Reflux and the band

[Tish5632 0]

Hi All,

Okay, I have a group question. I've had acid reflux for many years (about 12) and I was told that after the band I would have no more reflux. I was told that the majority of reflux is caused by hiatal hernias, which I was told I did not have. I had my surgery 7/3/09 with Dr. Ortiz (LOVED HIM) and post-op I had no reflux. When I finished my liquids phase and began solid foods (per direction of surgeon) the reflux has really come back. I've sent a message to the surgeon and I'll see what he says, I just wanted to check with y'all. Also, I never eat and drink at the same time, I only eat VERY small portions, and I take 30-45 minutes to eat my food. I haven't had my first fill yet, and I feel really good, not too hungry. Thanks Bandster Buddies! :biggrin:

[Agnes 0]

sorry, cant answer..

but just wanted to say i was banded by Ortiz too! Loved him!!

[elcee 3,341]

Would love to know the answer to this is My NUT told me that you can't have reflux after being banded but reading the many threads from people here with both I would have to say he's wrong!

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

Many overweight people suffer GERD because of pressure on the valve at the connection between the esophagus and stomach. Try sleeping on your left side, with the head of your bed elevated a few inches. As you lose weight it SHOULD get better. Many people are on meds for reflux and there are some people on here who have continuing problems. I wouldn't worry about it not going away until I'd lost a fair amount of weight through your midriff.

[Tish5632 0]

Okay All, I got my answer. I talked to the surgeon today and he said that because I'd had reflux for years, this is normal. I didn't have the reflux until 2 weeks post-op because the stomach was still swollen and the acid simply couldn't come up through the swelling. Once the swelling went down, the reflux returned. This WILL stop once I get a good fill. (Which is what I thought was happening, but I wanted my doc to tell me himself, then there was no doubt.) So - it's good news to me! :juggle: