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Wow... what a depressing string this is. Unfortunately, I'm right there with you. I was banded about 5 years ago and did well for the first year (lost 80 lbs from 283 to 203). Post surgery I started having acid reflux, which was new to me since I never had a problem like that - EVER. After about a year, I had an intestinal blockage and had to have surgery. Nothing worked well since. The acid reflux turned to GERD. My stomach kept swelling with each fill and he filled and unfilled over and over. About 2 years ago, I had the band unfilled because I couldn't take the GERD anymore (waking up with vomit in my mouth, incredible burning of acid in my nose & throat). The reflux settled almost immediate and I've put on 60 lbs (back up to 257). I'm afraid to go back for any type of fill and I also don't want to go back to see my lap doc since I feel like such a loser. I was his patient #3 when he began doing this. I don't feel like I'm maximizing having the band and all the health problems I had before this are slowing returning (problems with knees, etc.). I've made a resolution to go back after Christmas and give it another try, but I'd be lying it I didn't say I wasn't scared. I don't know if we're all exceptions to the rule or if this is what is facing everyone this long into banding..... Nice(?) to know I'm not alone tho.

GERD is a reflux of acid into your esophagus. It sounds like you have a different issue. Your band may be too tight for now (when you lose more weight you can continue getting more fills) since you cannot get food down relatively easily and have a lot of phlegm. The saliva thing is automatic when you're somewhat blocked because you ate too much food and it's not going down easily. You wind up having having what is called a "productive belch" which is a small regeritation of food that is backed up in your esophagus. You should talk to your doc or eat smaller portions if this is a regular thing with you. That shouldn't happen that often.

Hi, Everyone: I was banded about 5 years ago. About a year ago, I was having so many problems with my band (related to acid reflux & gerd) that my doctor removed all of my fill and I've been empty since then. The thought was leave it empty for about 6 months and then refill. I never went back. The reflux/gerd left and I didn't want to restart all of the problems so I left it alone. As a result I've regained about 30 lbs in the last year & 1/2. Not good. I've decided that I cannot have gone thru all the trouble of getting the band to let this stop me. So I'll be rescheduling an appointment for a fill. I was interested in the stories of gerd I saw online and wanted to know if anyone else had similar issues with their band. My doc says I have an unusually sensitive stomach and react to the fills with swelling with is half the problem I guess. Any info or support would be appreciated. :thumbup:

I agree with everything I've seen. Since you're on liquids already and nothing will stay down, sounds like you're blocked and need to unfill to clear the blockage. I've had a similar problem about a year ago and with the unfill it clears up immediately. You'll have to stay unfilled for probably about a week or so until any swelling disappears (eating soft foods or liquids). Good luck. I know how uncomfortable this is. :thumbup: