Hi everyone and anyone....my gyn wants me to start taking boniva since my bone density test didn't look too good, and the side effects include heartburn and reflux. Will I have any problems with my lapband, does anyone else have any problems along this line.

thanx, Joanie

I have chronic acid reflux.. It's not from the lap-band, but I had hoped it would help (not yet).

I take prilosec, one a day. It is a miracle drug for me, if I forget to take it, within 24 hours I have constant heartburn all day long.. but when I remember to take it, I have absolutely no reflux

**Supposedly, with the lap-band, acid reflux can't get 'up' through the band.. mine does.

Thanx for the reply. I've been lucky since I haven't had a problem with the heartburn or reflux, but apparently my gyn. is concerned about my lapband and me taking this Boniva. I guess I'll find out as soon as start taking it, right?

Yup.. hopefully it won't affect you.. but if it does cause acid reflux, you need to get on something, the acids coming up can't be good.. lap-band or not, the acid can cause esophogeal cancer, and probably do some damage to your stoma!

The thing about those types of drugs is that if it does not work for you it can cause a LOT of damage in just one dose. If you have the least bit of heartburn with even one dose your doc won't likely permit you to take it again. You have to take those drugs on an empty stomach and you have to sit/stand for at least 30 minutes after taking it. You can't take it at night before bedtime.

I don't recall the size of the tablet so I'm not sure it would go through anyway and some of those drugs are time released so you cannot break it or crush it.

Might want to research Forteo and see what you think. It's an injectable drug but it's not as bad as it sounds. It's like an insulin syringe, a tiny hair-like needle that I promise, does not hurt in the least. If you think that is something you can deal with then talk to your doc about that possibility. However, it is verrry expensive and getting insurance to pay will be tricky.

I would also get your surgeon involved in this one.

I appreciate all ya'lls opinions, I wish it wasn't friday afternoon, since my dr. is already out of the office, I may just wait till monday and call the office. I picked up the pill just a bit ago and although it is a capsule shaped pill, it may be a bit large for the band. I think I'll just play it safe and talk to them first.

thanx, Joanie