Getting My Band Out Due to Spasms in Esophagas

[Long2BFree 12]

I'm getting my band out on Dec 22 due to having complications. I ended up going to a different bariatric doctor because the doctor who placed the band never un-fill me when I would see him. I had constant acid reflux for a couple of years, no matter what time of the day it was and whether I ate or not. I complained to my primary care doctor and he gave me Nexium. That still didn't work and I wasn't sleeping. I finally told my doctor that I wanted further tests because I was scared of getting cancer of the esophagus front the acid. He finally mentioned that there was a bariatric center in my town (that I wasn't aware of) and referred me. I got an appointment where the doctor unfilled me and and then I went back every couple of weeks to try and get my fill right. The acid reflux subsided while I was unfilled but I started get spasms in my esophagus more frequently. I am now getting the band removed on Tuesday and the doctor expects there to be scar tissue, which he will remove. I hope to get a revision to RNY in February or March depending on what I look like inside. I'm afraid that i will be so messed up that he will not recommend I get it done.

I loved my band because it helped me lose 100#. I was never able to get all of my weight off and have since gained 40#. I wish I wouldn't have been so afraid to the the RNY done in the first place. I just hope my insurance will approve the new procedure.

[gowalking 10,790]

Wishing you well and hoping you can get the revision.

[Long2BFree 12]

Thank you for the well wishes. I got my band out. The doctor said it was a very difficult surgery to remove my band... it took longer than he expected and I had 8 incisions, not 3 like he had planned. I had a lot of scar tissue that hand formed around the band. I'm still having the esophageal spasms and he is currently addressing those issues but said it just might take a little time for everything to heal up. I've had a lot of pain. I loved my band because I was able to lose weight with it but I would never do it again after the pain I have had to deal with. I don't know if I will ever feel normal again. I am thankful that I found a new, caring doctor to help get me better though.

[Jachut 487]

Firstly Im sorry youve been through this. But can i ask your symptoms? Reason being ive had minor chest pain episodes in the 10 years ive been banded - squeezing pain that starts out of nowhere. A very intense ache that hurts all up my esophagus, into the roof of my mouth, my cheeks and jaw. It also stops quite suddenly and i *think*?eating something with a hot drink can help relueve it. Nexium doesnt help. I maybe had one or two attacks a year but i had a small unfill last week and next day i had such a bad attack i had to call an ambulance. Got thoroughly checked out, heart great, no gallstones, lungs fine, band looked ok on xray but hospital didnt do a gadtrosvopy ir barium swallow,, i am seeing My surgeon next week, no doubt he will do those tests. But this pain was a ten, way worse than childbirth!