SHOCKED to discover...

Parvathi · September 4, 2005

Just saw this post - good luck Alex! Will be sending happy thoughts your way. Let us know how you go on the 8th.

Alexandra · September 4, 2005

Hi peoples!!

I'm back, and am happy to report that the unfill did the trick. Too well. I've been totally reflux- and regurgitation-free since the unfill, and haven't had a single negative experience to report. I even slept with no particular elevation to my head. The vacation was fabulous, and since I could eat anything I wanted, pretty much, I did just that and put on several pounds. But it was worth it!!

To answer the questions about symptoms, what was happening to me was fairly recent. I'd had no issues at all in the first 15+ months of banding, but back in the winter of 2004-5 I was filled a skosh too tight and started to have nighttime symptoms. I never had acid backing up into my throat, but I'd wake up coughing because there was Fluid in my esophagus that would come up into my mouth as I slept. Back in March I had a tiny unfill, which fixed the issue for several months.

Then, back in July or so, it started up again even in spite of changing behavior to avoid it. But it was still only occasional. Then in August on a trip to CA I ate stupidly and incautiously, resulting in inflammation. This time I really had bad reflux/regurgitation at night for more than a week, and I knew it was time for another unfill. I don't think there was anything wrong with my fill level or my band, but my esophagus and stoma had been so irritated that I had to do something to let them rest. (Of course, the day I made the phone call to get the unfill my symptoms resolved spontaneously. That is always the way, with me.)

So now I'm totally unfilled and completely symptom-free. Next Thursday I have an appointment for a barium swallow which will--I hope--show that there is nothing wrong with my band, and I'm very optimistic that some fill can be put back. Fingers crossed!

I'llsucceed · September 4, 2005

GREAT news- Alex! I applaud you again for being so deligent with your health & your band! You are such a great role model. I look forward to hearing that there are no other obsticles for your band & that a fill is in the near future for you.