My wife has been banded for about 4 years, reached a sensible weight, and then stabalized after gaining about 12 lbs. The restriction necessary for that loss eventually became too bothersome, so for some time now, she is maintaining with a minimum fill aided by a careful monitoring of her intake. Even at this low fill level she is still experiencing excess regurgitation (one time she developed pneumonia, the cause diagnosed as reflux creating excessive fluid in her lungs), a "stuck" sensation in her throat, constant nose stuffiness, a general malaise of her GI tract, including bouts of fluctuating constipation and diarea, and irritation of these areas in general. After all this, she is still so pleased with the results, that she will not even entertain the band's removal. Unfortunately, during this same 4 year period, she has developed some significant emotional problems. She is very much in denial, but some are so overt, that she simply has had to acknowledge that they are now a large factor in her life. I am convinced by much research, that her limited food intake can not be the entire cause, although it might have some significance. I have also learned that the GI tract, and especially the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, are not only affected by emotions, but they themselves can cause much emotional upheaval, under specific circumstances. This very fact has been illustrated, to an extent, by the troublesome mental effects of some anti-acids on certain individuals. I am also sure that factors other than the band are involved. So, with all this stated, I am wondering if others on this particular forum have had similar experiences, either with themselves or with someone else who has had this procedure. Personally, I believe I would feel rather uncomfortable (and eventually aggravated), to say the least, with having the feeling of a constant band-like restriction on the top of my stomach, for that is the very area where I experience dramatic, quickly occuring upleasant emotions, and thus, stomach aches! I would also get very frustrated by constantly not feeling well, having swallowing difficulties and throwing up all of the time. At this point, I simply want to determine if and to what extent, the band, and it's unnatural influence on the body can cause significant emotional upsets. I realize that my wife's problems are fairly complex, with most likely, several and diverse issues and causes coming into play. My purpose is to discover and, hopefully eliminate as many as possible. ..........Thanks......... I originally posted this subject under the post lap band discussion for the newbies and got little feedback. So when I saw this discussion group entitled "Mental Health and Lap band Life" I thought that I might get a more interested and informed audience. I hope so, for I need all the advice and help I can get.
