Heartburn/acid reflux with band?

[spw83 9]

I have had lapband since 2006 & never had any issues with heartburn or acid reflux until recently. I just had a baby in August and I had a .5 cc fill in October. This is awful heartburn and it burns all the way up my throat and down in my chest. I wake up every night feeling like I am choked and it is from that acid reflux. I haven't called my surgeon yet.. But is this normal? What could it be? Could my band be messed up?

[B-52 7,113]

If you have been banded since 2006, then you should know when the slightest thing is abnormal....I have only been banded since 2011 and know my band very well....and can select the slightest differences...in other words when to contact my Dr. that something has changed after all this time.....

Reflux is common, but to suddenly pop up after 7-8 years??

No offense, but being banded since 2006...this is a question you should be giving the answer to others....

Edited January 10, 2014 by B-52

[spw83 9]

If you have been banded since 2006, then you should know when the slightest thing is abnormal....I have only been banded since 2011 and know my band very well....and can select the slightest differences...in other words when to contact my Dr. that something has changed after all this time..... Reflux is common, but to suddenly pop up after 7-8 years?? No offense, but being banded since 2006...this is a question you should be giving the answer to others....

Yes I have been banded since 2006 but I haven't always had my band filled. I lost weight without it being filled at first and then got it filled. If you could read you would see that I said I have never had any problems with my band and I am unsure as to why I suddenly have heartburn after my most recent fill in October. I haven't had a fill prior to that in 5 years. I am asking other banders if they have had any issues with it because I never have. I didn't know if it could be the band or just me. You don't have to be so condescending in your reply. Everybody is different with the lapband, it's not a cookie cutter type of thing. This site is for people to give each other advice and ask questions so you can save the smart ass answers for somebody else.

Edited January 11, 2014 by spw83

[FloridaGal 41]

Hi there,

this happened to me... the band was already fairly snug (and i like it that way) but I got sick with the flu... I coughed a LOT it caused swelling around the band and then I started having problems coughing at night, acid reflux... the whole bit. It was horrible.

My doctor loosened my band and said I needed to let the swelling go down. The same day he loosened it I stopped having problems.

I have heard others with the same solution. You might try going on liquids for a couple of days just to see if it helps... but I would definitely call your doctor.

[Lady VS 1,147]

I have had lapband since 2006 & never had any issues with heartburn or acid reflux until recently. I just had a baby in August and I had a .5 cc fill in October. This is awful heartburn and it burns all the way up my throat and down in my chest. I wake up every night feeling like I am choked and it is from that acid reflux. I haven't called my surgeon yet.. But is this normal? What could it be? Could my band be messed up?

I know this is a couple weeks old but was wondering if you received any relief?

[SandyM 1,956]

Wondering the same thing

[spw83 9]

I have been eating foods that aren't as spicy and so far it has gotten better. I have an appointment in March for a barium test

[Lady VS 1,147]

That's good. You know you can take some antacids when needed. I keep me a bottle by my bedside. I was doing fine until about two months ago. I'm three years post op and it just started all at once. So I started to pay attention to what I was eating that caused the heart burn. Sure enough, some spicy foods like chili and other sauces were doing it. I stopped eating them and now I'm fine. I think sometimes when I eat meat that's a little too greasy depending on how it's cooked, I will get a little heartburn. So I've been baking and grilling my meats and sticking to tuna in the package. Continued success and thanks for responding.

[dawalsh 919]

I agree with Lady VS, I keep antacids by my bedside. I've been banded since 12/28/12 and I'm STILL receiving fills. I have an extremely conservative doctor and there are times when I feel I can't eat another bite. Then there are times when I get heartburn. It is rare however.

I still don't know my band and I don't think I ever will for sure. Everybody is different so the best thing to do when you are unsure is to contact your doctor. The fact that someone has never had a problem since 2006 and is now experiencing problems would be a red flag to call your doctor and make sure everything is OK. I hope all has been worked out for you.