I was banded in Feb, 04, and have never been able to keep a fill. Approx six weeks after a fill, the discomfort would be unbearable, and I would have to get unfilled. Three fills over three years -- three unfills. Done under fluro, esophagitis was always the problem (a sensation of having a lump in your throat; the feeling you get when you start to cry.) Fortunately, I always have restriction w/o any fill, and have manged to lose weight. Fast forward 2 1/2 years, and now I have been diagnosed with GERD. I've had the endoscopy as well as motility study and PH. Lots of reflux going on; sleepless nights due to coughing and wheezing. Aciphex twice a day and now a diagnosis of Barretts esophagus (precancer condition). My surgeon insists that none of this is attributable to the band as "research supports that the band aids GERD symptoms". I believe that the band has put too much pressure on my lower esophagus, and it no longer works as it's supposed to and stays open all the time. This was confirmed by the motility study. So the acid just keeps coming up all day and night. I'm getting very close to having the band removed and possibly trying a VSG. I'm not sure a VSG will help with the GERD symptoms, but I'm afraid of weight gain once the band is removed. My advice is that if you are experiencing heartburn/acid reflux/coughing/wheezing, etc., talk to your doctor. The acid is nasty stuff and can cause some permanent damage if you don't manage it properly. | 