Recently had an episode of reflux that caused me to aspirate my own stomach contents...two words....GROSS, and OUCH! I have had reflux on and off since November of last year and in Dec went for a barium swallow. Dr said nothing was wrong so wrote me as script for some zantac and I was on my way. Well this particular episode was so bad if I could have had a conversation with someone I would have been talking to 9-1-1 because I couldnt breath between coughing and the acid in my lungs...not cool. I eventually got it under control and decided to call my Dr. Guess what....on holidays for another 2 weeks!!! I then called the smartshape number to talk to one of the nurses there and they were all busy. I left a message...didnt hear back for 2 days!!!!! Finally talked to the nurse this morning about it and she said if it happens again to call the DR....(duh!) or go to emergency. She also is wanting me to go for another barium swallow and to have a defill. At this point I am so tired of the reflux I want the dang thing defilled just for a break! I do appreciate how it keeps me in check but it is so painful at times.

Sorry for the vent.

Recently had an episode of reflux that caused me to aspirate my own stomach contents...two words....GROSS, and OUCH! I have had reflux on and off since November of last year and in Dec went for a barium swallow. Dr said nothing was wrong so wrote me as script for some zantac and I was on my way. Well this particular episode was so bad if I could have had a conversation with someone I would have been talking to 9-1-1 because I couldnt breath between coughing and the acid in my lungs...not cool. I eventually got it under control and decided to call my Dr. Guess what....on holidays for another 2 weeks!!! I then called the smartshape number to talk to one of the nurses there and they were all busy. I left a message...didnt hear back for 2 days!!!!! Finally talked to the nurse this morning about it and she said if it happens again to call the DR....(duh!) or go to emergency. She also is wanting me to go for another barium swallow and to have a defill. At this point I am so tired of the reflux I want the dang thing defilled just for a break! I do appreciate how it keeps me in check but it is so painful at times.

Sorry for the vent.

Seems to be a common occurrence with Lap band surgery....

I know I battled with it, and for myself have found I just need to stay away from certain foods....no more spicy Mexican or Thai...

I used to put hot sauce on everything..eggs, whatever...no mas!

I used to love Bloody Mary's....but now they kill me....come to think of it, most mixed drinks can be too strong and can have adverse effects, so I'm back to Beer which can be cool and soothing..

Nothing to eat after 7:00-7:30. Certainly nothing spicy or acidic. And elevate your upper body (not just your pillow/head) while you sleep. I had lapband in 2005 and I've only experienced the reflux in the last couple years. Bought an adjustable bed and I'm cured. Before I elevated with extra pillows. You can also buy a foam wedge to elevate comfortably.

Just wanted to add (if you are not already aware) these foods can increase reflux episodes:

• 
  Meats. Ground beef, marbled sirloin, chicken nugget-style, and chicken/buffalo wings.
  
• 
  Fats, Oils & Sweets. Chocolate, regular corn and potato chips, high-fat butter cookies, brownies, doughnuts, creamy and oily salad dressings, fried or fatty food in general.
  
• 
  Fruits, Vegetables & Juice. Orange juice, lemon, lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato, mashed potatoes, French fries, raw onion, potato salad.
  
• 
  Other Beverages. Liquor, wine, coffee, and tea.
  
• 
  Grains. Macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with marinara sauce.
  
• 
  Dairy. Sour cream, milk shake, ice cream, regular cottage cheese.
  

I get acid reflux when I sleep if I eat too close to bed time and/or if I sleep on my stomach. I'm like a gremlin now and won't allow myself to be fed after a certain time of night

I take an otc zantac 150 every night as a preventative. I recently started having to take one in the afternoon, too, because of heartburn. Problems kept getting worse until I could barely eat anything healthy and went in for an unfill. Had .5 cc removed and feel like a new person... I can eat healthy now and I'm not having any heartburn or reflux.

It certainly showed me why people with the band can gain weight. While I was too tight, I was unable to eat any healthy foods, but I was able to eat junk food with no problems ;-(

Just wanted to add (if you are not already aware) these foods can increase reflux episodes:

[*]

meats. Ground beef' date=' marbled sirloin, chicken nugget-style, and chicken/buffalo wings.

[*']

Fats, Oils & Sweets. chocolate, regular corn and potato chips, high-fat butter Cookies, brownies, doughnuts, creamy and oily salad dressings, fried or fatty food in general.

[*]

Fruits, Vegetables & juice. Orange juice, lemon, lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato, mashed potatoes, French fries, raw onion, potato salad.

[*]

Other beverages. Liquor, wine, coffee, and tea.

[*]

Grains. macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with marinara sauce.

[*]

Dairy. Sour cream, milk shake, ice cream, regular cottage cheese.

What's left to eat??

What's left to eat??

I agree lol. I have no problem with acid reflux at all and I do eat most of those foods. The only thing I have a problem with is starchy white rice.

Could you possibly be too tight?

Toddy, thank you for your reply. I'm feeling the same way for a few weeks now. Can't seem to eat anything healthy. My blood sugar was low and I've felt poor all day, then the Hershey bar went down fine this afternoon.

I'm having the same problem also with the acid reflux. I haven't had a fill in over 1 year and it's just getting so bad I can't eat anything without the painful burning in my throat. I'm basically miserable and have to force myself to eat even tho I know it's going to burn like a you know what!!