stomach burns

[banded07-n-ohio 1]

Banded 2 years ago. 3cc's in a 4cc band. I have been having a burning sensation in my tummy just under my left rib. Doesn't feel like heartburn really. Nothing coming up in my in my throat or doesn't seem to be worse at night. I can't say for sure it isn't heartburn but it doesn't feel like heartburn like I would have on and off before the band. No pb'ing. Eating seems to help. Taking Zantac 150 2 times a day on my own and seems to be helping some. Holding off on going to the dr because I don't have insurance for this. Any idea what is happening? :biggrin:

[SuzanneG 1]

I'm having a similar problem. My burning is right at my sternum though, but like you I have no reflux and none of the heartburn symptoms I was used to.

I thought I was too tight since mine started right after a fill in Oct. I've had a few slight unfills and they seemed to help at first, but then it came back. I'm def not too tight now and I still have it. I'm going to see my doc tomorrow so I'll let you know what he tells me.

[stepoffaith 0]

I wish I could tell you or you could tell me. I have gone through a colonoscopy, a CT and a MRCP. No luck. The pain and burning are getting worse not better. Any answers? Everyone says the band "looks good" so far. I am going to see about a slight unfill in 3 weeks because I only see my dr every other month (long trip to see him).

[banded07-n-ohio 1]

I am hoping Suzanne can shed some light on this. I haven't been to the doctor because I don't insurance to cover it. I was taking Zantac, someone told me to take Prilosec OTC but take 40 ml instead of the recomended 20 ml because that was usually the presription dose. I am happy to report that just a couple doses the burn has stopped and the nawing feeling of needing food to make it feel better has gone away too (it was worse on an empty stomach). I am wondering if maybe I have an ulcer because I have been under incredible stress over the past 4 months. I read that stress doesn't cause ulcers but can aggravate them. I have also been drinking a couple glasses of red wine every day (using for a crutch for my stress, no good I know) which is something I didn't do before. I guess that could be the whole thing. I figure in a couple weeks if I am not completely better I will just have to bite the bullet and go to the doctor. Was thinking maybe my family doctor would order some tests and send the results to my lap band doctor. Anywho... anyone who has suggestions I am certainly open to them. You know how it is, if you have any problem you automatically think you have a slip or erosion. If someone thinks the burning is a sign of one of those things please reply.

[SuzanneG 1]

I saw my doc on Friday and he did a pressure fill (only done with Realize band). This tests the pressure in your band the way a tire guage tests the pressure in your tires. That way he could get me at the exact right adjustment. I went in for regular fluro, which he said looked good, and my pressure was actually low.

He actually ADDED .3cc. He said he sees no reason for the heartburn, except he suspects I may have irritated my stomach by eating more than 4 ounces. I told him I have been able to eat 8 ounces all along and he said being able to and should are two different things and he told me NOT to eat more than 4 ounces and if that doesn't fix the pain in 4-6 weeks, then he would order an endoscopy. He did say again that he does not think I have a problem.

I'm day 4 past the fill, following his rules and so far still have the burning, but I think it MAY be less severe, but I honestly can't decide just yet.

One good thing is that I'm being as careful as I was post-op, so that has helped me get my eating back on track.

I'll keep you posted on what happens next.

Edited August 4, 2009 by SuzanneG