After almost 3 yrs figured out...

I developed reflux also a few years ago..but it was cured with an small unfill and taking protonix for about 1 year and then I slowly started more fill and now I have PERFECT restriction at 6 years with NO reflux or eating issues and I no longer need any more fills...

Edited to Add: Also sometimes you have to back off saline, the esophagus has to rest after a few years, especially if the band has been real tight for long periods of time, I also find that the longer between fills now the better my next fill is with no issues.

You know the band IS NOT PERFECT NEITHER IS THE SLEEVE, RNY OR DS..fortunately if something goes wrong with the band it can be fixed or treated with an unfill or removed...NOT SO  with RNY, SLEEVE OR the DS...this IS A FACT....THE BAND IS STILL THE SAFEST...NOT SAFE BUT THE SAFEST WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY, until the medical community change that I will believe it, and so far no hospitalizations thus far with my band, I will take brief reflux any day than leaks, bowel obstructions, constant REAL vomiting, hernias, and unexplained long term vitamin deficiencies dependencies on iron infusion, etc....I thank my band for a normal healthy life at 6 years...

Who wants to wait a few years for your esophagus to "settle" down. That sounds crazy to me.
And I have to disagree. The sleeve and DS are a lot more perfect then the lapband!
You of all people should know. You've had many problems with the band and still defend it.
Go visit the revision board or failed wls board. You'll see what I mean.
July 11th this thing is coming out!

SoulSister....you have a lot to learn; the band is just not for everyone....get well and I hope you can get a revision soon.

You've probably tried this already, but since you don't mention it, I thought I'd ask.

Have you tried drinking something hot or at least warm right before your meal?  Coffee, tea or a thin soup.. anything like that.  And don't wait 30 minutes..

I too take small sips during my meal, but not to help food go down, just I get thirsty.  I think the prohibition against drinking is to prevent us from drinking large amounts and preventing the stimulation of the vagus nerve.

I'm sorry you're having difficulty.  If I were having pain, I'd seriously consider have some fluid taken out, no matter what the UGI shows.  

This is one of the reasons why I'm seeing my doc on the 30th for a revision. Big problems with GERD (which I never had prior to the band) and at times unable to drink anything cooler than room temp fluids.

This has been going on with 0 fluid in my band for about a year.

Noel,
I know it's hell living with this thing. Good luck with a revision. 3 more weeks for me! Yipeeeeee!

I have mild pain with most solid foods.  Drinking a hot cup of coffee helps a lot.

I have never followed that rule. I quit that about a month out from surgery. However, when I do get "stuck", I have a hard time swallowing anything and especially liquids because its like a clogged up sink and putting water down my throat backs it up even more and it just springs up like a geyser. (sorry for the graphic image) but I end up having to run to the bathroom.