Ask Dr. Curry?

Dr. Curry,

I have been referred to you by the support team at Obesity Help.com.  Here is my issue/question:
6 weeks ago I got a fill and seemed to be eating well.  About three weeks ago, I noticed that I could not drink without difficulty and noticed that eating was a bit more difficult.  I chalked it up to stress (awaiting JCAHO survey !!!).  Last week I noticed that before I would get out of bed, I would hear gurgling in my throat.  Thought I must be too tight but I couldn't get to the fill center, so I tried to be very careful.  Long story short, I went today, they did a barium swallow and found some pouch dilation.  The NP said it was small but withdrew 1cc from my band.  What percentage of people have to have a band revision when something like this occurs?  What are the percentages of the pouch restoring itself to normal size without a procedure.  I am on liquids for 3 days and then softs for 3 days and am scheduled to return in 2 weeks.  Any advice.  I have lost 54 pounds (May 07 surgery) and the thought of life without my band is not pleasant.

Thanks for any response.

If it is small amount of dilation I'd say you'll be ok.  If it is major dilation then I find most patients need surgical revision.

Hello Dr. Curry,
Would a patient with sarcoidosis be a candidate for lap band surgery?

Sarcoidosis is a connective tissue disorder.  It is one of the few contra-indications to gastric banding (contra-indication means not a good idea to put in a band).

Hello Dr. Curry,

I was wondering if you ever heard the multivitamins called Bariatric Fusion and if you think it's a good idea to take these after my lap-band surgery?

I have never used them, usually products with the word "Bariatric" in them are pretty good, but you can't say for sure without checking.  Email one of my dietitians ( [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] ) they should be able to tell you.

It's been two months and I still feel a little nausea after eating. Is this normal?

I wouldn't say it's unheard of, but I wouldn't say it's normal either.  I would follow up with your surgeon on this one.

Dr. Curry,
I have look for help elsewhere so now I will ask you.  I was banede on 7-29-09.  pretty much good.  I am down 70 lbs since being banded, 140 from my highest weight.  I have really no restriction but that was because of a problems wiht acid reflux.  That seems to be ok now and just had a fill 2 weeks ago.  that is not my question.

I have had a headache almost continuiouysly since the end of November.  I have seen a neurologist - did CT scan and blood tests -  nothing,which is good news but does not provide any answers.  My PCP has changed my meds, no relief.  Even reduced stress does not correlate wiht the intensity of the headache.  Blood sugar does not correlate either, we have been considering that too.  Even the meds they are trying are not releiving the headache.  Doctor has added magnesium and B2 to try to releive the headache.  No luck.

Is there any whay this has to do with the band diet? Or the weight loss?  Just currious if you have ever heard of anythng like this beeing connected.  Truthfully, I am grasping at straws here but I am hoping for some answers some where.

Thanks for any information, even eliminating possibilities does help, even though frustrating.

Thanks for all your help, this is a wonderful way to gain informaion and I do appreciate you giving your time to help.  Thank you!

Michele S.

Michele,
I am not a headache expert by any means, for a reasonably simple problem headaches are amazingly complex.  There are doctors who just specialize in headaches.  If you can find one of those in your area, even if it means travelling, that's what I would do.  I'm not aware of any direct band-related issues.