Grandma2

Hi Sallianne, I just read your post and was curious about your symptoms. You said your erosion was found by random endoscopy...why did you have the endoscopy? I have just completed 3 weeks of a liquid diet and I have one to go before I go back to the surgeon to see if I have erosion. I ate a little bit of solid food 3X while I was on vacation, which I wish I hadn't done, but I've been all liquid since I got back. I've lost about 10 pounds in the process. I'm sorry you have to have your band removed - I heard the same statistics that you did about regaining the weight, so I hope Headhunter is right that there are many out there who don't regain. I don't know of any support groups for "debanded" people, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is one. Don't give up hope. Perhaps if you start your own thread on the topic you will find others. Let us know how you make out - best of luck! Mary

Thank you Elisabeth. I'd never heard of either. I have an appointment scheduled with the gastro doctor for the end of August - when I get back from vacation. I wish I could resolve everything before I leave, but there is no time. I am Day 9 on the liquid diet and feeling much better. I have no reflux and my sore throat is almost gone. Of course, I am hungry! My motivation to follow through with this for the month is that I'm hoping there's no erosion. I also stopped taking glucophage tablets. As I mentioned earlier, they are very large and I can feel them get stuck and then pass through the band. Sometimes this process takes a long time and I think they start to dissolve before passing through. I was just prescribed the liquid metformin and I think that will be an improvement. I also changed from tablets to liquid vitamins. At this point, I will do anything to protect my pouch and esophagus. Just hope I'm not too late. Thank you all again for listening.... Grandma Mary

...I forgot to ask HH and Elisabeth. What are RNY and VSG? Thanks.

Hi Riley and All, First, thank you again for the responses to my original concerns about erosion. I just finished Day 6 of the liquid diet my surgeon recommended I follow for one month. The first three days or so were very tough - I felt nauseous and headachey - but the last couple have been tolerable. I'm drinking whey and soy Protein Shakes, an occasional frozen yogurt/skim milk/banana shake, and different pureed Soups (like pea) made with skim milk. I hope this works. Anyway, I had a physical with my internist today and she feels I should have the endoscopy, too; so, I made an appointment with the gastrodoctor even though the surgeon didn't seem to think it's necessary. I need the peace of mind that taking a look will give me. Many of you seem to agree, also. For Riley - even though I don't know whether or not I have band erosion for sure, my main symptom is reflux and heartburn. I can feel the food sitting high in my stomach and esophagus no matter what I eat - even yogurt. I know that part of the problem has also been the pills I take. Some of them are huge, and if I take them before a meal I swear they plug up the works and the food sits up top even longer. I asked the doctor to prescribe a smaller dose of one so that I can take the same dose in a few small, easier to swallow, pills. Right now, I feel like I always have a mild sore throat and my voice is slightly raspy. I so don't want this to be erosion because I'm petrified of gaining the weight back. You are doing amazingly well in such a short period of time. Take the advice of someone else who wrote, "Protect your pouch." Those few words say a lot! Mary

Thank you all for responding so quickly. I left the doctor's office very upset yesterday - wouldn't even let them unfill the band. I did go back today with all my questions and was told that the video esophagram showed my band in place, etc.; however, it also showed reflux. That and my symptoms "suggest" that I may have band erosion. That was not the impression I got when I was in there yesterday. Anyway, they removed 1.5/2.5 fill in the band and recommended a liquids only diet for one month. It will be difficult, especially b/c I am going on vacation in 2 weeks, but I am so afraid that it will become erosion that I am going to take their advice. I can't tell you how good it feels to "talk" to others who have been through this. Unfortunately, I made up my mind 4 years ago to keep the surgery to myself, and right now I sure needed to talk. I appreciate the input. Do you think I should push for an endoscopy to confirm that I do/don't have erosion?

Hi All, I just joined the forum today because I went to the doctor yesterday and the PA told me I have band erosion. They recommend unfilling the band and going on a liquid diet for 4 weeks to see if that helps calm things down. They do not recommend an endoscopy. Does this make sense to anyone who's been through this? I, too, am devastated. I have had the band for almost 4 years and have lost about 70 pounds. I do NOT want to gain it back and I'm afraid that will happen....