Band repositioning?! Hiatal hernia and reflux. HELP please.

We have some of the same members on FB, but we also have other members that are not on OH. It's an awesome group of bandsters and former bandsters that have has complications with their bands, no significant weight loss, or no restriction with their bands.

 Thanks, I put in a request to be a part of the fb group. 

 Honestly, no matter what anyone here answers, you have 2 choices: reposition it and see what happens or have it removed. If you really feel like it hasn't helped at all, there's no guarantee that fixing it will make you lose weight, regardless of what anyone else's experience. Everyone is different. You have to be the one to decide whether you will give it another go. 

Have you seen a gastro Dr? If you can I would start there. I just found out a few months ago I now have a Hiatal hernia, a small one. I take prilosec and it got rid of the gas/reflux pains. My insurance pays for the prescription, but you can buy it OTC. Not sure if reposition will help with either issue. I hope you can find some relief and that what ever you do, it works out for you!

Yes. I was diagnosed by the gastroenterologist that my lapband doctor referred me to. He prescribed aciphex... but the co-pay is $60 a month!! So I am still treating with OTC stuff for now. It helps, but it is still a daily thing.

I think you need to find a VERY SKILLED lap band surgeon that ONLY DOES BANDS AND NO OTHER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES...THEY ARE OUT THERE....I think the issue is YOUR SURGEON AND NOT YOUR LAP BAND....Many surgeons just are not dedicated with lap band patients especially if the also perform RNY and the Sleeve.

There is no way I would get my insides changed around just for a few extra pounds loss and the bypass and sleeve will only be effective for only a few years and once they stop working..then what will you do when your RNY or Sleeve stop working?

I don't know if they still use the 4cc 10ml lap band, but everyone that I know that had one...has never had a problem with it...I still have my original band 4cc band and I've been too tight, pouch dilation 5 years ago (but of course, I seen my surgeon immediately and I as able to heal and move forward with no permanent damage)...and my band still works perfectly...at almost 7 years.

I am VERY happy with my surgeon. He is not the one who did my banding, but he did remove my gallbladder a few months later and has done my follow up care since. I am not concerned about the level of care he provides... just looking for like experiences to help me make my decision. Thanks! :)

I think you need to find a VERY SKILLED lap band surgeon that ONLY DOES BANDS AND NO OTHER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES...THEY ARE OUT THERE....I think the issue is YOUR SURGEON AND NOT YOUR LAP BAND....Many surgeons just are not dedicated with lap band patients especially if the also perform RNY and the Sleeve.

There is no way I would get my insides changed around just for a few extra pounds loss and the bypass and sleeve will only be effective for only a few years and once they stop working..then what will you do when your RNY or Sleeve stop working?

I don't know if they still use the 4cc 10ml lap band, but everyone that I know that had one...has never had a problem with it...I still have my original band 4cc band and I've been too tight, pouch dilation 5 years ago (but of course, I seen my surgeon immediately and I as able to heal and move forward with no permanent damage)...and my band still works perfectly...at almost 7 years.

Nana is one of the band cheerleaders, but you may recall how she posted a year or 2 ago about how she had something like 64 fills and that she would have lost the weight w/o the band b/c she became addicted to exercise! So consider the source!!!

As far as her statement about not knowing anyone with a  4cc band that has had problems with it that is completely untrue. I'm sure she knows that almost no one that was banded the same time she was with a 4cc still has their bands. Also I believe Jean has the 4 cc band also and has had multiple complications with hers!

I too am having a similar problem.  Cash pay patient, with a small hernia, banded 6 yrs.  Unsure if going in and unhooking band, fixing hernia, rebanding is a good option.  Unsure what the success rate is.  I will follow this post and look for input from others. 

I don't think the sleeve is a good option due to my age and trying to get pregnant within next 2 years. 

Karin..

A lot has changed since I posted this. I am mentally in such a better place. I decided to change my diet drastically. I have been following my band rules to a T and have had success over the last month losing weight again. I am down 9 pounds since I posted and re-committed to my band. So I am back on the band wagon mentally and feeling great.

However, I am still experiencing daily reflux issues. I wake up coughing at night. In the morning I am extremely congested and feel like my throat has drained into my head. My throat hurts or burns on a fairly regular basis.

My restriction is good, but inconsistent. I don’t know if that is because of the hernia, or my finicky band. I am taking it slow and eating extremely healthy.

I have an appointment with my surgeon next week to discuss hiatal hernia repair. I am still unsure what my best option is. I am having success with the band as of late, but at what cost? I am concerned I may still be causing long term damage to my esophagus if I don't fix the underlying issue. Hopefully my surgeon will be able to answer those questions for me.

I will let you know what I decide and my outcome.