ALW

Acid reflux, reflux for short. First of all I don't have to tell you that your days at the buffet are over. It's best to stay away from them; mostly because you shouldn't be eating nearly that much and it then becomes a waist of money. I also had to learn to pace myself when eating with "fast eaters". Take your time!!! After my surgery when all was good I would test my limits and believe me I found what I could and couldn't get away with - everyone is different, but we all want to be slim and buffets (banded or not) won't get us there. I became obsessed with losing and as I got closer and closer to my goal weight I knew I wasn't achieving success in a healthy way (the last 25lbs was lost because i was making myself sick). I started having acid reflux and pushed myself to the limit as you're doing. The more you throw up the more the acid reflux handicaps you. You'll become dehydrated and once that happens you'll scream to have the restriction removed so you can drink water. Out of fear of gaining weight back, I've pushed myself to the point of dehydration and starvation. Yes, I have gained most of it back, but I won't push myself like that again. I'm starting over and trying to do it RIGHT this time, but am afraid I won't find success because I've already hurt my body. I urge you to tell the doctor and get it right now - the band is just a tool, not a miracle cure. A tool we have to use the right way or it won't work for us. And, yes, unfortunately, excersise MUST be part of my success this time around.

I'm actually suffering from reflux now as well. I went in today for a small unfill. I have the 4cc band and for the first 1.5 years it was a miracle - I loved it!! I was 7lbs from my goal weight. Then, reflux entered my life. Doc says it was originally caused by stress, but now that I've had it once it continues to come back every time I have a band adjustment. I was at 2.4cc as I was successfully losing the first 18 months and now I have .6. I am on a continuous cycle of getting unfills, waiting several months (during which time I gain weight), start going back for fills and working my way up slowly and eating properly. I hit my "sweet spot" and 8-10 weeks later reflux sets in again and the cycle starts over. My band is in tact and all looks great, but the reflux is limiting me. My doctor seems uninterested in my frustration so please, let us know what you find out. Good luck