I was banded in Feb '08, (Dr. Ortiz) and for the first eight months, had no problems with my fills. After that, however, I had to be filled and then unfilled numerous times, due to being TOO restricted and terrible acid reflux. (The last fill/unfill was in July '10.)

I also started having problems at work around that time and the stress was unbearable. I wound up getting fired in September '11 and have been out of work since then. I have no income (other than UI) and no medical insurance, and it looks like I'm going to have to get my band removed sooner than later, as I'm still experiencing heavy, heavy sliming and pbing even though I have NO fill in. I've been using meat tenderizer to be able to eat. I'm thinking that I may be eroded and have scar tissue, as from what I've been reading on this forum I've experienced many of the same symptoms other bandsters have had.

I'm so very heartbroken over having this done, and I'm going to have to find $$$ get this done in the next month or so.

i am sorry you are going through this but you def need to get to a doctor.

using meat tenderizer is not w way to live..i wish i could help...maybe call your dr and see if they ca see you pro bono because this sounds serious

You need to go back to your band Dr. Maybe go on some medication for acid reflux. I had a bit of a problem last year and actually had to take a few things. you could have inflammation etc. Sorry to hear of your trouble.

I know that every surgeon is different, but in my surgery manual it was specifically highlighted in caps not to use meat tenderizer..........could cause ulcers. Good luck to you.

If your band is in fact eroded that is considered an emergency. They have to remove it whether you have insurance or not because if stomach contents start leaking in to your other cavities it can cause a serious system wide infection. Go to the emergency room and make them treat you. Stop using meat tenderizer also to eat. This is not something to play with so go to the ER now.

Agree with the others... this sound like it could be very serious... internal organs are not something you can just play around with and hope it gets better -- $$ vs. life... not much choice there!

I know that every surgeon is different, but in my surgery manual it was specifically highlighted in caps not to use meat tenderizer..........could cause ulcers. Good luck to you.

I have read this too, as well as no aspirin products, use tylenol instead, or better yet, go organic with pepperming leaf tea, (the kind at herb stores)