ZooMama

Sophie: Like you, I had a gastric reflux problem (throwing up in my sleep, etc.) I didn't know it for almost a year because I went to see an internist and gastroenterologist who were not band-wise instead of my surgeon's fill center. I stupidly thought that I could manage my life with the band without the need for support groups or regular checkups at the fill center. Boy was I wrong, and I really regret the wasted time and the misery, not to mention the serious potential health problems that could have resulted. My band was unfilled about three weeks ago, and I felt immediate relief. My doctor told me to wait at least three months before refilling in order to let my esophagus heal. I will have my endoscopy in a few more weeks to determine how much damage may have occurred to my esophagus. The important lessons I learned from this experience are the following: 1) I need the support of other bandsters and their experiences in living with the band; 2) The doctors I see must be ones who are band-experienced; 3) I still have a lot to learn about living with the band; and 4) My eating demons are still alive and well. Since having the unfill, I haven't gained any weight, and have been slowly losing, so I hope not to gain while unrestricted. Good Luck, and keep us posted on your progress. ZooMama

Vickie: I had my band unfilled last month due to slippage. I had been having symptoms of severe gastric reflux for over a year and I had been seeing my internist and a gastroenterologist who couldn't associate the reflux with band slippage. Thanks to the wonderful people who share their experience and wisdom on this forum, I took their advice and returned to my fill center for a barium swallow. I had a severe slippage which was relieved almost immediately when the fill was removed. I will wait at least three months before attempting another fill to make sure that the esophagus has fully healed. My advice, learned the hard way, is to be patient and follow your doctor's advice (provided he is a band doctor). Good Luck. Zoomama

I'm a newcomer to the forum--or to any online forum for that matter. I was banded by Dr. Benavides at SCOR in November '04. I have an Inamed band and I've had two fills. I became very discouraged because I've lost only 25 pounds with the band and experienced a lot of difficulty incorporating the lb into my busy professional life. I've also had a lot of difficulty with acid reflux since the lb surgery. I have taken some time off from worrying about the lb and I've been advised by my other physicians to have the lb removed. However, I am making another attempt to get the weight loss that I need with the lb since nothing else seems to have worked. I would appreciate any advice anyone can provide about how to handle the emotional issues, acid reflux, etc. I am in awe of those of you who have succeeded with the lb despite minor setbacks and problems, and I am determined to make this work now, more than ever. Thanks for being there and sharing your experiences. I just wish I had come across this forum a long time ago.

Lexi I'm so sorry to hear that you had your band removed. I may be facing a similar fate. Was the removal a similar surgical procedure to the placement? Did you have general anesthesia, laparascopy, etc.? Inquiring minds want to know... Thanks and get better soon.

I haven't had an endoscopy yet, but I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in three weeks to discuss the reflux symptoms and I'm almost certain that he will order an endoscopy. My surgeon sent out a form letter to all of his patients several months ago telling them to schedule an endoscopy which I thought sounded peculiar unless it was medically indicated. Almost like a money-maker for his radiologist friend. I have confidence in my gastroenterologist and will follow his recommendation. If he thinks the band should go-it will. My internist has been harping about my need to lose the band since I started seeing her about a year ago. I am on the following meds for reflux: Prilosec 2x daily, Zantac 300 mg. 1x daily, Mylanta extra strength evening and Rolaids evening. I also take Simethicone tablets in the a.m. and p.m. and that also helps a great deal. I sleep upright in a semi-sitting position and I don't eat anything 3-4 hours before bedtime. I have lately tried drinking a lot of Water before bedtime and that also seems to be helping. My eating patterns have changed considerably. I don't eat whole cuts of meat, and I eat more Soups and minced chicken, Protein shakes, egg salad and I guess foods that you would call the "mushies." What I don't eat anymore is bread, Pasta, uncooked veggies, and absolutely no carbonated beverages. My dietary choices during the weekdays have been greatly influenced by my need to avoid pbs or vomiting at the office or around my co-workers. None of them knows that I have the band, and I would prefer to keep that private. I haven't been back to my surgeon since the first post op follow up visit, and until the reflux symptoms started, didn't need to see a doctor. I haven't consulted with the nurse/educator at the SCOR, but I think that is a good idea and I will do that. Thanks. After finding this forum, I am also considering having the band unfilled to see if that helps the acid reflux before I have the band removed. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. I will follow up with your suggetion to contact the nurse/educator.

You can get a good Wedge pillow and knee pillow at Footsmart.com. I use it and it has helped me tremendously along with Prilosec, Zanax, Mylanta, Rolaids, not eating 3-4 hours before bed, and simethicone tablets. Once you get used to sleeping sitting up, you can get a good night's sleep. Some nights I don't wake up at all, but on other nights, despite the pillows and the meds, I still have reflux and wake up 2-3 times per night. My reflux symptoms didn't occur until after I was banded, but I can't definitely say they are related since I had been banded for quire awhile before the symptoms occurred. Good luck!