My Reflux is Killing Me!

I just can't stand this reflux any more... I can't sleep at night and I am miserable all day. My gastro doctor switched me to Protonix. I have been taking it every day and it does nothing - or would it be even worse without it??? I called my surgeon today, who is away at a conference. His PA called him and called me to say that Dr. Cussatti wants her to see me first thing in the morning. I still don't have the insurance approval for the RNY revision but my doctor wants the PA to see me to determine if this is getting to be an emergency and that maybe I NEED to have my band taken out NOW!  I just don't know what to do. What if they decide that I have to have my band out soon and then wait for insurance approval for the RNY which would mean 2 more surgeries? I feel lousy and don't even know what to think. If you guys have any advice or thoughts I would appreciate it. I always appreciate your support. I trust my doctor but I just wish that he wasn't away...

Hi Marcia...I'm so sorry you're going through this.  One of the first things I learned when I was banded is that we're (I was revised too) not supposed to have reflux w/the band, so hopefully you'll the PA & you will get to the bottom of this.   Are you completely unfilled? sorry if you already posted this & I missed it, but have you been scoped, etc??

Hi, Thanks for the response. I am completely unfilled. I have been scoped and diagnosed with gastritis. I have been on meds for the reflux since 5/19 and it is getting worse instead of better. I have been through all of the clearances for RNY and now I was waiting on the insurance approval. I just need for this to end...

{{{Marcia}}} I had the same EXACT same problem and know what, I couldn't take it any longer and I just let Dr. Cussatti take the damm thing out in an emergency procedure and it was the BEST thing I did for myself. I felt 100% better 72 hours after the band was removed. It also gave my insides time to heal and I truley believe that's why my RNY revision went so smoothly Also just to let you know, my insurance approval for my revision came through 1 week AFTER removal. Don't suffer anymore...it really isn't worth it!!


Jane

Thanks Jane! I just may end up following in your footsteps. I just didn't want 3 surgeries in such a short time. I just had my gallbladder out in May. If Dr. Cussatti takes out the band now that will be 2 surgeries and the revision would make 3. Tomorrow morning I am seeing Doreen the PA because he is out of town. I am just so tired of having constant burning...

Just read your post and was wondering how you made out at the doctors this morning. Christine

Unfortunately it was kind of a waste even going. The PA thought that it was bad but not needing emergency surgery.  didn't want that anyway with my doctor out of town. She would have taken fluid out of my band but it is empty. She said that Dr. Cussatti was going to pressure the insurance company for a quick approval - I hope that it works!