sudden loss of restriction

mmarg. · 07-29-2008, 05:28 PM

Hello all,
I'm a little confused and hoping some of you may be able to help me.
I was banded Aug. 2006. I have the Swedish band that holds 10cc. I
was filled at 6.5 cc for 1.5 years, lost 80 lbs, but my weight was
stuck and I was struggling a lot with hunger so I decided to get
another fill. The fill nurse had a little trouble with my port, it
took maybe 3 tries, but I experienced redness at the port site and a
stinging sensation that lasted a few hours. She put in .25 cc. The
weird thing is that after that fill, I had a LOT less restriction than
I did before. So, I just got another .5 cc put in and I still don't
seem to have much restriction at all. Is it possible that something
went wrong with the previous fill? I don't understand why my
restriction has lessened with 2 fills. I have another fill booked next
week, but I'm wondering what to do. I've asked for a fluro but was
told they do not do one unless I'm having obvious problems which I am
not. Could I have a leak? pouch dilation?

2befree · 07-29-2008, 08:18 PM

Hi! Sorry to hear you are having trouble - but congratulations on your 80 pound lost! When I went in for my third fill, they pulled out the fluid in my band and there was on 3.5 when it was at 4.5 a month earlier, so my doctor filled me with opaque sp? fluid this time. It is supposed to be thicker and if you do have a small leak it is kinda like a fix-a-flat. I have great restriction now. Good luck!

Pamtexas · 07-30-2008, 12:17 PM

I'd consider going to another doctor for a 2nd opinion (not switching doctors, just an opinion). The reason: if your band just disintigrated, or if they accidentally burst your band with too much fill, or created a leak they may be trying to wait till you cannot point the finger at them. If that's happened you need to know so you can have it replaced/repaired (I really like the fix a flat, didn't even know that existed). Accidents happen, no one is perfect - you can still use your regular doctor, just you need to know what you are facing and you can low-play how the problem occurred to maybe get them to be more accommodating regarding how to go forward. If that band is burst, no amount of fill is ever going to fill it up again. I know 2 people that happened to. They have no idea why the sacs burst, they just did after a few years.

08-05-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarg.

Hello all,
I'm a little confused and hoping some of you may be able to help me.
I was banded Aug. 2006. I have the Swedish band that holds 10cc. I
was filled at 6.5 cc for 1.5 years, lost 80 lbs, but my weight was
stuck and I was struggling a lot with hunger so I decided to get
another fill. The fill nurse had a little trouble with my port, it
took maybe 3 tries, but I experienced redness at the port site and a
stinging sensation that lasted a few hours. She put in .25 cc. The
weird thing is that after that fill, I had a LOT less restriction than
I did before. So, I just got another .5 cc put in and I still don't
seem to have much restriction at all. Is it possible that something
went wrong with the previous fill? I don't understand why my
restriction has lessened with 2 fills. I have another fill booked next
week, but I'm wondering what to do. I've asked for a fluro but was
told they do not do one unless I'm having obvious problems which I am
not. Could I have a leak? pouch dilation?

You mentioned that the fill nurse had difficulty hitting your port and that you experienced burning/pain for several hours afterward. It is quite possible that she never even hit your port to begin with, and thus, you never actually received the .75 cc's like you think you did. I would suggest going back to the doctor and having them draw out the saline to guage exactly how much saline you currently have.

traceyt · 08-05-2008, 03:40 PM

I'm going through the same thing right now. It's been dragging on for over a month and a half and I'm starting to feel like they don't want to take responsibility or something. I hope that's not the case and I'm just being impatient. I just don't feel like it's a priority for them. I also had asked my Dr. if there was a leak somewhere was there a warranty on the band and he said if it wwas the actual band he didn't know, If he punctured the tubing during a fill that was a different story. I took it to mean I would have to pay for the fix. I am so frustrated right now I can't stand it!

plakeway · 08-15-2008, 12:04 AM

Before they do the fill does your doc extract the fluid in there first and measure it? I'm with the others on this one sounds like the burning was someone shooting the saline in your abdomen and not into your port. If they don't insert the needle, pull back the injector to measure the current levels before putting in more then not sure you'll never know if they hit the right spot or not....

08-15-2008, 08:13 AM

Yes, before each new fill, my doctor draws out the existing saline and before adding any new saline. He also performs all fills under fluoro, so that he can see exactly how much restriction you have in your pouch. I've never, ever felt the saline entering into my port, tubing, or band itself. I suspect if you guys are feeling the saline flowing in, perhaps your doctor/assistant is missing the mark.

missmonaaz · 08-15-2008, 06:21 PM

May I suggest that you ask your doctor to fill you under flouro or find a fill doctor in your area that will fill you unfer flouro so you can actually see what is going on? I have had all my fills under flouro and I have to say that I think it doesn't even make sense to do a fill without it. It is like hit or miss. Under flouro, you get an accurate picture of your fill and restriction.

I hope you get the situation resolved. Keep us posted.