Just wanted to let my friends at lapbandtalk know i had my band removed last Friday. Even though the docs did not think the band was causing my problems (burning in mouth/throat) - I was desperate. Unfortunately they (Dr Ortiz and crew) were right and the burning came right back when I got home. Now they are further checking me for possible heartburn but it still seems far fetched since it's only in my mouth BUT - I would say I am recovering nicely from the surgery but very depressed to have lost the band for nothing and still be suffering. I pray every day for an answer to my ailment so I can treat it and finally feel better. I am on the verge of leaving my job due to the stress and constant feeling so bad. Today it's not too bad and I feel I might one day find out what is wrong but most days are pretty dismal. Now, I'm also plagued with thoughts of gaining weight and already dealing with the constant feeling of being hungry. ugh - The band didn't get me where I wanted weight wise but it definitely kept me from gaining and overeating - I will sorely miss it.

mary

Oooh, I'm so sorry having it removed didn't fix your problem! Medical mysteries are sooooo frustrating. Best wishes that you figure it out and get it fixed, soon!

So sorry, keep us posted while we pray for you!

I feel for you, and I'm about to go through what you have. Though I haven't had burning, I have had nausea, and vomiting shoulder pain and some of the worst headaches I've ever had in my life. I've been through the whole gammit of tests, and my doctor is very unsure of what is causing everything. I've made the decision, but I'm revising to VSG. In 3 weeks, I should find out if the band is what is causing all this misery.

I will keep you in my thoughts while you keep looking for your answers.

w

Here's what's happened since my last posting. Saw a general practitioner - she took vials of blood (the lab or someone 'lost' over 1/2 of it) and so far she found a very slight zinc deficiency and a Vitamin D deficiency. The gastro guy I saw (to rule out any stomach/gastro issues) was convinced it wasn't heartburn etc. but still suggested DOUBLING the full dose of nexium and taking it 2x a day - said it couldnt hurt. Well it did - it causes dry mouth

so i went to dentist who was stunned - said my mouth was so dry the roots of my salivary glands were showing all over my tongue. He suggested dry mouth spray - over the counter - inexpensive and i had almost immediate relief.Off all nexium - taking good and high levels of supplementation - drinking soy milk, sitting in sun for 1/2 hr every day and feeling much better - heat is there but intermittent and no real bad episodes of burning. Am not planning on going back to doctors unless it doesn't go away comletely in two weeks. oh yeah also taking a spoon of cod liver oil- ugh and YUK - every day.

I could have an underlying issue causing dry mouth but i think it was extreme stress which I truly had - taking phentermine and being on a huge diet (cuz i was unfilled) and afraid to gain weight - taking maalox for over a month - huge doses cuz i thought i had heartburn - and being on a liquid diet (labband docs instructions) cuz we were thinking this was heartburn - then the double nexium - all dry mouth causers -

so - i guess i would say - do what u think is right but i wish i had kept my band - the band docs said it wasn't the band but i was desperate to feel better and thought it was. I would think carefully about whyyouare doing it and weigh opionions if that will help your condition. it feels pretty bad to know i went thru that and didn't need to.

good luck

Marys, I'm so glad you finally figured out what was wrong and how to fix it. Good luck in moving past all of this and finding your way to sustained health. Thanks for coming back and letting us know how you're doing!

Mary S:

I'm having my band out after only 5 weeks - I couldn't take it! How are you feeling now?

Sue are you sure you are happy with your decision? I have been reading this forum and have read a couple of your posts and you seem to be looking for confirmation that taking the band out is the right thing to do.

I could be completely wrong and if I am please forgive me.I am not trying to judge you and if you think having the band out is the right thing to do then that is what you should do.

Have you maybe considered switching surgeons? Maybe your problems are not band related maybe they are surgeon related. Maybe a different surgeon would be able to sort your problems out.

I would hate you to have your band out and then discover that it was not the cause of your problems and then regret having it removed.

Whatever you do I wish you good luck.