When I first got my band I was 325lbs. Up until about 280lbs I hadn't really felt that bad and considered myself a 'healthy' fat person. As I got closer to 300-325 I started feeling worse. I got banded, lost 127lbs and stayed happily between 200-225lbs for about five years. However, I had constant reflux and heartburn from the band. About a year ago I finally had enough and had some Fluid taken out of my band. Holy crap did I gain weight fast!!! I went from 213 to 293 in less than a year and felt miserable. Gaining weight at the rate of 10lbs per year allows your body to adjust and get used to it but gaining 80lbs quickly made me feel like I was trapped in a fat suit and couldn't get out. I'm now having revision surgery next week on Tuesday, June 7th and I cannot wait! I'm so excited. I just wanted to share a brief synopsis of my journey and encourage anyone out there that is unhappy with their chosen weight loss surgery to never give up!

I look forward to seeing your progress after your surgery! I hope you're quickly down where you'd like to be, and without all the problems you had with reflux.

I am surprised that they are doing the sleeve with you previous having reflux with the band....

When i had decided on the sleeve after having my band removed , they sent me for testing to make sure i didn't have issues with my esophagus.

Has your doctor mentioned that the sleeve has a higher rate of reflux? Especially if you experience it with the band? I would contact your surgeon and ask for a manometry test.

Good luck with your journey.. Wishing you a speedy recovery

Here's a different perspective on reflux and the sleeve.

I had acid reflux pre-op that was controlled by the H2 blocker med Ranitidine 150 mg. twice a day. The problem was I wasn't very compliant with my reflux med.

So post-VSG my surgeon switched me for 4 months from Ranitidine to a PPI (Protonix) once a day. Said it would reduce my stomach acid even more while my new sleeve healed.

Then I switched back to my Ranitidine 150 mg twice a day -- but I am now nearly 100% compliant with taking it daily and on time.

Now, my reflux is no worse than it was pre-op. So unless I have red wine, tomato sauce, chocolate, and coffee for dinner and lie down immediately after eating, my reflux is well controlled by my little H2 blocker antacid.

P.S. I'm 21+ months post-VSG.

I am surprised that they are doing the sleeve with you previous having reflux with the band....

When i had decided on the sleeve after having my band removed , they sent me for testing to make sure i didn't have issues with my esophagus.

Has your doctor mentioned that the sleeve has a higher rate of reflux? Especially if you experience it with the band? I would contact your surgeon and ask for a manometry test.

Good luck with your journey.. Wishing you a speedy recovery

I didn't have the reflux before the band. They said it's being caused by how high the band was placed on my esophagus. I had an EGD and they think I'll be fine with the sleeve.