2.5 years out from lap band and gaining weight.... help!!

 I have lost 145 pounds with a lap band and maintained for almost one year... now I can eat just about anything and get hungry more... I have seen my doc about a fill. I have 2.9 cc in my band and he said I am just where I need to be.. when he goes any higher I am way to tight,, but here I can eat... has anyone else had this problem and what did you do to fix it... I know I have restriction because I can feel cold things go through very slowly, but I think the pouch above the band is bigger, does that make sense.. and what do you do about it.. thanks for any help!!

It could be that you need what we call a "baby" fill.  This could be 0.1-0.25 cc.  I am that way, and 0.2 cc is either too little or too much.  It often will make a huge difference in your restriction though.  We use a tb or 1 cc syringe to get the amount right.

Also have you had a recent barium swallow or EGD?  This might show a pouch or esophageal dilatation above the band.

Good luck

     

 I have had 2 swallow studies done.. he does think my pouch is dilated.. what do you do about that to get it to shrink back down??

Actually what tends to be the advised treatment is actually the removal of the fluid from teh band.  Wait 2-4 weeks and repeat testing to determine if the dilatation resolves itself by allowing the esophagus to rest.  Then if it has resolved begin slowly filling the band. 

It is important not to force food beyond level of not feelin hungry, not drinking with or immediately after eating, avoiding carbonation, and not being overfilled or repeated vomiting.

Good luck