out first, but do not need to.  What is your suggestion?  ALSO.... if I do have it now, how long do I have to wait to do the band afterwards? 

Thanks for your time,
Denise

I prefer to remove the gallbladder about a month prior to surgery.  Minimizes the risk of band infection.