Overfill (ew...)

For bandits only

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I'm posting this in case it's useful to other bandits - I have to admit I'm not really enjoying writing about it!

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After a very restricted day yesterday when I was only able to drink (just about) and nibble (barely), I went to the gym in the evening and did my usual 50 minutes. I was pleased to discover that taking a book to read worked better than listening to the piped rock music and watching the soundless screen, because it helped to pass the time - it can be so mind-numbingly boring. I noticed that I couldn't do as much as usual, no doubt because I had consumed few calories during the day. I didn't drink any water because I was afraid that the new restriction would make me bring it back up...

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Then I went for a swim with John - it was 9 p.m. and wonderfully quiet, but to my disgust I had to give up after 4 lengths because I got cramp in both feet and felt quite clearly that with the weightlessness in the pool, the band was working its way up to strangle me - horrible feeling. I believe the cramp may have been due to lack of fluid, but - catch 22 - I couldn't drink because I was too restricted. A couple of PB's later I was able to get dressed and drive home. The last drink I had managed to keep down had been at 4 p.m., and that was it folks till 1.30 p.m. today.

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The PB's continued after I got home, and I had a terrible night choking every 15-20 minutes, scared sick I would dislodge the band with my violent coughing, and by morning I was hoarse. I was also 3 lbs down, but knew it was because of dehydration. I hoped that once at work the swelling would have calmed down and I would be able to drink, but when I couldn't even do that I confess I began to panic a little. I managed to get hold of the bariatric team at Taunton, and was told to drive in there and then because I was having the classic symptoms of an overfill.

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The nurse took out a whole ml, then with the needle still in she got me to sit up and drink three glasses of water while she put the saline back in a quarter of a ml at a time. That water was sheer nectar. I've ended up with 9.75ml - so just a quarter removed. It feels marvellous, though it hasn't been severely tested yet because I was so exhausted by the whole experience that I've slept the rest of the afternoon.

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Well, no harm done - I'm fine now and about to attempt some scrambled egg.

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I feel overwhelmed by the wonderful support from those who have left comments on my last post. Thank you dear friends, it really did make me feel a whole lot better. I hope I can do the same for you when you need it.

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-oOo-