Serious Questions About Lap-Band

gmwatson16 · June 28, 2008

I've been doing a lot of research about the lap band and I came across some patient reviews of the procedure. They were saying that the first few months are great and then you can start developing issues with acid reflux and being able to keep food down. They said that they couldn't sleep because they were choking on their stomach acid etc. and that food was getting stuck in the band and they had to go to the ER. I was wondering if this has happened to anyone or what your thoughts are on this. How often does this really happen? Thanks for any posts with your thoughts.

Hastings · June 28, 2008

You can do a search on this site for those subjects and finds lots of answers. Just keep in mind that often those with no issues with their lap band don't post much here. . . .

SueAZ · June 28, 2008

You might try the boards where people were banded in 2007. You might get more reponses with people who have had the band longer.

snowbird · June 29, 2008

I have never seen where someone has had to go to the ER for a stuck piece of food. Yes, the food gets stuck sometimes when you don't chew enough; that's how the band works, in part, by making you eat slower and chew well. The food passes on its own.

If you are having acid reflux issues, most likely you are too tight and need to have Fluid withdrawn from your band. I had serious reflux issues prior to surgery, and they have greatly improved since my band.

I am starting to think there are an awful lot of people who go into this surgery without doing and research or making much of an effort to understand how it works. They either ignore dietary instructions, don't get enough fills, or are filled to tight because it makes them lose weight fast even though it also makes them unable to keep down the solid foods they are supposed to be eating. Rarely, someone who follows all instructions to the letter still has some difficulty or complication. I would guess that is true of all surgery, bariatric or otherwise.

My husband, my daughter and I are all banded; my daughter's boyfriend and his mother are banded. We are all quite satisfied with our experiences.

ywong07 · June 29, 2008

I did a lot of research before I got this done. It took me two years of research to finally decide to do it. What I discovered is if you follow your doctor's orders, you usually will not have complications. However, if you don't you could be in for some rough times. Remember banding doesn't magically take off the weight, you have to go into it with the mindframe that you are making a lifestyle change. If you do, you will be successful.

mstrina27 · June 29, 2008

I've been doing a lot of research about the lap band and I came across some patient reviews of the procedure. They were saying that the first few months are great and then you can start developing issues with acid reflux and being able to keep food down. They said that they couldn't sleep because they were choking on their stomach acid etc. and that food was getting stuck in the band and they had to go to the ER. I was wondering if this has happened to anyone or what your thoughts are on this. How often does this really happen? Thanks for any posts with your thoughts.

Well my dear I haven't had any issues with reflux, choking of any sort... Some that have acid reflux poss. had it prior to being banded... that has to do with your food not being broken down and digested properly within your own system. I don't eat oily foods, i don't eat late, and i chew my food really good. Also i know to stop when im not hungry... not when im full... If u stop eating when u are full that is too late.... U have to know how to listen to your own body and becuase most of us have tuned out to listening to our bodies we miss a lot of signals and warning signs... but take one day at a time and u will be ok..:thumbup: