Ask Dr. Curry

Thank you so much for your response.  My next question would then of course be would you consider bypass surgery of any kind for a patient with this condition?

Thanks again,

Bypass surgery is the best antireflux operation that exists.  It would definitely be a good option for you.

Hi Dr Curry!  I've had a band that maybe has been a bit on the tight side since Oct 07.  It took 6-7 fills to gain restriction and I was reluctant to go backward.  I'm a bit concerned that for the past few weeks I seem to be in need of Pepcid several times a day.  I do drink coffee ad I do drink wine, so I thought at first it was just a matter of neutralizing that to keep things calm.  But now I'm not so sure.

I don't reflux, but I do have a bit burn several times a day and am struggling with meals and have started moving toward softer fatty foods like cheese to get my protein in.

I really don't want to lose fill, but I don't want other issues.  Is there a definitive test--rather than just removing fill and waiting it out?

You don't need a test, you are too tight.  You know this already--you are in denial!

Wow!  Right between the eyes!   I'm COO of 150 doctor group and I've learned to respect what the physicians tell me when they are the clinician and I am the evil administrator.  So...thank you...I will go see my doctor and get a slight unfill.  I know you are right.   And yes...I've been in denial.  

Thanks.

Hi Dr Curry,

My question is about exercise. I am still on my 6 month pre op diet and am hoping to have my lapband put in in December. I just recently joined Curves, a womens gym where they use hydrolics machines to give you a work out using your own weight.

So my question is when would i be able to resume going to that gym after i have my surgery? I know i can walk right after but what other kinds of exercise can i do after surgery?

Some people say 6 weeks others 8 and longer, that sounds like a long time, i was back at the gym 6 weeks after my c-section from my second child and i felt just fine, i did avoid the abdominal machines.

We allow unrestricted exercise at 4 weeks and haven't had any problems.

Dr Curry

This is my situation, a month ago I woke up very tight. I received a complete unfill (1cc in 4cc band).  Still had a lot of restriction even though unfilled. Dr sends me in for an upper gi, for sure I think I have a slip but radiologist states my band looks exactly the same in other words still looks good. He does see reflux which is new. So I see my band doctor afterward he states a small percentage of people develop reflux even though the band is ok. He gives me a rx for reglan and wants me to repeat an upper gi in 3 mos. He states that if there is still reflux he may have to remove my band? I know reflux is dangerous long term but needless to say i am very sad. What would you reccomend if you were my dr..would you  just remove or replace with larger band? Can you take reglan safely long term? Scared and lost.

If you have a lot of restriction with an empty band you probably have a slip or a hiatal hernia.  If you can get a digital copy of the xrays and email them to me I'll be happy to give you my opinion.  Or get them on a CD and mail them to me.

Hi I am new to the site. What is the difference between a Realize Band and a Lap Band? Is it just the brand?  What advantage does one have over the other?

Thanks.