Hello everyone,

I have lurked here awhile but was afraid to post my problems as many have had it worse than I have...and I believe one should count their blessings. Now I feel it is the right time to ask for a little advice.

I was banded on the 17th of May. Surgery was quick, recovery was easy and problems were and continue to be minimal BUT I do have two or three issues/questions that my doctor seems to just fob off with a "don't worry" answer.

If someone will address them for me I will be forever grateful.

1. When I swallow most things I feel and hear something like a burp come up inside my esophagus. I am sure many of you recognize this sound. It is like air bubbling back up from the stomach pouch but not quite making it up all the way. It happens every single time I swallow and it doesn't hurt but it is VERY annoying and usually audible to others. Does anyone recognize this phenomenon and is it something that goes away with time?

2. I am getting heartburn now even though I have been heartburn-free on PREVACID for years. I am still taking the PREVACID but the heartburn is a daily thing anyway. Is this also something that gets easier perhaps?

3. Throwing up. I am concerned that if I ever have to vomit that it will not happen normally due to the roadblock of the stomach pouch and I will choke. Is this a foolish concern? Has anyone out there had a post-band vomit incident and has it been the same as before the band?

That's pretty much it. Aside from these issues I am a happy camper. I don't feel any real restriction yet with the band but I suppose after I am back on solid foods I will be a better judge. Seems to me that a banded person can just eat all the soft mushy foods they want without the band getting in the way so I will have to learn to stay away from them as much as possible. Don't want to cheat myself and the band!

Thanks all,

Ross

Hey Ross. Glad to hear that things are going well for you. I cant answer all of your questions but I did want to say that I know what you mean about the burp thing. This is so annoying to me especially since I take customers and prospects out to lunch/dinner on a regular basis. It seems to me that mine has gotten better but not gone totally. I hope it does. As far as the other questions....I dont know but to tell you the truth I have the same fear about the vomiting thing. Hopefully someone else will provide some insight on this for us. Good luck on your journey

Susan

Ross

I hope I can help with the heartburn .

I still get heartburn if I eat too fast. I had to learn to eat slowly, not a snails pace but thoughtfully.

Best wishes,

edie

The burping and heartburn will get better. I have had the pleasure of a stomach flu, it is possible to throw up but it tends to hurt. I keep phenegran on hand. I also have zofran on hand. Both stop vomiting pretty quickly. I would say that barfing with the band feels like dry heaves. ~Mandy