Banding and GERD

sophrosyne · January 6, 2007

I had heard that banding can cure GERDS, but then I noticed a bunch of posts about stomach erosion, reflux, etc.

How does the band affect GERD?

Does the band help mask stomack symptoms until they get so bad, you have stomach erosion?

Can they do an endo before they insert the band, to make sure everything's okay?

I had a c-section last year, and have dealt with a lot of the same side effects I've been hearing about the banding - gas, no poop, gurgling tummy, not being able to swallow food, etc. All of which have lessened over time. And, as a bonus, the GERD seems to have vanished post-op. And I don't want it back.

Except now my tummy's gurgling.

shutuplena · January 6, 2007

I think the stomach erosion relates to the band possibly eroding into the lining of the stomach. Nohing to do with GERD. The band helps GERD because it restricts your eating and people with GERD tend to overeat and eat foods that you shouldn't eat after banding. My doctor requires an endo as part of my workup before surgery anyway. Have you been diagnosed with GERD? The endo would tell if you have GERD or maybe an ulcer. That should be resolved before surgery. You shouldn't get the GERD back after banding so long as you continue to eat properly. That doesn't mean that you won't get hearburn from time to time. Don't worry too much about all that anyway. It's an exciting journey.

sophrosyne · January 7, 2007

Thanks.

Yeah, I was diagnosed with GERD many years ago (stomach valve wouldn't close). After my c-section, it went away.

It's been 11 months since my c-section, and I'm just starting to get back to normal. (They took out most of my organs and removed a tumor as well as the baby, before stuffing the organs back in). Is it too soon to have another operation or should it be okay?

shutuplena · January 8, 2007

Sounds like you've been through the mill. I had a C-Section 18 yrs ago and mine wasn't so wonderful either. Have you spoken to your GP or a surgeon that you would be using for the lap band surgery? I would assume that your doctor would have to tell you if it's ok to have the surgery now or wait a while.