First complication -- 2+ years out

Thank you, so much Nikki -- I have to say that I thought of you alot this week!

My shoulder pain is gone -- and the mid-chest/upper back stuff is significantly better in just 3 days.

I am hopeful that I can get this under control soon ---- I will see my bariatric surgeon this week, and get his opinion -- he is a general surgeon as well as bariatics, so he can do the HH repair if needed and I trust him.

I value your opinion alot (and am so sorry that you had to become an expert at this) -- and appreciate you taking the time to offer your thoughts.

I am relieved to hear your shoulder pain is gone today!   Those hiatal hernias really wreak havoc on a body, don't they? (I have one, too. Yay.)

After I had my band removed, I expected the shoulder pain to dissipate completely. I never expected what happened to happen... I had bouts of sneezing uncontrollably. I would sneeze nonstop until I passed out... all from diaphragmatic damage. It was ridiculous! I chipped a tooth once, I sneezed so many times and so hard. That darned diaphragm can cause so many weird things to happen in a body.  This lasted about a year or so and it doesn't happen nearly as often now. Thankfully! I was starting to feel like an X File!


I'm glad you're doing better today. I hope it continues!

I am also just over two years out, and actually came to OH today to see if anyone had issues similar to mine- and there's your post!
About six days ago I started to have a squeezing pain behind my sternum, with a sour taste in my mouth and a little wheezing, which before I was banded meant reflux for me. It also hurts when I take a deep breath. No trouble eating.  Didn't suspect cardiac since the pain doesn't change with activity, doesn't radiate anywhere and I'm not sweaty, dizzy or short of breath.
So, I called my doc, who of course this week is on vacation. I did see a PA who took out all my fluid and gave me omeprazole. I'm going for an UGI this Tuesday.
I am highly suspicious that my hiatal hernia hernia has recurred (had one repaired at band surgery), but of course I'm also freaking out with visions of dilated pouches, slips, etc.
Anyway, I'll be watching to see how things turn out for you! Good luck.

Thanks, Karen -- I hope you start to feel better soon, too.

It is scary -- but the worrying is only adding stress and making the pain worse, probably.

You might want to make sure they check you for H-Pylori --  a bacteria that can produce esophogitis and ulcers.

Keep us posted on how you feel and what your tests show.

Cath when they did my UGI prior to banding they said I had a HH. Like you I only had reflux maybe a few times a yr. The Dr. said I had "silent reflux"

Good luck!!!

Maria -

I did not have any GI testing prior to my band (I was self-pay and with no history of reflux they did not feel it was necessary).

I don't know how long I may have had the 'silent reflux' --- so it could have been brewing for years.

I am hoping to treat these symptoms without losing my band --- but will sacrifice it in a minute if the surgeon thinks that it is causing these problems.

thanks for the well-wishes.

I hope it can be resolved easily and that everything works out for u. Good luck!!! Keep us updated.

Oh my. Like debbie H., I often read your posts because you are so upbeat about the band. I must admit, this has scared me! My band is due to go in Aug 11..seriously 2nd guessing now.

I feel so bad that you have had such a painful experience and I pray this does not set you back.

Please keep us all posted!

In Him & through Him,

Donna

Donna -

I have always tried to be positive about my band -- and still am so grateful that I was able to have it and get the 'boost' that it provided to my other life changes.

I don't think that I will ever be sorry that I made my choice --- BUT, if I had it to do again, I would more seriously consider the VSG.

I was self-pay, and that played a part in my band decision -- it was certainly more affordable.
I was very determined to change my life and to work with the band to the best of my ability.
I did that better than 90% of the time for the first 18 months that I had the band.

I went back to Weigh****chers and I either lost weight or maintained every week except for 1 in 18 months ---- slow and steady and down 135 pounds.

Once I got to goal, I will say that I relaxed my eating a bit (compliant about 80% of the time).
I have not been perfect -- but I think that I have followed my doctor's instructions as well as one could expect.

I am not ready to say that the band is causing these medical issues --- but I am definitely seeing a trend where at the 2 - 3 year mark, people are having issues and having to start the 'unfill, wait, re-fill' roller coaster --- and I don't like it.

If I was starting over, I would seriously re-think ---- I don't want to scare you, I just want you to consider all of your options carefully --- and make the best choice for you.

Kath

Don't take that referred pain lightly Kath. It can become permanent and any trauma like that could trigger fibromyalgia. They are starting to suspect that this is what may be happening to me right now. I know that you have always loved your band experienced and I'm sorry you are having this problem right now, but please be very careful not to allow this to become chronic.