:help:Does anyone out there know what could possibly be causing a frequent raspy, sore throat? A few months ago I went to my family doctor and had pus pockets on my throat. Antibiotics appeared to take care of them, but it keeps creeping back to haunt me. My band was too tight for months and I did my share of yak'in. I am certain these sore throat episodes have something to do with the band but I am not sure how. After I had my band unfilled some and I noticed I started yak'in up brown liquidy stuff the day I was unfilled. I mentioned it (the sore throat stuff, not the discolored liquidy brownish stuff) to my fill tech but she did not think it was band related. I think it is somehow, but she said just what I wanted to hear. My band is very loose right now because I have choose to do this for healing if thats what should be done. It's been over a month and that sore, raspy throat thing came back again. I was suppose to have a fill today and cancelled because I felt the throat stuff com'in on again. Anyone ever experience this or know what could be going on here?

Well, now you guys know how I felt in October. NOBODY had posted anything about this. I had to figure it out all by myself. Even my band doc didn't really know. I'm glad I was able to get it together to help you guys.

I had my unfill done not because of my voice, but for my pregnancy. It took about 5 months before I realized I could sing again (I had totally gotten out of the habit). Keep in mind, I had an undiagnosed vocal polyp too, so my problem might have been a little worse.

Be sure not to sing while recovering. You might also want to check with an ENT. They can give you vocal exercises to do.

Also keep in mind, if being too tight is damaging your voice, imagine what it could be doing to your internal organs? We have to be wise about what price we're willing to pay at the altar of this band.

As for constipation.....try ACTIVIA yogurt. It really does work. It has Probiotics in it which I've been using for years for colon health (way before the band). Eat 2 a day until you start to see results. If you want faster results, go to a local Health food store and ask for Probiotics. The brand I use can be purchased at www.advocare.com and it's called probiotic restore. You might also try doing an Herbal Cleanse (purchased at health food store or advocare). They REALLY work to get you going right. Advocare has an unconditional money back guarantee if you're not satisfied. You might be able to find a local distributor. It's great stuff.

I can't stand to be even a little bit constipated. It's a major priority for me. (weird huh?)

One more thing. Antibiotics are one of the biggest causes of constipation. Not only from our medicine, but also in our milk and meats. Antibiotics kill ALL bacteria, including good bacteria which helps digestion. Pro-biotics restores the good stuff so we can digest correctly.

It's always recommended to cleanse after antibiotics to get that out of you and restore digestive health.

I know it sounds a little "tree huggy", but natural wellness is for real.

Cindyh

Thank you for your kind and helpful words. I plan on taking this problem to support group meeting next month as I am sure there has to be more of us right here in town suffering from this and not even thinking it has to do with the band! I think this needs more research and DR's need to be more aware of it!.. I was even sent to a throat specialist and he could find nothing and contributed to my tremors...wowwwwwwww...I ahve to tell you this is a relief to me and I am sure to many others!!! I will let you knwo how things are going!..Thank you again to all of you posting abotu this troubling problem!

Deb