Heartburn and acid reflux after lap band surgery with no weight loss

I had the lap band surgery in 2005, and I haven't lost much weight. I have heartburn after drinking water and acid reflux so bad at night I can't sleep.

I went back to my doctor who did a test and said the band was too tight. He then took all of my fill out, but that didn't fix the problem.

I work out regularly and eat right, but I can't lose the weight.

I need a second opinion to decide what I need to do to fix my problem. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

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Heartburn and acid reflux after lap band surgery with no weight loss

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One extreme to another?
by: Lonicera The Bandit

It looks as though you've gone from one extreme to another, and neither can be right.

Acid reflux is very common with the band, and for those who suffer from moderately severe symptoms (and assuming there is no other reason for it as confirmed by the gastric surgeon) a balance has to be found between the right foods, the right restriction and appropriate medication. Excessively fatty and acid foods give bad reflux - so I'd say the first question you need to answer honestly to yourself is whether you're consuming fried foods or alcohol of any description. Sadly, whereas before you might have been a moderate drinker who enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner, the pouch seems to rarely tolerate more than a sip of someone else's drink.

If your band has been unfilled, I'm not surprised you haven't been able to lose much weight, and I'd recommend that you try extremely gradual fills to see how your body responds - a quarter of a cc is perfect for this sort of exercise (they don't tend to want to give you less than a half, in my experience).

See how you get on, and let us know! Lots of luck to you.

Lonicera The Bandit

More Testing Needed NEW
by: Lap Band Groupie

I'm one of the many Banders who developed reflux after Banding. Bad reflux at night/sleeping is a huge red flag that you're too tight. Too tight means that you may have resorted to 'soft food syndrome'/eating sliders, which equals no weight loss or even weight gain (not sure if that's the case as you mentioned eating right). As Lonicerna said, it's a delicate balance.

If you still have reflux after the unfill (and it's been a few weeks) you need to get to a Gastroenterologist now (prolonged reflux can lead to ulcers, and pre-cancerous condition and even cancer). They'll probably want to do a scope test (fast and easy, they just 'twilight' you). They can see if your esophagus has stretched and if the flap at the bottom of your esophagus is still working properly (to keep the reflux from coming up). They can assess what damage has been done as you probably have some that needs to heal. If this doesn't explain things, I'd ask for testing to look for a hernia, just to rule it out. It's not common after Banding, but I know some have developed them. I'm hoping your Doc already has done a flouro test to visualize the pouch, etc., to see everything.

It sounds like at the very least you need some meds; I was on a PPI/Nexium for awhile until things were better. I only use an OTC antacid now as a preventative at night (and have no issues now). You can also raise the head of your bed and make sure you don't eat or drink anything for a few hours before laying down.

I also agree with refilling slowly. I know some Banders who have felt a big difference with as little as .1cc. Best wishes!

Lap Band Groupie

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