Hi everyone,

I'm almost 3 yrs poast op and doing well. Couldnt be happier with my band. About 6 mths ago, I began having raging nightime reflux. So bad that I took 1 rx Nexium, 2 rx Prilosec, and 5 otc Zantacs and sleep propped up on 3 pillows. I'd still be miserable. I was so afraid theyd take out my band that I didnt say anything for 3 mths. Couldnt stand it any longer. Got an xray and found my band had slipped.

The PA took out 1/2 of my 9cc fill and let it rest for 4 wks. The reflux went away immediately. I we nt in in 4 wks and got 1cc put in. Still no reflux -but also no restriction. 2 wks later, they put another 1cc in. That night I threw up my pills. Got restriction agai n, yeah. But with it also came the reflux. Just as bad.

I never got a followup xray before starting the filling process again to make sure it was corrected. So either it was never fixed, or my vomiting up my pills caused another slip. I emailed my nurse (out of state for 24 wks, couldnt see my dr) and she said when I got back to OR to come in and theyd check it out. Heres the thing: the reflux stopped a few nites ago! Havent had it in 3 nites. Maybe my band isnt slipped. I feel fine, i can eat anything (still have decent restriction), and Im not up all night coughing up stomach acid.

Should I just forget seeing the dr? Its a 6 hr round trip trip and $160I a visit. Could it still be slipped and Im just getting used to the reflux? Could it have corrected itself? Or was it slipped again to begin with? What would u do? Like i said, im feeli ng fine now.

Marci

please go to the dr. Dont play with re flux, you can get ulcers in your esophagus and then you really will be in pain. You can also get barrette sydrome, (google it). There could be all kinds of stuf. Please don't play around with your health, get it check even if you have to go to your local er.

Go to your dr! Your health is much too important and the likelihood of long term damage is too great to leave this.

Personally, I think the American health care system is terrible when I read of so many people having to pay so much to see a dr! I think the last time I paid anything to see a dr was when I had my surgery 16 months ago and that was a total of about $1,000 excess for the anaesthetist after my health insurance. I want to see my GP, I make an appointment and she bulk bills the government. I see my surgeon. I make an appointment and he bulk bills the government. I never have to make a health care decision based on cost!

Rant over.

I agree with them as well. Please get it checked out. I am newly banded, but my dad has had the band for 6+ years and has problems with severe reflux for over a year. He finally went to the doctor after coughing up blood and told him that he had polyps in his stomach and his band had slipped. Now he has to get the polyps removed and is going to switch his band for a sleeve. I don't mean to sound scary, but this really his happening to him and would hate to see anyone else go through the same thing.

Thanks everyone! Appreciate your responses. I'm calling the office for an appt today.

Marci