SEAV

I understand your frustration. Like you, I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz in November 2005 and would like to lose a total of 60 lbs. Since then, I have lost only about 28 lbs. These 28 lbs have been so difficult to lose. I recently had an unfill because I was tired of throwing up and feeling sick all the time. My weight has been at a standstill for about 2 months now. I am very frustrated and sometimes question myself because i think I must be doing something wrong. I am not perfect but I know the rules and stick to them as best I can. I recently started exercising and I hope that will make a difference. When I get the nerve, I will go back and have a fill. It's nice to know that someone else out there is feeling some of the same frustrations.

I was just reading your post and I was hoping you could offer some advice. I have had my band since November and lost about 28 lbs. I had 2 fills and one slight unfill. However, I feel that i am sick all the time. I throw up or PB at least every other day. I am not sure if I am doing something wrong, if i haven't learned how to live with the band, or if the band is too tight. Plus, I haven't lost any weight in a while and I don't understand why because I hardly eat and when I do eat I rarely keep it down. I know of those sweet spots you wrote of. However, for me the sweet spots are really late signals and by that time I know I am going to be sick. Feeling a little discouraged and will probably call Dr. Ortiz just for a check up. -sea

Dear Roberto, Soon after my post, I spoke to Dr. Ortiz and he encouraged me to come into the office. Apparently, the gurgling noises were a result of a very tight band. The noises can also occur if one mixes solids and liquids. That was not applicable in my case because I couldn't really eat solids. I had a few cc's removed and since then have stopped losing weight. It is a little discouraging but the noises and sensations caused by the gurgling were becoming intolerable. My aunt who had the surgery done about 10 months ago with a Dr. in LA now visits Dr. Ortiz and Martinez for care. Recently she started experiences the gurgling and steadily stopped being able to eat solids and eventually liquids. She waited much too long to seek help and Dr. Martinez gently scolded her for not seeking help. She had to have the fill completely removed to let her stomach and espophagus heal. Scary! Hope this answered some of your questions. My best. SEA

Thank you so much for responding! I had my 2nd fill on March 4th. I plan on calling Dr. Ortiz first thing Monday morning because I just can't handle it anymore. I will let you know what he says. Again, thanks for responding because I have been feeling nervous and scared about the gurgling noises, the PB, the inability to eat, etc.

Since my last fill (fill #2), eating solids has been close to impossible. Liquids are not easy either. However, the thing that bothers me the most are these strange gurgling type noises I feel and hear coming from my throat. They are so loud that my husband can hear them and they are uncomfortable. Sometimes I wake up with the noises so they are not dependent on food. PLEASE HELP! Does anyone know what I am talking about or feel the same thing? S.E.A.

Hi! This is my first time in this forum and when I read your posting I thought you were describing me! I am also 5'3 and had my surgery in November. My starting weight was 185. By the time of my first fill I had lost only 5 pounds. I too felt the pangs of guilt and failure. I had my second fill and am at 173 lbs. It's really difficult right now because I can hardly eat or drink anything. When i get frustrated i remind myself that I was rounding the corner to 200 lbs. and now I am actually further away from that number. And even though I still think I will wake up skinny one morning, I know its not a race. It will happen for me...and you as well. Good luck!