Ok so I am new around here. I have been doing pretty well with my band, felt like I had hit my sweet spot, was able to eat fairly normal foods in minimal quantity but still had good restriction. I was supposed to go get another fill this last month but cancelled because I didn't want to be too tight again, went through that once won't do it again. Even a little added makes a major difference to me. Well It seems like I have heartburn 24 lately now and I am having trouble eating because of it. I try to eat and I get uncomfortable or it's painful so I stop and then it gets worse so I don't try at all. The hearburn just continues on which make me want to eat less and less. My stress level hasn't really changed and nothing new emotionally so I can't realy account for it. I am not even someone to have heartburn, last time I had it I was pregnant with my 4 year, I had a hysterectomy in February so I know that isn't the case either...any ideas? Anyone ever go through anything like this? I asked someone in my office and they said it means you are too tight or too loose but how would I suddenly change like that? Weight loss has been steadily 1-1.5 pounds a week since my last fill 4 months ago.

Michelle

banded 9/5/05

started:301

now:189

It just does, with no explanation.

I have been tight as tight for the last week, really dont know why. I'm not normally, but it happens suddenly and then it goes away with no explanation.

it could be as simple as something you ate causing some irritation and perhaps a really mushy diet for a few days will help.

If it does continue, I'd see the doc though.

Hmmmm.....have you been eating dark chocolate? spicey foods? Been taking meds that might irritate your esophagus? Eating late at night? Overfilling your pouch? That's about all I can think of right off.....other than a band that decided to tighten up on you. That's what happened to me. I thought my band was fine, but had symptoms of ulcers, lots of acid reflux for about 4 months. When they did my EGD, my 'diagnosis' was wrong - my band was just too tight. Got a slight unfill and I'm fine now.

Hope you get it under controlled.....acid reflux is miserable and it can do damage to the esophagus. Take care!

It could be anything. Too tight, wrong foods, irritation, slip, stress, anything. It's a good idea to get it checked out.

for me , the heartburn will cause my esophogus to swell and then i cant get anything down. so i have to be careful not to get heartburn. if i throw up, this will cause same problem . swelling . so i have to go back to liquids to heal. if the liquids dont work , then i have fill taken out. so i have learned to not eat before bed or lying down. i also have to watch my stress and make sure i get lots of rest and exersize. i just had a fill a few weeks ago and i am really careful this time not to eat too quickly or get too stressed. so far so good.

Someone was telling me about a new band that had little pillows around it, and each filled independently. I think the old bands are one tube that fills so the restriction can vary from side to side. Maybe that is the reason for some of the change in restriction without fills or whatever. And maybe I'm just nutz!!

I have been banded for 5 1/2 months now and I agree with Wasabubble and Jachut....it could be anything and sometimes it just happens....In my short time being a bandster I been too tight, too loose all in the same month and it could have been stress or any number of things. I think you need to get it checked out by your doc because having indigestion 24/7 isn't good. Good luck and keep us posted.