So I get a call from my docs office today and they want to discuss taking out the band. This after 6 months of complaining of stomach pains and being told it is not the band. I have been to the GI and told that I have esophagitis and gastritis and now a small hernia. This is the same diagnosis as 6 months ago so why is there a need to take the band out now??? I go for an appointment on Thur to discuss this with the doc.

If anyone of you were told that the doc thinks your band should come out what questions would you include in your visit with the doc. I am NOT going to make this a snap decision! I paid close to 20 grand to have it put in 14months ago and WHO knows what it will cost to take out! That will be one of my questions~~!

Thanks for the help.

Hi. I'm sorry you did not get any replies. I am curious as to how your chat with the doc went and what conclusions (if any) you came to?

I never saw your post, either...I hope you didn't have your band removed...it sounds like you need a new band doc because he is not paying enough attention to you...that hernia can definitely be the source of your problems and I wouldn't be surprised if you have a small slip that is hard to see or comes and goes.

Please let us know how you are doing.

Good luck, Mimi

I explained to my doc that, although not completely back to normal, I have been feeling better. He said we would make an appointment for another three months and see where we are. Let's face it. This is his way of covering his bottom should something more serious with my health happen. This way he has it on recored that he suggested removal.

The problem is, I have no "normal" band problems like slime/PB'ing, getting stuck or vomiting. All the test showed that it wsa in proper place and does not show erosion. All of my symptoms started after removal of my gallbladder. They can't tell me that the band is actually causing my problems and if it is removed that my symptoms will vanish.

What symptoms were you experiencing to begin with, that made them want to do more testing?

I had my gall bladder removed and within 2 weeks of that I started getting symptoms. Long story short - I was having bile reflux, gastritis and esophagitis. I was on meds for a long time. This all started in October of last year and lasted well into February. I feel much better now and am off all of my meds although I do sometimes have gastritis still. Depends on what I eat. I still have no fluid in my band (all was taken out last December) but I am doing okay with the weight -about staying the same. I see the doc again at the end of next month to re-evaluate everything.

Wow that sounds awful. I'm glad you're doing better now and have been able to maintain your weight! I'd like to know how your appointment goes next month, keep us updated. Good luck with everything!