Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Reflux Poll  

9 members have voted

  1. 1. Reflux Poll

    • Ive been banded at least 6 months and Ive [U]NEVER[/U] had problems with reflux.
      143
    • Ive been banded at least 6 months and Ive had problems with reflux (corrected or not).
      638


Recommended Posts

Hello everyone, I have reflux (before and after band) and am currently searching for holistic remedies to my reflux.

I don't mean to scare anyone but the meds can cause pancreatitis . I didn't even know this was a side effect until I did some research.

I'm amazed the doctors don't know this. My lap band doctor did caution against using these meds long term.

It's really frightening. If you google chronic pancreatitis, it's a devastating illness that can take your life and probably will eventually.

I have stopped my acid reflux meds and I'm hoping I have not caused such damage to it.

Just an FYI

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

the best natural stuff that I have found (and use) is chamomile and ginger, in my opinion. Especially ginger. I even have ginger altoids (mint is NOT good for reflux). I swear I love ginger and eat it like its going out of style. Can't have the fundoplasty with lap band. Just be careful if you aren't going to use the meds and make sure you get scoped regularily to check for Barretts and so forth. I hear that esophagial cancer is nasty stuff. I've never been reflux symptom free, ever in my whole life and I'm not holding my breath on it. I'm used to it. I just make sure I can breath (acid stays out of the lungs) and that I'm not throwing up or overly nauseated. Being symptom free would be nice, but its not an expectation of mine. There are worse problems to have-- my father had a hole in his esophagaus (he drank battery acid as a baby).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm havig a scope in a week.

I'm terrified of Barretts. If the doctor see's damage I'm going to rethink the band.

Nothing is worth cancer.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had reflux with my first band. The band eventually slipped at 2.5 years post-op.

I have not any reflux with my second band (now 2 yrs post-op).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Did you have trouble from the beginning with your first band. What kind of trouble did you have?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had trouble as soon as I got restriction (third fill - about 4 mos. into banding). That's when I started getting reflux. I had a slight unfill, which helped. Then the problem came back ... eventually got so miserable that I had a complete unfill. Had a respite for a few months (no fills), then started having problems again even though my band was completely unfilled. I think that is when my band slipped - or the slip worsened. I tried to put up w/the problems for several months, eventually got so bad that I had an upper GI and discovered the slippage. I then had my band replaced at 2.5 years post-op first band.

I think that my band probably slipped slightly early on, and then just worsened over time - but it's hard to say for sure why I had so much trouble w/my first band (Midband - placed by Dr. Frering in France).

I have had no trouble w/my current band (9.75 cm Lap-band), and I'm 2 years post-op on my second band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Can you take platonix while banded?? just wondering since its supposed to cure stomach ulcers help with reflux, hearburn and gas.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is the first sign the band is overfilled. Over eating will cause this as well so watch your volumes. 1/2 - 1 cup per meal...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

reflux after should be agressively investigated especially if heartburn does not improve with deflation. The band will not always resolve reflux if it was present before the surgery but most see a dramatic improvement. Meds like protonix, nexium are ok to take but after other potential serious causes for the reflux have been excluded

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

itsyvonne,

I am petrified that I am heading down your path. After my 2nd fill about 1.5 weeks into it, I felt very little restriction, but all the sudden developed a tightness in the back of my throat. I just figured that I over ate or didn't chew properly or something and babies my pouch for a few days w/ soft foods (yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.)

I already had my 3rd fill scheduled and did mention that I had a tight feeling in the back of my throat, and why I assumed it was there and they gave me another .5 for a total of 2.5CC's, almost immediately I felt a flare up in the back of my throat, but told myself it was temp, and the Water went down fine, etc. So I figured I was good to go and once I went on liquids for the 24 hours I'd be all set.

Wrong, now I can feel the acid and have started taking Pepcid complete. Which doesn't help. I called my Doc yesterday and he still hasn't called me back, if I don't get a call by noon, I'll call again. I think I may need a slight unfill, or worst case scenario, I have already slipped.

Should I request that they do an Xray to make sure that I'm properly placed?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dear itsyovonne,

It sound like the band is a little too tight. Going back to 2 cc for a while or less should help. If symptoms continue then an upper GI may be necessary. good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used to have really bad reflux before the band but it has improved soooo much post banding.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a problem with certain things now that I didn't up until this year. For instance Orange juice. I never had a problem with it but, now I get heart burn from it unless low acid kind but, only in small quantity. I don't know if it is lap band related though since I just started having it this past year.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi everyone, I hope you don't mind me sneaking in. Sorry I am not participating and haven't been banded yet but I have a question. I am a coffee attict and drink my "Starbucks" at least 4 cups every morning and have no negative side effects. Is coffee restricted after being banded and/or does it cause reflux?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×