Pertaining to Gastric Reflux...from the gastrologist's directions sheet (used with permission):

MODIFICATION OF LIFE STYLE RECOMMENDATIONS:

*WATCH DIET

--Avoid provoking foods (see list below)

--No eating for 2 - 3 hours before going to bed

--Eat smaller meals

*EXERCISE

--Avoid vigorous activity for 1 - 2 hours after meals

--Bend at knees and not waist

*ELEVATE HEAD OF BED 4 INCHES -- BY USING 4x4 BOARD OR

4" BRICK UNDER LEGS OF BED

*AVOID WEARING TIGHT FITTING CLOTHING

*STOP SMOKING AND DRINKING ALCOHOLIC beverages

*REDUCE WEIGHT

GERD: PROVOKING FACTORS:

*FOODS

--Mints --Tea

--Chocolates --coffee

--Tomato --Fatty or Fried Foods

--Black Pepper

*ALCOHOL, CIGARETTES, COFFEE (INCLUDING DECAFFEINATED)

*LYING DOWN WITHIN 3 - HOURS AFTER A MEAL

*DRUGS

--Nitrates --Calcium-channel blockers

--Anticholinergics --Theophylline

--Oral B2-agonists --NSAIDs

--Antispasmodics --Phenothiazines

--Tricyclics --Neuroleptics

--Narcotics

Kansascitygal, please get your band looked at immediately. That's not normal - at all. Call Lopez and demand to speak with him directly. You need to have the band looked at through x-ray and/or endoscopy (where they put a camera down your throat to look directly at the band.)

Kansascitygal

Is losing 110 lbs in 14 months worth your life?

The band was not designed to work like this. If your band is this tight without a fill, you NEED to call your Dr. immediately.

I can't agree more! I am sure most people on here will tell you the same thing. Please take everyone's advice and call your doctor.

If you can't go to Mexico, go see your primary doctor. Tell him you have an implanted Gastric Lap Band that isn't working the way it's supposed to, and demand an endoscopy. But MAKE SURE you get the endoscopy done by someone who is familiar with the Band. Dr. Lopez would probably be happy to talk with a local surgeon or doctor on the phone to give them instructions on what to look for. If the person doing the scope isn't familiar with the Band, they could overlook problems.

Girl, where are you??? Have you made the appointment yet? Don't make us worry, okay?

Here is a great piece of info directly from the Inamed Handbook I got from surgery that may help you Kansascitygal

Page 7

Q- How would I know if my band is"too tight or "overfilled"

A- If the adjustment results in too tiht of a stomach opening, you could have a hard time eating most foods. Sometimes this causes people to avoid solid food. They may drink liquid meals. This may result in weight gain especially if the liquid used is high in calories. A band that is too tight can cause reflux symptoms particularly at night.It can aslo cause frequent vomiting. The opening to the stomach can become completely blocked. This would result in not being able to keep any food or liquids down. Should you develop these symptoms, please notify your surgeon at once.

I hope today you have called your Dr. for the sake of your health and the longevity of your band

Thank you all for your concern. I had an upper GI last week. When I talked to dr office, they told me to get film sent to them tomorrow and Dr Lopez will be able to read and come up with reason. For the first time in a year I am becoming proactive. I started prilosec a few days ago and am feeling relief. I will keep you guys posted.

Lets not forget "LegallyBlonde" from pg 3 is having these same problems as well!

kansascitygal, PLEASE keep us posted.

Thanks for the concern. That was sweet. I truely wanted to be a part of an educated forum where people could share their ups and downs with their bands. What I found when I first posted was such negetivity regarding Dr. Lopez that I just didn't want any part of it. It is hard enough when you go through the surgery, the new lifestyle, the emotions that go along, blah blah blah....the last thing I needed was a group of angry woman who reminded me of every high school click I avoided. Don't get me wrong, I am no Dr. Lopez advocate. No, I don't secretly work at his office. I just had a pretty good experience. It was MY OWN personal experience. To those who had a bad one, I feel your pain. I both believe you and feel badly that it happened. I was saddened to see people post oppinions about a doctor they have never personally seen.

Having said all that....heres the deal, this happens to be the easiest site to access. I have checked it almost weekly since my surgery. I have gotten some good tips from it. I would have loved to feel a part of a community. I guess I'll give it another go.

My GERD. Ode to my GERD. GERD oh GERD, how I have grown to hate thee, you wake my in the night, to remind me of my fright, burn my little throat, many TUMS I take to coat....etc.

My bed is so elivated that I woke this AM all scrunched at the bottom. Perhaps seat belts are in order?

I will go see Lopez next week if he can fit me in. I promise. I ate a chicken salad last night and I was so happy that I called friends and family. I HATE chicken! Ice cream goes down without problem. Too bad.

Thanks again for the nice words.

Maybe me and K.C.G cold go see Lopez together. Two miserable bastards in one visit.

Christine.

I'm so happy to hear that both of you Legallyblonde and Kansascitygirl are taking action.

Please keep us posted we are all here for you with support and encouragement

Christine, ((hugs)) to you girlfriend! You deserve every bit of happiness in the banded world that the rest of us have experinced. You will get there, I promise. Its just taken you a little longer . And I commend you for taking the first step - a phone call to see the doctor.

How about not eating after a certian time? Does that help the GERD?

If Lopez can not see you next week, *please* find another that can.