hello,

Dec 20 will mark 3 years since my LAGB surgery. I lost about 40 lbs and stayed the same for sooooooo long. Got my last fill in June. And within the last couple months (started school, started going to gym more, activity level increased greatly, less time to eat) I have really started to crawl out of my slump and start using the the band to it's full potential once again. I have lost about 25 lbs in the last 8 weeks or so.

My problem is, I always had a bit of GERD issues, but the past month or so (and even more the past week or so) have been having a lot of it-I usually start coughing when it starts, and can't stop coughing until I take zantac or pepcid.

I can take tums for a lot shorter period of relief. (I really have an issue with PPI's and will not take them) I do not want to get an unfill b/c I am losing weight for the first time in years and am very happy with my new, improved body. Also, I can eat anything, just small amounts, and have had no trouble keeping anything down when I take small bites and chew. Reflux is mostly in the AM and when I dont eat for much more than a couple hours.

I have vomited, but only 3 or 4 times since I got the fill in June and it was because I was stupid and ignored my signals. I have an appt with my Bariatric nurse on friday,

any advice/anecdotes/words of wisdom would be appreciated.

-Carlie

you need to talk to the dr about this.

Try soft stuff or shakes till you see dr

Heartburn is the number one "signal" to my dr that I'm too tight. It may be different with your dr but I would mention it. It's better to have a small amount removed than hurting yourself or the band.

Best wishes

Also maybe look into the foods your are eating. Before my first consultation with my doctor, I was on a PPI religiously I could not function at all with out it. But that was three months ago and I am completely off my med and don't ever have reflux issues now. I have noticed that larger amounts of protein in my diet has helped this. Also eating things that are easier to digest decreases your stomachs need for digestive juices thus you have less acid to cause problems. High fiber!!

You have lost 40 lbs in 3 years? Or 40lbs since your last fill......

For me, I have had to change the types of food I eat (texture), and the band has also forced how much I eat..portion sizes auto set...

I have also found that Reflux, heartburn was directly related to WHAT I was eating...more sensitive now to spicey foods..once I figured that out the reflux has stopped...

I have also found I have to not eat hours before going to bed...otherwise I will have problems...laying horizontal does not go well with food and the band.

Also, I have found that certain times of the day determines what I can eat....

And, I cannot drink liquids of any kind while or immediately after eating without creating some unwanted results...

In other words....because of the band, my entire lifestyle has changed, and most, if not all of the lessons Learned were from things I experienced and then problem solved....in other to be able to co-exist with the band.