Hi there, I was curious to hear from other people about issues with their band.  I have had mine now for just over three years and I had hit my hundred pound lost last spring but still need at least another 100 to go but am having a hard time losing anymore.  Eating has become someting I do not look forward to as usually after the first bite no matter how mushy i make it I get the feeling I am stuck.  If I try another bite I am in the bathroom waiting to puke up all the phlem my mouth is creating.  After about half an hour whether I vomit or it does pass I can eat no problem, just in time to leave the restruant as everyone else has finished eating  I don't even sit down with my husband and boys for meals as I will get stuck..  But there aqre times when I eat when I have no problem.  This has happened from about 6 months post op and has not impoved.  I know when I am too tight and this happens even when I am not at my "sweet spot".  I was just wondering if any one else has experienced this or am I the only one dealing with this.  If I am really hungry I have turned to liquids (usually resorting to boost, shakes, or smoothies or on the bad side fast food shakes and icecream just to feel satisified.  If anyone else has experieinced this please let me know.  I am grateful for the weight I have lost with the band but I am thinking I will need to revert to maybe the grastric bypass surgery for continued success.

 Always my first question: have you been to see your surgeon?

I have had that from time to time...Usually for me it is when I haven't eaten anything all day and I am really hungry.  I eat too fast.  I find now that whether or not I am hungry that my first 5-6 bites MUST be REALLY small and I have to sit a minute or two before bites.  After the first few bites I can feel my band almost "relax" and then I can continue eating normally.  I think it is called first bite syndrome....

Some of the folks I have known with first bite syndrome find it helpful to begin the meal with a warm drink before attempting to eat anything solid. have you tried that approach?

I have that same thing. It's almost like I have to "prime" my esophogas for the meal. I still have times when I take my meal home from the restaurant. I'd rather deal with it than be over 300lbs again.

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Thanks!!!

I just approved you, now go forth and read

 Yes, I've been having this happen even though my band is now empty.

That sucks, it wouldn't bother me so much if the pain and discomfort didnt' come along with it and if it gave me warning it was happening but it happens after the first bite so I am screwed no matter what.  I actually have mine filled but my husband keeps saying I should go and have some removed as it is a struggle to eat some days.

You have had the band 3 years... it is very common after a few months or couple years for the band ro go bonkers on you.

SO I would suggest you look into revision.  

Cheryl:

I met with an Internal Medicine Dr and she actually thought revision was a good idea as she said the band is a very successful tool which I have seen by losing my initial 100 pounds but she said with my body make up RnY would be the best for me as my Metabolism is very bad and need that type of sugery for continued success.  She just referred me last week to the bariatric clinc for RnY but the wait time is about a year and a half.

Did you have the revision at the same time as the band being removed?

Yes I did have the revision to bypass at the same time my band was removed.  I am doing much better, no more "band induced bulimia".   My surgeon found nothing wrong with my band and said it doesn't work for MOST people and he won't even do the band anymore unless the patient is very ADAMANT about having the band.  He is always able to talk them out of band and into bypass. 

I wish I had done the bypass in the first place.

Can you tell me what band induced bulimia is?  I have never heard of that term.

Constantly throwing up protein for no reason, but can keep slider food down, random tightening for no reason.

That sounds like my problem exactly - thank you for the info.

Hugs! Unfortunately MANY bandsters have failed bands. So many different complications one can have with a band. I hope you are able to revise!!!

I was just revised 2 months ago. Best decision I could have made!

Feel free to read my blog.

Hi there,

I've had my band since 2003.  I've lost approx 238 lbs and still have about 100 or 150 to go.  I havent had much success lately(past year) and its upsetting to say the least.  I had a fill a long while ago, bariatric swallow to check my band.  My band is in place, no erosion, slippage etc.  Its a fine, healthy band. 
I'm making an appt to see my Dr. but i'm at a loss.  I don't eat right as i'm afraid of gaining wt.  I can eat too much so its easier to just not eat. 
I'm tired of the ups and downs and am thinking about gastric plication tho I dont know a dr that does it anywhere in my area.  

My band hasnt failed...I have.  

atia

That's not true... you haven't failed. A LOT of people do NOT do well with the band, in spite of being told that there's nothing wrong with the band placement.  I had CT scans that showed nothing wrong and all the while, it was damaging my diaphragm horribly.

Do not feel as if you've failed. I hate that people are made to feel this way, because it's not true. I had my band done in 2003, as well, and it nearly killed me... and my surgeon kept telling me it was "in my head."  If you're told this, you tend to believe it... and it's simply NOT true.

It sounds as if you may have developed a maladaptive eating disorder. If you eat too little, your body tends to hold on to the fat. I think some of us are hardwired to hold on to fat, anyway. So, if your body perceives that you're not fueling it, it causes a problem.  You might want to address the eating problem before undergoing any more surgeries. You could run into the same issues with plication, honestly.

Take care...and stop blaming yourself. Take care of your mind and your body.