Debbajoy

Patti, Thanks for the kind words! I've had a small hiatal hernia for many many years and I've suffered from acid reflux for even more years. I've been on the purple pill for over 15 years - first prilosec, then nexium. I thought the weight loss would resolve that issue along with all the other issues I had (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea). All the other issues are gone, but the reflux actually got worse. When my surgeon place the lapband on, the hiatal hernia was so small he actually couldn't find it to repair it. Now, after two years of having the band on, it apparently has irritated it to the point where I regurgitate alot, especially during the night while I'm sleeping - it's scary! It needs to be repaired, but the band has to be removed to do that. I've had other lap surgeries (gallbladder removal for one) so scar tissue will come into play and more than likely the band won't be able to be placed back on so my surgeon is working on getting my insurance company to approve the Vertical Sleeve. If approved, I'll go for it - if not, then I'll try to find a way to live with the reflux issue because I don't want my band removed!!

Unfortunately, I may no longer have a lapband by the conference date! I'm having issues with reflux big time and I may need to have revision surgery - possibly to the sleeve. BUT - if I end up not having revision surgery (I'll know in 3-4 weeks) I will definitely attend either in NYC or NJ - doesn't matter to me. Debbie Joy

You're halfway there - you can do it!! I lost 10 lbs. on the pre-op liquids, so I'm sure you'll be just fine. I found that chewing sugar-free gum help me get through - I just wanted to chew something and the gum really helped. Good Luck!! Debbie

Hi! My name is Debbie and I'm new to LapBandTalk but I'm not new to the Lapband. I've had my band now for almost 2 years (Oct 2006) and lost 70 lbs. In the last year I've had to have my gallbladder removed (my band had to be completely emptied) and then terrible acid reflux (again, my band had to be emptied). I'm slowly starting to come around and my Dr. is slowing adding Fluid back in but not before I gained back 7 pounds!! It's very depressing, but I'm fighting hard to stay on top of it. Reading the discussion boards help me tremendously and I'd be happy to help those just starting on their journey. I love my band!! The only regret I have is not doing it sooner!! Debbie Joy Lapband 10/2006 w/ Dr. Wasser, South Jersey Bariatrics

Hi! I, too, used South Jersey Bariatrics. I had my surgery in October 2006 by Dr. Wasser. He also removed my gallbladder in September 2007. I feel like I couldn't be in better hands! Both he and Dr. Ing are just wonderful, caring doctors. Come to one of our orientation meetings - the first Monday of the month, 6:00 pm, at Lourdes Medical Center, Willingboro, NJ just off of of 295N, exit 47B. All three surgeons in the group are there (Dr. Greenbaum doesn't do lapband) and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Debbie