Monday, March 22, 2010

Un-Filled


I just got back from my Doctor where I waited in tears for an unfill. I told him to take it all out, but I’m sure he left some in. I had my first fill two weeks ago, where he added 1 cc to the 3 cc that were there at surgery. So one would think, I wasn’t even close to a “sweet spot”. But what a weekend I had. I'm pretty sure I have the 10 cc Lap Band VG (the one with the little pockets in the right photo)—that is the one he showed me.

Last Tuesday, I had a problem keeping food down so was on fluids, gradually working back up to soft foods by Thursday. Friday seemed fine so I didn’t call the doctor for an unfill. Then one lousy bite of chicken did me in after the meatloaf and squash I had for dinner on Friday. Saturday was no better—12 hours of vomiting—and I hadn’t even eaten anything. Sunday, I could only sip on some water and broth and the spasm pain around the band was bad. I couldn’t even swallow anything for pain. I had been dissolving two aspirin in some water but just that small gulp of liquid wasn’t staying down. I was only able to sleep with 4 pillows propping me up and leaning on my left side. I was sure the band had slipped and that my stomach was going to be squished in two. My doctor assured me that it was almost impossible for the band to slip as they suture it in place. Amazing the things that go through your head when you are in pain.

By Sunday night. I was ready to grab a knife and tear out the band. I was so unhappy that I had done this stupid, stupid surgery. I was in countdown mode until 8:00 am when my doctor’s office opened. After finding out he was actually in the office and could give me an unfill, I burst into tears. Afterwards, he also gave me his emergency contact number to call in case this happened again—a number he had forgotten to give me at my last appointment. So it is back to square one (no Gilly—not the mall). Most of the weekend I kept thinking back to when I was pregnant—I was nauseated and threw up for most of my two pregnancies. I remember then thinking that throwing up is the worst feeling in the world. It still is.

I am off work again today. Pretty weak—but so would anyone that has dropped 8 pounds in a few days. I know I am pretty dehydrated so will be drinking fluids most of the day. Right now the inside of my stomach is so inflamed, I need to take it easy and slow. I want to get this right, but also want to be able to eat my food, not drink it. I feel like I am back on the pre-op diet, b!tchin’ and complaining. I only read a couple of blogs over the weekend but gave up when I noticed a few postings about Chinese Food, subs, pizza and other good things to eat. That got my stomach growling and the pain started so I had to stop reading. I do hope you all enjoyed your food. I am so envious.

I am working on patience—not my strong suit—it took me years to get to this weight and maybe I need to remember that I am only 6 weeks out of surgery. I have to take each pound as it comes and give it time and work with this band (my buddy). It’s being very stubborn right now so I need to make friends with it again. I’m sorry, little Buddy, I really didn’t mean it when I said I wanted to cut you out. Can we make up and be friends again?

19 comments:

Jen said...

Oh Sandy, I'm sorry you had such a terrible weekend! I'd rather have a root canal than be nauseous or vomit. Ugh. It *is* the worst thing in the world.
Just remember, the unfil is only temporary and you and little buddy will be BFF's again in no time.
Take care of yourself and feel better soon!
Jen

CC said...

awww i hope you are feeling better soon! that's horrible you had such a bad weekend :-(
take care!

Marie said...

Sandy I'm so sorry you had such a hard time with your fill. I can't believe how different everyone's experience is with these damned bands! I thought I would breeze through my recovery but I am having a hard time even with liquids. It's only day 3 but now I am having pain in the band area (port is still sore). So I feel your pain although you had it really bad this weekend.
I guess we all heal at different rates.
Hope your healing goes quicker this tiime!
Marie

Lonicera said...

Wow, poor old Sandy, what a horrible experience. Something else about the band and how your insides react to it: it can sense panic, can't it? I don't know what happens there, but it does. And "bolt" and "gulp" have to disappear out of the vocabulary... Hope your band has calmed down now, and once you've rehydrated at least your scales will give you a pleasant surprise. You have all my sympathy.
Caroline

Gilly said...

Wow Sandy...I'm so sorry you're having this problem...it sounds terrible! How heartbreaking after all you've been through already. But I'm sure in a few days, all will be well again. Just keep sipping.

*hugs*
g.

Jess said...

Sorry you have to go through all this. Hang in there kiddo.

Jenny said...

I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time. Try to rest and see if you can sip a little at a time. I hope you feel better soon!

Amanda Kiska said...

Wow! That sounds horrible! Please keep us updated on how you are doing and what comes next. Any idea why it would bother you so much?

Bianca said...

Sorry to hear that the last few days have not been kind to you. It will get better. Take care and sending a big hug your way.

Michelle said...

I am so sorry to hear that. I hope things go better and the inflammation goes down quickly for you.. Hugs your way..

Barbara said...

Yikes Sandy.. that is just terrible.. Did they take an xray to see how the band is sitting? Hope you feel better.. patience is a good virture but let time do its thing.. hope you recover soon... try to get those fluids in.. you do not want to get too dehydrated... be well..

Justine said...

Sandy, so sorry to hear the band is not being good to you at the moment; really hope it all settles down very soon and that all is good again.

seckert08 said...

Hope that you get your strength back soon and that you can finally keep some food/fluids down! Not sure I could have endured what you have!

Debi said...

So sorry to hear you are having these problems so early.

My Surgeon wouldn't even consider giving me my first Fill until 6 weeks out from Surgery!! Then, they wouldn't give me more than 1 cc at a time!!

But it does seem to make it easier for me. As I can adjust to the Band more slowly. I am now at 5.6 cc's and no real restriction! But I have had very few problems either.

Joey said...

Awww, you poor thing.

workinprogress said...

What a horrible weekend :-( So sorry you had to go through this

THE DASH! said...

Oh hon,
What an awful experience. I am so glad you got it sorted :( Ack.

Girl Bandit said...

OMG....you poor thing. How scary that must have been. Perhaps they filled you too quick considering that you are really just 6 weeks out. I hope that tummy gets better soon

Jess said...

oh my ga! How scary...I am totally terrified to get my first fill next Friday. I don't want this to happen to me for sure it sounds like torment. I also have the VG version of the band. Oh gosh! Well I hope things get better for you!

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