Hi, Everyone: I was banded about 5 years ago. About a year ago, I was having so many problems with my band (related to acid reflux & gerd) that my doctor removed all of my fill and I've been empty since then. The thought was leave it empty for about 6 months and then refill. I never went back. The reflux/gerd left and I didn't want to restart all of the problems so I left it alone. As a result I've regained about 30 lbs in the last year & 1/2. Not good. I've decided that I cannot have gone thru all the trouble of getting the band to let this stop me. So I'll be rescheduling an appointment for a fill. I was interested in the stories of gerd I saw online and wanted to know if anyone else had similar issues with their band. My doc says I have an unusually sensitive stomach and react to the fills with swelling with is half the problem I guess. Any info or support would be appreciated.

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Hello. Can you tell me what "gerd" is? I got my band in dec. 07. I have a lot of problems with excessive phlegm. It makes it very difficult to keep anything down. I'm not ready to get unfilled, but I sure would like to have a meal just one time and not have it all come up again.

GERD is a reflux of acid into your esophagus. It sounds like you have a different issue. Your band may be too tight for now (when you lose more weight you can continue getting more fills) since you cannot get food down relatively easily and have a lot of phlegm. The saliva thing is automatic when you're somewhat blocked because you ate too much food and it's not going down easily. You wind up having having what is called a "productive belch" which is a small regeritation of food that is backed up in your esophagus. You should talk to your doc or eat smaller portions if this is a regular thing with you. That shouldn't happen that often.