Band Slip Update, Port Moves, & Yeah I Fell on the Floor-Embarassed!!!

Three weeks ago I went in for a band check after having severe acid reflux. I found out that my band slipped. After doing liquids the whole time I have my band back to normal (YEAH!) The practitioner asked me to do a testamonial (OMG) since I've lost over 100 pounds in just over a year. I consider it a huge honor, but I still have another 85 pounds to go.

Anyway, here's my issue. While getting ready for the adjustment, the practioner mentioned that it was really hard to get to my port. The damn thing has migrated to the left quite a bit. The issue was that everytime that she got it, it would slide as she put the needle in. She inserted the needle about 4-5 times.It just won't stay! She mentioned this can happen with the weight loss and muscle gain.

I started to get light headed and warned her that I was feeling faint. Before I knew it I was on the floor!!! I really scared the hell out of her and her assistant. I don't get it. I'm not diabetic and even if I was pre-diabetic (which I'm not) I've lost over 100+ pounds. So what gives?
 
I'm thinking this is hypoglycemia. Do other people experience this with the band-chills, anxiety, sweats, light headedness, fatigue? Could it be because I've been on this sugar-free liquid diet for three weeks? The thing is since I've had the band I've had these light headed fatigue symptoms before but just haven't collapsed.

I'd appreciate some advice in advance. And as a follow up, I have to go back on Monday for the adjustment. All is well, but really hoping for some feedback.





For more info here is my previous post:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4399340/Need-an-Un fill-Im-clueless-Am-I-dying-HELP/

It's not that uncommon, something about the vagus nerve I think, if I remember correctly. That's why my doc has people lay down during a fill. Nothing to worry about unless you have other symptoms of blood sugar issues. It probably has nothing to do with other health issues.

Hi...dont feel bad because you are not alone.  At my last feel I asked for my fill to be under fluroscope to make sure the he didn't get it too tight.  I hadn't had anything to eat all day and when I took the third swallow of barium I was thinking, man I need to sit down.  Luckely thet have learned I assume the hard way to have a chair behind the patient.  Well I blacked out and woke up with the surgeon getting me to the chair.  I felt cold and sweaty and have been taught that this means that the blood sugar is low.  Hot and dry sugar high.     One more question for you, are you on bloodpressure meds?  Since losing weight I have problems with hypostatic hypertension which for those that don't know means that I can't go from a laying to a standing/walking position to fast or else I black out.  This happened a few month ago and when I blacked out I woke up on my back on the ceramic time floor.  No harm done except for a broken tell bone and I am still in severe pain when I sit.  Noting can be done to treat it but time..  My PCP is now adjusting my BP meds.  My surgeon normally does my fills with me laying down, but with the fluroscope i stand.  sorry if i gave u too much info.  Congrats on your WL.

Thank you for this post. Oh thank goodness someone can relate. I find it amazing how many people view the post but only two have answered and I am very greatful that I had a response.

I haven't taken any meds in a long time. I use to take a slew of them but because I lost so quickly I learned I didn't need them. One thing I haven't gone back to havecheck is my sleep apnea. I noticed that overtime I'm more annoyed with the machine. I probably should get it checked out.

I will say that I really scared the doc's office today. I know now that whatever this is I better eat something beforehand.

I fear actually going back on Monday simply because of the pain I felt while she was trying to get at my port. The port has moved over on my muslce. It hasn't turned or anything but it's situated in a way that makes it harder for adjustments. As soon as I see the fluroscope I can tell that it won't stay still. Does this happen to a lot of people over time once you've lost weight?

Hi...dont feel bad that many read your post, but did not reply.  If I have not experienced the problem then I do not feel qualified to respond.  I read almost every post because I find that it educated me as well as it helps to keep me motivated.  My surgeon does not have problems getting to my port, but I had read of many where the surgeon does have difficulty.  I have experienced myself that with weighloss my port is no longer where it once was.  I go back to see my surgeon ob tuesday and will ask for another fluroscope, but will also be more prepared.  Maybe you Dr should do like mine and put a chair behind you just in case.  I don't plan on having  a fill, maybe a slight unfill like .10cc.  I just worry because I had to be emptied once due to esophagus dilation and I don't want to go through that again.  My band was only empty for 2 extremely  long weeks, but it taught me how much I depended on the band.  Please keep me posted on how you are doing.  We can and will reach out goal.

So I guess it is common for the port to move? This is really interested. I was getting freaked out when they said the port moved over a few inches. Like I said it hasn't turned but when the practitioner tries to access it, it shifts.

I will mention on Monday that I would like a chair behind me in case I start getting light headed.

Lots of people pass out during things involving needles. It's a vasovagal response. Happened to me many times during fills and unfills. Even if you're not really nervous about needles, your body simply responds, anyway.

You might need to get your port fixed at some point, rather than leave it and go through this every time.

The lightheaded fatigue symptoms are most likely from the band irritating your diaphragm and the nerves around it. The Vagus nerves run from the base of the skull down through the torso. It's just a side effect of the band in some people.

Sorry for poor response. I've never passed out during a fill but the NP had to try about 5 times before getting my first fill.  It had no outward effect on me.  Otherwise no experiences to share.  Hope all goes well with your next visit.  Take care and congrats on your success.