I want to get unfilled, at goal for over 3 yrs

Mariposa Bella · 02-18-2008, 01:47 PM

Okay, so where do I start.. I was banded on Nov. 04, have been at goal for a long time. I am happy where I am at, my weight stays pretty consistant around 137-140. I had gained a bit (7 lbs) last fall, managed to lose it all.

So here is my ordeal, I think I want to get unfilled. I have some reflux issues and get tightness in my chest at night. I'm having a real difficult time at night. I don't eat late, but the acid in my stomach just wants to shoot straight up my throat when I lay flat. I am tired of sleeping with 3 pillows under my head, the heartburn is killing me. I want some normality back. (I can eat normally, no food issues, no pbing.)

Since I do not want to lose more weight, I'm happy here (size 6 or 8), I was thinking maybe I should get unfilled.

For those of you that got unfilled can you try to explain to me how it feels, are you glad you did it? I eat moderatly and healthy and I stay real active. What is the worse that can happen, if I start gaining, I can start filling up again?? right or am I wrong??

Can you help me. Help me understand what getting unfilled will be like. I have a doctor's appt for Wed., and I am planning on discussing this with him, but I wanted first hand advice from you, someone that has been there.

Thanks a bunch.

wombat712 · 02-18-2008, 01:59 PM

I don't know about unfills, but have you tried medication for reflux? I take aciphex which is a small pill. Slightly bigger than birth control. If I don't take it then I get the acid in the throat. With the med, I can lay flat at night without issues.

They implied that this wouldn't be an issue after banding - it worked for all of 3 months for me before it came back :)

I wish you luck in getting it taken care of! I know it's miserable
wombat

Mariposa Bella · 02-18-2008, 02:05 PM

Is that over the counter or prescribed?

socalgal3 · 02-18-2008, 04:37 PM

Have you seen your doctor lately? I would think heartburn that bad would require an unfill. I've been unfilled for nearly half of my journey due to being too tight, a slip, etc. I was still able to reach goal and have maintained(so far!) for 3 months. You may just want a slight unfill, not a total unfill, but I would definitely check with the doctor. You don't want to make things worse. Don't be afraid of weight gain. You may just need an unfill for a few weeks to heal/rest and then get some fill back to maintain. Congrats on the great weight loss and maintaining it for so long! That is what we all hope for and you've done it!

Jachut · 02-18-2008, 04:43 PM

I'd try a slight unfill too. I think the worst that can happen is that you gain a bit, but if you're careful you wont.

I've found that I've loosened up considerably lately, can eat a WHOLE sandwich again, but that if I just stick to healthy, low fat foods my weight is staying constant despite the fact that I'm eating more. I'm active, I burn it off and I'm not really wanting to lose any more.

If just a slight unfill fixes it then I'd leave the rest of what you have in there.

VegasGrace · 02-18-2008, 05:46 PM

Wow. Thanks for sharing.

You are not loosing anymore weight so the band is maintaining you. You have shown that you will gain the weight back...but get a grip really quick and lose the weight.

If I were you, I wouldn't get an unfill...even a slight one. I'd be concerned that unfilling would cause more food...thus more weight.

Get treated for the acid reflux...so many treatments out there today that work. You didn't say if you've had this since being banded or if this is something you've recently developed.

Of course, you could get an unfill but when you start gaining weight just go back for a fill.

Good luck.

Sue Magoo · 02-18-2008, 08:29 PM

Miss April:

I take a drug called Omeprazole for reflux. It is great. Now that I've been banded and lost 105 pounds I cut back and only take this medication every other day. Is it possible you have a hiatal hernia? That, too can cause reflux.

Good luck fixing this problem. Your doctor should know the right thing to do.

Take care.

Sue

hopefulchurch · 02-18-2008, 10:40 PM

I had a complete unfill after having some major problems with reflux and I felt like a different person! It was a necessity in my case. I had gotten to where I couldn't hardly keep anything down. I go to have a refill next week. By the way it had been 6 months since my last fill. I got my stomach irritated with some reflux causing foods. I have not had any problems since the unfill, I just don't need to be able to eat so freely. I am still less than a year out of surgery.

wombat712 · 02-19-2008, 10:23 AM

The aciphex is prescribed. You can get over the counter prevacid, tagament and zantac that might work. This one is just stronger.

good luck to you!
wombat

AthinnerDenise · 02-19-2008, 01:57 PM

I have experienced what you are talking about and it is miserable.

I agree with everyone else. I hope your doctor agrees too. Maybe the problem can be solved with having some fill taken out, but not all. It's not
good to have those problems. Everyone who writes about complications
talks about reflux problems before erroision or band removal. You sure don't want that! I think taking acid reflux meds would just cover up the problem. I will be anxious to read about what your doctor has to say!

FairyFacade · 02-19-2008, 02:11 PM

I am not to goal, and have not decided for myself whether or not I'd want an unfill. Glad to see some responses :)

But as for the reflux, Prilosec OTC (over the counter) is wonderful. Before banding, I had chronix heartburn 24/7.. it keeps it at bay, if I missed 1 day it was hell. Only recently have I noticed a change in my reflux, it's finally calmed down a little. I can go 3-7 days without a Prilosec now.