First complication -- 2+ years out

Thanks, Pumpkin ---
I can feel a difference in the pain already (I am grateful!) -- the shoulder thing has stopped completely and the mid-chest pain is much less.

I see your story (and Nikki's and others) as 'cautionary tales' -- and want to be sure that I don't allow the pain to persist.

I appreciate your good thoughts

You're in my prayers, Kath!  The chest pains must have been frightening!  I have had esophogitis pre and post surgery and take Omexeprol regularly which heals it when there's a flair up.  On my last Upper GI I showed mild reflux which is common.  I've talked to my surgeon about burning in my esophogus when I eat spicy or acidic foods or chocolate.  His response?  Avoid those items if they cause discomfort. 
I think that food can sit in our pouch and esophagus for longer than normal and certain foods cause irritation.  I have to be very careful!

Take care and keep us posted.  I want to hear all the details because of course, we're always on alert!

Peace,
Lisa O.

Thanks, Lisa.

You know, I had to give 3 medical histories this week --- and on all 3, I answered that  I have never had reflux, gastritis, ulcers, etc.

then, I had the EGD and was diagnosed with all 3 --- LOL --
As I look back, I realize that for about a month, I have been having excess gas, and upper back pain.
In the evenings, I have felt 'over full' and like I needed to un-clasp my bra because I felt uncomfortable --- I am now understanding that it was probably the beginning of my symptoms and I was ignoring them.

I so appreciate your well-wishes -- thank you, my friend!!

Kath,
I'm sorry to hear that you are going through all of this. I can relate too.  i developed esophagitis after being banded. it's quite scary and uncomfortable.
I hope you will be feeling even better soon!

Hi Kath,
I haven't been on this board for several days with family visiting.  Please keep us updated.  I'm sorry you had to go through the pain and I'm sure I would have been thinking cardiac myself, so kinda scary.  Glad it wasn't that.
Take care sissy,
Kristi

 Hi Kath,

I haven't been on OH in months (live at the beach, and well, it's summer!)  So sorry to read your message on my first foray back to the forum.  I hope your issue is caused by H. Pylori, which is treatable.  I had hoped that was the cause of my gastric issues, but it was not.

I also had "silent reflux".  I first found out that I had problems when I had an endoscopy for a non-band-related issue, and was told I had "pre-Barretts" two years ago (two years after surgery). I hadn't even recognized that I had been having acid reflux, because it wasn't the "burning in the back of the throat" experience that I used to have pre-band on occasion.  This was just a warmth behind the sternum.   I began taking OTC PPI's, and every time I went off, it would return.  Fast forward two years, and I developed break-through heartburn.  Another endoscopy revealed an ulcer.  I've been completely unfilled ever since, and on Dexilant.  Although a follow-up endo two months after being unfilled and on the powerhouse PPI showed the ulcer was gone, I have been unable to go off the Dexilant without the acid returning, so have been afraid of getting filled again and exacerbating the problem.  My weight has fluctuated a bit since January when the ulcer was diagnosed (and I was unfilled), but is still within a 20 lb. range of my lowest weight, and I'm content with that.  

I sincerely hope that *someone* does a thorough study on the effect of the band in relation to acid reflux.  I was really surprised and disappointed that a long questionnaire given to me by my bariatric doc prior to my appointment which was designed to help diagnose potential complications did not even ask any questions about acid reflux.  

Even though I lost my weight to goal quickly, and have maintained within my goal range for four years, I am officially no longer a "Band Booster".  My own sister recently sent me a letter asking about the band, and I told her that I wouldn't recommend it, and suggested she look into the VSG.  
Kath, I hope your problem is resolved with treatment.  Please let us know how it goes.

Tami