Strange...

So I met with a couple of surgeons this week for their expertise opinion of what may be going wrong with me based on my tests results and my symptoms since Labor Day.

Both surgeons mentioned they did not see anything wrong with my lap band based on my test results.

Both surgeons agreed that the band can be unbuckled "IF NEEDED" to repair the hernia based on how it is situated, and they both mentioned they can't give me a clear answer of how difficult it will be without actually seeing what is going on inside with the stomach.

So basically they gave me the SAME answer as my current surgeon, yes the hernia can be fixed, but they will not know how difficult it will be until they go in and see what is going on.

Both surgeons also mentioned based on looking at my EGD report my hernia was not that big to really be concerned with, but they would not be concerned with repairing it unless it was bothering me too much or preventing me from using my band effectively.

Both surgeons also mentioned that I could be just feeing inflammation' from the gastritis and esophagitis and STRESS is probably causing these problems along with the foods that I was eating.

One surgeon mentioned he would order a esophageal motility test to make sure my esophagus is functioning properly, he says that many lap banders that are 6-10 years post banding end up having problems with pushing food out of their esophagus and reflux and issues....But I am not having those problems yet, and I've never had problems with food sitting in my esophagus or chest.

Both surgeons also mentioned that I may NOT need any surgery if the inflammation calms down and I can resume to filling my band again. And both surgeons mentioned that esophagitis and gastritis was causing all the inflammation and pain and it takes time for these problems to calm down especially if stressful situations are removed and stay away from spicy foods.

The strangest thing is after almost 2 months, I am feeling better again, I am able to eat again without feeling chest pain, breathing problems and burning. I’ve been on leave of absence from my job since last Monday….so I am wondering if I am feeling better because I am not working…lol

Anyway, I meet with my surgical team this morning along with the expert who would repair my hernia and see what their final word is regarding my situation….

Since I am feeling better now, I will only request that they go in and repair the hernia and leave the band alone, if my surgical team balks at that idea….I will ask one of the other surgeons I met with this week to do it.

It's very strange how all the burning, chest pains, and problems can just all of a sudden calm down after 2 months of misery....Anyway I feel good this morning and optimistic about keeping my band now…

I'm glad you are feeling better.  Good luck keeping your band...and thanks for sharing.

Thank you Jo for your support

Unless you've had bad esophageal dilation, I would avoid an esophageal motility test - if it's esophageal manometry, anyway. The surgeon who vetted Bandwagon says that if he required esophageal manometry of all band patients, he wouldn't have any band patients.

I'm glad you're feeling better, anyway.

Jean thanks for the support...when that surgeon told me what was invovled with the esophageal motility test I looked at him like he was crazy...he told me that they stick a long tube down your nose into your throat and do something else...he is NUTS if he think I will get that done....

I watched a video of that test and was amazed that the patient (a woman) was so calm about it. I would have been gagging and yanking at the tube. Maybe they fed that woman a happy pill before they shot the video.

I wish you the very best Naomi!!!  I will be praying for you that your docs come up with a solution for you to keep your band.

All Best,
Layla

Thanks Leyla....but it looks like Suzie will be coming out eventually.....I am not sure what to do right now, my pain has calmed down and my surgeons still want to remove the band and they won't fix the hernia until I get a revision...WTF...

You know, if it has to come out, I would just get it taken out and during that unbanded time let my insides heal.  You can always revise later (if you decide that is what you want). 

It surprised me that I had a hiatal hernia fix when I was sleeved  - for some odd reason there are so many of us that had H.H. repair during our sleeves. I didn't notice anything different.

I tell you though when my band was removed and I did not have my revision to a plication as planned even though I decided not to do it was like going through a pregnancy and never holding a baby.  When I was being discharged the nursing team kept telling me "you'll still have restriction" as your stomach is probably shaped from the band. "take it slow", "chew, chew, chew", "don't eat too much"  I was like F off, shut up - I'm at a loss and miserable don't you see! Without a fill my band was always useless.  I was unfilled 6mos that  was already like not having any band at all.  Gosh, I was so depressed .

Six months later I did what I thought I never would and had my stomach lopped off  (totally freaked me out - so many Sleevers helped me through that pre-op time, they promised I would be okay and I am - praise God!).  Surprisingly,  I have no regrets - not a single one.  I feel sorry for those who are young and obese and have not really lived and those not so young and obese who end up sickly and powerless to their obesity.

Know that no matter what happens, no matter what you choose, you will be okay.

FYI, you spelled my name right the first time L*e*i*l*a*.  I type it a few different was because once someone pulled up a google search and pulled up one of my posts here.  My name is more common now but not so common so it is easier to find me :).

Give your self time to think about what you need.  You will decide in your time.