Does the band help or cause Reflux? I'm confused..

[spoiltmom 44]

I already have reflux and the doctor said losing weight will definitely help it. But I'm also reading that some people have reflux from their band.

Why is that? Can anyone explain it to me?

[MollyRN 28]

My understanding is that the lap band helps you lose weight and this in turn helps with weight induced reflux. BUT....I think there is a time period where a person is learning to eat where they may battle some reflux issues..

[malinda1229 1]

I had acid reflux due to a haital hernia the dr repaired the hernia and installed the band at the same time have not had an issue since!

[PhillyGirl 0]

The nurse said that reflux could worsen with the band. The doctor did not tell me that. But he DID say I had a hiatal hernia. Reflux runs in my family (everyone else is a normal weight, so being obese isn't the sole reason for my reflux), but I consider taking precautions for reflux to be a small price to pay for better mobility, more energy and less pain.

I'd like to stop the Prilosec I've been taking for years, but for now that's not an option.

Let's report back once we've lost weight and see if reflux is still an issue, okay?

[RobynB1989 0]

I had acid reflux due to a haital hernia the dr repaired the hernia and installed the band at the same time have not had an issue since!

I had the same experience. Ive had acid reflux for years, and after they took the haital hernia out, I really havent had any heartburn.

[spoiltmom 44]

How would you know if you had a hiatal hernia?

I don't think I do but I'm just curious. My reflux is worsened with stress so I always thought it was stress related.

[Lady Lap Band 71]

Personally I had pretty bad hearburn before surgery and never had it again afterwards.

[jerseygirl518 3]

I'm a year out and just started with reflux. Anybody take anything for it. The no pill crap causes a problem. The prescription dissolve things are costly.

[RobynB1989 0]

Tums usually work for me when I have heartburn

[kelking 0]

How would you know if you had a hiatal hernia?

I don't think I do but I'm just curious. My reflux is worsened with stress so I always thought it was stress related.

It is something they will check for when you have your surgery. If there is one there, they should/will repair it at the same time as placing your band. From my understanding this became the norm a couple of years ago.

[Sooz 0]

My endoscopy showed a hiatal hernia that I will have fixed at banding time. I guess that explains why I had heartburn even after 2 days of Clear liquids.

I can't imagine life without reflux! :bolt:

[OnTheWay to Thin 0]

I only have reflux issues at night, and only sometimes, but I bought an incline wedge pillow and that really helped.

[AngryBaby 2]

After I had my gallbladder removed I was plagued with acid reflux 1-2 times EVERYDAY. However after I was banded I haven't had a single problem with that. However, my mom has never had acid reflux until after she had her surgery and she too had her hiatal hernia repaired at the time of surgery..