Just an update for those who are following.

 I went to the DR on Friday.  They did a KUB and I asked them to make sure they got a pic of the band and esoph on there too.  Good news: band hasn't moved.  Bad news: DR doesn't know what's going on.  He's going to have me get an upper GI to start and go from there.  He mentioned maybe a hernia.  And told me to go on Prilosec for the reflux until we get it figured out.
He took the saline out and it's missing about 1.5 cc's.  I suppose it's evaporated since I was there last, 10 months ago.  He had a terrible time locating the port.  I'll spare those details.  

Good news, I FEEL BETTER.  Still having some minimal reflux.  Still have some restriction, thank God.  So now I just have to worry about what is still wrong.  Maybe it will heal it's self since the fluid is out.  I am just concerned that there is an ulceration or errosion.  Praying for a hernia at this point.

Still having the stomach gas problem.  HAVE NO IDEA what this is about.  I eat tons of Gas-x.  What's interesting is that he said he could see the gas on the xray.  That day I wasn't even feeling the gas pressure, so I can't imagine what's going on down there when I have the urgency to take 4-6 Gas-X strips!  WTF?!

So really I still don't know, but wow did the 3 cc's in my band make a HUGE difference.  I hope to get back in there this week for the Upper GI and I'll keep y'all updated.  If you have any experience or advice I would happily accept it and I thank you in advance.  

Thanks for the update!!  So glad you are getting some relief!  Keep us posted and good luck!!

Thanks for the update, hope your doctor figures things out quickly and you get some relief soon. I have never had good luck with the gas x strips I found a chewable that worked so much better.

Glad that things are better and keep on the doc to find an answer if there is one. Sometimes they never do find an exact reason but at least you are feeling better!

Bless your heart, you've really been through it!  So glad you're at least getting some relief.  Please continue to update us and look to OH for support. 

What's a KUB?  An upper GI will show band placement, whether you have an enlaged pouch and the flow of barium through the band, but I don't think it will show a hernia, gastritis, erosion or an ulcer.  Maybe it's time for an endoscopy???  The Prilosec should help you feel better soon.

Please keep us posted!

Lisa O.

 Lisa-
I didn't know that.  I had the xray tech take a shot of my upper and lower, so he saw it all and said that the band hadn't moved.  SO IDK why.  He said the next step after Upper GI was Endoscopy.  That doesn't sound fun.  

Hey! Just got on to check up on you and saw this post.  Got your message and  I looked you up on Facebook, last name is Davis if you see the request.  The EGD, or endoscopy, wasn't that bad.  I went in and they started an IV.  I was able to leave my pants on because they didn't have metal on them, so I just had a gown on up top and then my pants.  They took me back and they sprayed this stuff in my mouth, which was kinda gross!! They had me gargle it to kill the gag reflex and then they used IV sedation so I did not feel or remember a thing!  

The Prilosec helped me with the reflux so hope it helps you too.  When he removed fluid I instantly felt better too. After 2 months though I have gained 13 pounds back so not thrilled about that!  I called last week to make an appointment and the next availalbe is Oct. 7th for a fill, but I only want like .2 to start because of all of the issues I have had.  Right before all of this started for me he did a fill and that night I woke up and could not even swallow my own spit.  I was throwing up my spit every 10 minutes and could not eat or drink.  I wonder now if that kind of started my issues.  Being too tight.  Maybe you were a tad too tight too and it started everything up. 

Anyway..... good luck in figuring it out!!!!  It is very frustrating I know!!!

Saline in that amount shouldn't evaporate and I hadn't had a fill in over 7 months and about 2 months got .2 ccs and it made a difference it was also hard to find my port because it moved since losing the fat it's a little harder to access.

Make sure even tho you had fill you still to stick to the band rules of 4 oz and if you need a snack you stick to things like pudding and jello. Don't push yourself with food I know it's easier said than done but you don't want to risk it until they figure out whats going on. 

After this last fill kicked in ... I finally stopped pushing the band with bread.. I kept and kept attempting tortilla or wheat thins and my band just won't tolerate them as much I want them so now it's turkey roll ups instead of sandwich..

your dr at this point should point you to a good GI specialist.

while we don't share all the same symptoms - i personally knew something was up that couldn't be identified via xray.   after endo / colonoscopy / colon biopsy - i have IBS, celiac, lactose intolerant .. along with bacterial growth in my colon that is being fixed fast on a round of probiotics.

what a difference & even though there is nothing wrong (placement or otherwise) with the band, mine is still coming out for a host of other reasons here in the next few wks.

it could be a simple diagnosis & fix  -  nothing to do w/the band (now i won't comment if the band brought upon my issues of late - because it's just not provable; so wont' try).