Weight gain and a band that's too tight.

Thanks so much for posting this, Shirley. Ever since my last fill in March, I hadnt lost any weight and have been feeling depressed about it. I didnt experience all the issues you have but too much sliming. I also felt bloated but I attributed that to the high sodium soups I was taking for lunch. I just figured I wasn't chewing well enough but I finally got in to see my doc earlier this week and he took .5 cc out. I feel so much better already. Its only been a few days but I'm looking forward to seeing the scale go down again. I was afraid I would be hungrier if I took some out but I'm still satisfied with the same small amounts! Next time, I won't hesitate to get an unfill if I need it.

I also admit that the band isn't perfect but its helped me so much already. I'm kinda glad I've had this experience of being too tight because now I know what it feels like. I'm at 5.25 in a 10cc band and I think it's just right now. When I was at 4.75cc, I got hungry within 2 hours after eating...now I can go 4 to 5 hours depending on the protein amount....and NO SLIMING!

Thanks again

 Thanks for your post! I know my band is not perfect and I am not perfect. 

I do believe in it being a "tool" to help us......

No miracle cures but certainly the band, for me, has been a miracle "tool".....

Congrats on your journey!!!

Great post! 
At one time or another most of us go through the "tighter must be better" phase.  I learned the same way that you do that it's not worth it!  Not only is it dangerous to your band and esophagus, it's counter-productive to losing weight.  I developed maladaptive behaviors and started chosing only sliders because I knew they would go down.  Well sliders generally are not low in calories and I too gained weight.  I was eating soup everyday and chili's etc.  Not only do they tend to be carb laden and full of extra calories, sodium, fat, etc. They aren't filling like when you eat dense protein so I was eating more often and was finding myself hungry to the point that I was eating crap foods just to fill the void.

I too loosened my band and now enjoy a more balanced diet.  I still have to use good band eating behaviors but when I slow down and chew well I can eat protein, no problem!

Thanks for posting this!

I'm glad you're feeling better!

Lisa O.

Your situation is exactly why many of us on this board try to caution newbies against getting fills too soon or too often.  One of the main reasons for complications (PBs, slips, maladaptive eating and erosion) is being overly aggressive with band fills.  It is important to understand how the band is supposed to work, vs the perception of "restriction" and the "sweet spot" or "green zone" that many search for without success.

Isn't is amazing how the first response to any bandster's issues is to recommend revision???  Would we tell an RNY'er or DS'er to revise because they were suffering something that could possibly be resolved by just asking their doctor??

Some people have legitimate band issues, often related to poor placement, sloppy surgeons or their physiology is just not suited to the band.  More screening (especially for hiatal hernia, esophageal dismotility, esophageal spasms etc) and getting rid of the "WLS Mills" will go a long way towards a higher long term success rate.

I am glad you found a non-surgical solution to your problem.

Steph