Question:
Literally unable to eat or drink due to GERD?
I had lap band surgery in May of 07 and ever since July of 08, I haven't been able to keep food or liquids down consistently. I vomit daily and sometimes go days without keeping any food down. I have moved out of state and I went to a general physician and he prescribed me a generic Prilosec, which has helped a little but I still have issues. Does anyone have any advice? — cbientz (posted on December 6, 2008)
December 6, 2008
I got my band May of 07 as well, and had similar problems this summer
following a fill. I was told my band was too tight. I didn't want to have
any fill removed, but was then told that I could damage my bnad or worse-
my esophagus. So- I went in and had a tiny bit removed from my band and
have been fine ever since. It really was the best thing to do. I think you
may need to have a slight unfill.
— Tamjpjb
December 6, 2008
You need to contact the physician who peformed your surgery imediately.
Good luck.
— maria09elena
December 6, 2008
I agree with Maria. Ask the surgeon who performed your surgery to refer
you to a bariactric surgeon in your location if you are too far away from
your previous location to see the original surgeon.
— Gail G.
December 7, 2008
I would definitely contact my surgeon. Do it ASAP so you don't become
malnutritious. Let the docs decide on a proper course of treatment. Good
Luck and God Bless,
vinnigirl
— vinnigirl
December 7, 2008
Seriously, you need to go to a bariatric doctor. Vomiting like that can
really damage your band, your pouch, and your esophogus (sp?). Sounds like
you probably have too much saline in your band or your stomach is inflamed.
If it were me, I'd probably go back to clear liquids, too.
— [Deactivated Member]
December 7, 2008
This doesn't sound like GERD to me, it sounds like your band is too tight.
Contact a bariatric surgeon and get a little bit or a lot of an unfill
asap. If you had a significant amount out of your band and took it easy
for a couple of weeks, you could completely heal and feel much better. I
have had to do this a couple of times, most recently had to have all of the
fluid out for a month and completely heal. It was hard not having that
restriction, I must admit I did gain a few pounds, but being able to eat
and drink and not be up in the middle of the night with reflux was well
worth it. I had a small fill last week and will have another one next
week. You need to be able to eat and drink healthy foods to lose the
weight, not starve it off. Not all skinny people are healthy. Prolonged
acid reflux and vomiting are not normal and can really have serious
consequences such as band slippage or erosion. Please, please have it
checked into asap.
Be well,
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
December 7, 2008
Definately see a bariatric surgeon. I had a similar problem and had to go
on a medicine called Carafate for a while. Please see a MD before you get
really sick. God bless and good luck. Cynthia
— CS1chance
December 7, 2008
One of the reasons why I chose RNY instead of Lap-Band is because I read
that Lap-Band is hard on those of us with any heartburn issues. I take
prilosec daily, I have to. You should definitely talk to your doc - perhaps
they can loosen your band for you??
— Fluffee
December 8, 2008
Sorry to hear that you are suffering. I agree with everyone who told you
to contact your surgeon. The problems with being malnurished and
dehydrated are vast, hairloss, etc.
I am having my surgery this Thursday, 12/ 11 and when I had my consultation
with my surgeon he told me that an RNY was best for me due to GERD.
My prayers are with you,
Bigg Sister
— BBBigSister
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