Anyone Had This Problem?

LadyBlue · January 10, 2008

I started getting bad heartburn symptoms right after Christmas. It was more of 'fluid' or 'liquid' of some kind that will come up when I go to bed (am laying down). It woke me up in the night several nights in a row and I'd be coughing and have to go spit a lot.

I did go see my doctor and found out that ibuprofen had been irritating my stomach (I forgot I wasn't supposed to take it anymore). He gave me a prescription of something to help that I dissolve in Water before meals & at bedtime. It seems to help the burning, but I still get this liquid that wants to come up while I'm sleeping and I don't understand it. I will call the doctor again & ask about it, but I was wondering if any of you have had this happen? If so, what was the remedy?

Thanks for your input!

juliegeraci · January 10, 2008

Acid reflux is very common to bandsters. Typically the only way to combat it at nighttime like you are describing is medication first then a slight unfill. My friend just went through the same thing and it took her 2 or 3 fills and slight unfills to find the spot where she didn't have it at all. Like you the symptoms were the same. Good luck.

wishingonastar · January 10, 2008

I use an over-the-counter medicine called "Prelief". Take it before eating anything acidic and you won't have the heartburn.

Also, ibuprofen is very acidic. If you are in need of a pain reliever that isn't acidic ask your Dr. for prescription Tramadol (generic Ultram).

Marimaru · January 10, 2008

Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before bedtime. I get reflux (no acid, just Water or whatever) if I eat before bed and drink water after that, or if I need to take a pill at bed time and drink water for that (if I'm really tight). Last time was the other morning when I had a Migraine. I took something for it with some water and had to basically sleep sitting up, because I am SUPER tight in the morning. After about an hour I could lay down and sleep normally.

GayleTX · January 10, 2008

When I first mentioned the heartburn/reflux to my dr, he said, "Yep, that just the band" and gave me Protonix. I took it and also switched to low-acid coffee and cut out all my pain meds except Tylenol. After my next fill, it got worse and worse and I was sure I had an ulcer (felt like it did when I had one in the past)......had an EGD and they said that it was not, that my band was just too tight. So I had a slight unfill and that has just about fixed it. I still have some trouble if I eat too late at night but it's much better.

LadyBlue · January 10, 2008

Thank you for the responses! I talked to the nurse at the office this afternoon, and she said it sounds like it's too tight also. I'm glad to know I'm not alone!

Have a fantastic day!