Reflux problems

gadumplin · May 21, 2009

I am at my best restriction since I was banded one year ago; however I am waking up between 4 and 5 am with reflux that is just horrible. :smile: I am taking pepcid prescribed by my surgeon, have elevated my bed and try not to eat several hours before lying down. I hesitate to have any taken out of my band because I so want to start losing again. Any suggestions on what I might need to do?

JRFAN88 · May 21, 2009

I am having the same problem & it is so frustrating. I first started having in January of this year & by the time I went in for an unfill I was so dehydrated that they took out a whole cc which really set me back. I haven't lost anything since then. They have filled me back up very gradually & as of almost 3 weeks ago I'm finally back to restriction. scale has finally dropped a couple pounds. Now that darned night-time coughing & reflux is back. I don't want it to get that bad again so I have called the doctor's office to see if I can come in for a very tiny unfill. My husband is also banded & he's never had this problem. It is driving me nuts. Everytime I get the restriction that I want & need this reflux comes along. And I'd rather be overweight & get sleep so guess I'll get the unfill. Hopefully it will still leave me with restriction.

4RE4ME · May 21, 2009

Unless you want to slip you need to get a slight unfill today. If you wait a week count on a total unfill for months. Don't play around with a tight band unless you want all your past efforts to go down the drain.

BeefromCalie · May 22, 2009

My sister works for a PCP one of the patients had the same problem. The surgeon had to unfill a small amount a few times, that did not stop it, he completely unfilled her and she still had problems. She had to have the band removed. The surgeon said they would see about putting it back in about 6 months or so. Before I was banded I would get reflux if I ate mexican food like 2 or 3 days in a row. Or food that had to much sauce on it.

Cleo's Mom · May 22, 2009

Reflux and heartburn can lead to changes in the cells in the esophagus which can lead to Barrett's esophagus which can lead to esophageal cancer. After many years of GERD and heartburn then Barrett's my husband died of esophageal cancer almost 4 years ago. It is not something to tolerate in order to lose weight. Contrary to others on these boards who think it is whining to complain about heartburn, I know it is serious. When I was overfilled I developed these problems and had a slight unfill. Problems resolved. I don't care if I lose another ounce. I got the band to get healthy not create new medical problems.