Weird complication

It has been almost 2 years since my lapband and now I am experiencing pain like soreness in my upper ribcage and in my belly button.   When I told the my doctor he stated it could be from the place where he has to do my fill may be stretching somewhat when I sleep on my stomach.  This morning I had the pain again and started dry heving several times.  He thinks my asophigus is spasming which is causing the pain and wants to take out fluid.  He did an upper GI and liquid is going in fine.  Anyone else experience this issue?

It's not unusual to start developing problems around the 2 year mark with the lapband. I had tests done that showed nothing wrong with my band... and meanwhile, it was strangling my stomach.

Esophageal spasms can cause weird pains, but the fact that you're dry heaving means something else is probably going on, as well. 

Get the band unfilled as soon as possible and see if it helps the pain at all. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon.

~Nic

Thanks Nic,

I am going to see my doctor after work today to have him take some fluid out.

You may want to demand fluoroscope just to make sure everything is fine.

FOR ME, I hate reading when Doctors just put in/take out fills without at least looking at the band to make sure everything is ok. But I understand all Doctors are different.

Band complications are extremely common. :-( I would suggest you join one of the failed band groups.

 Sounds like an unfill is a good thing to try.  Esophageal Spasms generally cause chest and/or back pain, not abdominal pain that low.  You might have an intestinal virus, rather than a complication of your band.

Hi Steph,

I wish was a virus, but this is the second time within 2 months this pain has occured, but this time dry heving occurred versus feeling sick.

It would be wise to get most if not all your fluid taken out to let things rest and calm down. In the meantime a minimum of a UGI would be in order. Don't take chances. I have no fill, now, and haven't for about 6 weeks. I have not gained weight but sure haven't lost, either. I still don't get very hungry and smaller amounts are still satisfying. It is the head hunger that is killing me!

Good luck, keep us posted.

Thank you all for your posts.  I went to the doctor after work yesterday and he thinks air may be below that band which is causing the issue.  He wrote me a prescription because I really do not want fluid taken out of my band.  I am going to try my medication when this happens again and see what happens.

Wish me luck!

So air as in gas or swallowed air?  Sounds like an easy fix, let's hope it works for you!  Hang in there!