I have a new one, at least I've not seen it posted yet. I've been diagnosed with vocal cord damage. Some nodules, some damage due to "reflux". They think it could be from the band. I don't feel like I have reflux issues but my ENT says you can have reflux issues with vocal cords without feeling like you have heartburn. It also could have been the tube down my throat for surgery.

It's not so bad that it would affect my everyday life, but I do sing with worship band ministry and it has definitely affected my singing.

I have a strobe scheduled next Friday to see exactly what we're dealing with.

Be careful out there singers! Just FYI. But, I still love my band!

I hope your nodes go away, worship is so wonderful, just don't sing loud, let the mike handle the volume. As far as the band and reflux. My reflux went away with the band, I thought it was because there is one more thing that the bile would have to negotiate around. Personally I would find it hard to believe that the nodes were caused or even irritated by the band. O BTW My ent thought that my allergies were irritated by the band, Whats up with that? I just think that when someone cant explain away the problem, they blame something that they cant be sued for!!

I once saw a throwaway reference to "hoarseness" being a side-effect of banding in an article that was very low on detail. At the time I was suffering from reflux and definitely thought I knew what they meant. And a couple of years ago, a non-banded friend who was suffering from chronic reflux lost her voice completely for a while. So it definitely can be related.

I'm sorry you're going through this, and hope a remedy can be found. Reflux is a bad thing for all kinds of reasons. Good luck!!

I'm happy to say that banding was the that my reflux went away. I found a change right away, granted I started loosing too. Ive been off my reflux meds for a long time. It was one of the first to go. As for my allergies, I think I had a virus of some sort that kept changing. It would sort of go for about 5 days then return, but actually Ive been symptom free for quite a while now! YEahh baby!

I just wanted to raise a flag to the fact that some problems are blamed on the band and really there is something more than at the surface.

I'm sorry for you too Vlucky. Reflux really needs to be followed, as do nodes. Your voice is precious to have!!

Thanks for your replies. I'm not too terribly worried because I caught it early. I don't think I'll need surgery. I'm actually looking forward to vocal therapy because it will teach me how to help my voice not to strain.

As for the reflux, I had an unfill on Tuesday and that certainly helped my more recent problems. I plan on taking some ginger and papaya supplements that are natural and help with digestion and reflux issues. I really don't want to get on any prescription if I can help it.

That certainly is interesting that hoarseness can be caused by the band. I never would have even considered that before surgery....

BUT, I still LOVE my band!