GERD and the Lap Band

[Nellie 0]

Hi

I've been banded since March, 06 and can't eat unless I take Prevacid every day and one before I go to bed. I was BPing pretty bad and a girlfriend said it was the acid - sure enough after taking my acid medicine, it much better - but I have to take it twice a day.

I want to know if anyone else is experiencing this, also or if you've hear of others with the same problem.

thanks

GayNell

[leatha_g 4]

Hi Nellie. Yes, GERD or acid reflux is very common amongst bandsters, especially if they've become too tight due to restriction. Often, taking out a tiny bit of fill can relieve you of having to take the medication before bed, etc. You can read many posts regarding this very common issue by doing a 'search' up above with the keywords 'gerd' 'reflux' 'acid reflux' etc. I hope you get it resolved so that you're more comfortable quickly.

[LapBandit 5]

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I always thought GERD improved after the band...it did for me. Have you spoken with your band doctor about this?

[Nellie 0]

Thanks folks - I'm going to the doctor on Thursday of this week - it's 3 hours away and an over night stay for me so I'm never ready to make the trip - but I appreciate the feedback and will let you know how I faired.

Nellie

[Victoriana 10]

My heartburn was not helped by previcid, nexium or protonix.

I was told to drink 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar. That cured me so fast, and it wasnt the taste of the vinegar. I was told that the sphincter muscles that properly close off the esophagus are stimulated to close by the proper ammount of stomach acid. If your acid is refluxing, its because the acid is splashing up where there is no mucus lining. The way to prevent this is to close the door to the esophagus. I thought this was crazy and counter intiuitive, but I cant argue with such good results. I am completely confident that the vinegar did this for me. I used it for about three or four days when I felt the reflux. It was amazing. It was uncomfortable for about one half minute, then peace! After about ten minutes, I drank Water and was completly fine. Its worth a try.

[Nellie 0]

oh my gosh, Victoriana, I will try it - it's definitely worth a try. Thanks soooo much for posting! :mad:

[respiratorygirl 0]

Hi everyone, I was online looking for this exact topic. I have been banded since 6/05 and all a sudden developed severe heartburn I have been taking a protonix in the morning and eathing pepicds like tick tacks nothing seems to help. It seems to be even worse when I go to the gym, I think the tight sports bra is irritating it even further. I will head to the store tomorrow and try the vinegar anyone else have any suggestions.

Sara

[buzzp 1]

I've not had this before, but I think it is gerd. My throat burns.

It started on day 17 after surgery. I can't pinpoint the times

or conditions when it starts.

It doesn't hurt a lot, but it is uncomfortable.

Eating cold/cool foods feels really good.

Is that Gerd? It is sorta like somethingis stuck in the back of my

throat, too.

surgery was 10/10/06.

[Cindy Jo 0]

when i eat fried foods the burn is the worse.

[Nellie 0]

Hi everyone -

I have started taking Prevacid daily and on occasions, in the morning, when I can tell it's "acid", I take about a teaspoon of vinegar. I shared very positive results with my doctor who is not convinced about the vinegar but feels that if' I'm doing well, then, that's what counts.

Sometimes food seems to get stuck in my esphogas (sp?) before the stomach and this is the other good time time to try the vinegar. It's like the valve down there won't open/close as it's suppose to to push the food on down.

Use the medicine as directed even after you are feeling well. Use the vinegar sparingly. That's my experience.

[JessyInSD 0]

Hi

Regarding using apple cider vinegar, I came across a website that discusses the exact same thing and offers other "recipes" to try that include ACV.

I read this last night and didn't have ACV at home so I ate a little apple butter before bed and it actually helped a little. I think I also read that just eating a couple of slices of apple will help too. Isn't that just strange?

Anyway, I'll be trying the ACV tonight. Good luck all!

ACID REFLUX AND GERD - safe home remedies and NATURAL CURES

Jessy

[Nellie 0]

Thanks for replying JessyInSD,

I had actually forgotten this since I haven't had trouble in so long... but alas, for the past week, I'm back to having the reflux.

I received this email and it what a nice reminder that I can do something about it. I will try the 'apple' suggestion and see if it works.

Thanks again,

Nellie:clap2:

[Daisalana 33]

I take 1 Prilosec a day.. my miracle pill. If I forgot to take it, the next day I have acid reflux the entire day no matter what I eat (or don't eat).

[Cota129 0]

I've had acid reflux for years, controlled by a daily Protonix. During surgery, a huge hiatal hernia was found and repaired. I haven't had to use my Protonix since surgery! I have never been able to go a day without it. I'm thrilled!

[GayleTX 1]

I, too, was banded 3/06. had never had any trouble pre-op with acid and didn't start having any til 3/07. Dr. gave me Protonic...didn't help much. I finally decided I had an ulcer (I've had them before, that's what it felt like) so we did an EGD.....no real problems, just a little irritation. They decided my and was too tight, took out just a small amount.......instant cure. I didn't want to do it because I was not PB'ing and sure was losing but had to give in and try. I still have to be careful with acids and choclate and avoid late-night eating, but it's nothing that Protonic can't handle.

Hope you get somehelp soon.....