Existing stomach issues & getting the band

alabamagirl1975 · 08-18-2008, 03:05 PM

Hi there!
I was wondering if anyone out there had existing stomach issues before getting the LAP-BAND®? I am kinda worried that what I experience now with my stomach might get worse after surgery. Also, can someone explain to me what a productive burp is? Thank you!!!

luluc · 08-18-2008, 03:18 PM

i have crohns disease & had to get clearance from my Gastro Dr.,
in fact my LAP-BAND® Surgeon & Gastro had a con call before i could get cleared for surgery. apparently it's not a recommended surgery (LAP-BAND®) for those with abdominal problems & previous surgery.
since my issue with crohns have been managed for 10yrs with diet vs drugs - i was given the OK. to date, i've not had any flare ups. i think the LAP-BAND® actually has helped with keeping my diet in check.
not sure your problem - but i suggest a healthy honest conversation w/your LAP-BAND® surgeon so he knows what he's dealing with.

ps - productive burp is when the food is just not going to go down, and well it comes back up & fast...

alabamagirl1975 · 08-18-2008, 03:55 PM

Ok ~ I can see that. I have those now! PB's that is. I can't eat certain foods or spices and I can't fully digest a great deal of food at one time (like a big meal) so eating small meals is nothing new to me. Thank you for you imput ~

Di4AU · 08-18-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alabamagirl1975

Ok ~ I can see that. I have those now! PB's that is. I can't eat certain foods or spices and I can't fully digest a great deal of food at one time (like a big meal) so eating small meals is nothing new to me. Thank you for you imput ~

I don't know what you're stomach issue is, but it sounds like a hernia, which they will repair during the surgery. I had what Dr. Schmitt described as a "pretty big hernia". Didn't even know I had one! But, I can tell now, swallowing is different, and no more heartburn or reflux. None. And I eat some pretty spicy stuff.

alabamagirl1975 · 08-18-2008, 04:44 PM

I did find out that I have a hernia (small one) but Dr. Bajaj said it was nothing to worry about. I didn't even think about it causing issues with me swallowing! That is great to know...then I can come off my reflux meds!

aprilapple · 08-20-2008, 10:45 PM

Dr bajaj found my hiatal hernia too. I actually had two endos in which they found a small cyst in my duodenum as well. It was biopsied and its ok. It may be your hernia.

vegasgirl44 · 08-20-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aprilapple

Dr bajaj found my hiatal hernia too. I actually had two endos in which they found a small cyst in my duodenum as well. It was biopsied and its ok. It may be your hernia.

I had surgery on 8-14, went for my post-op appt today, and my doc showed me pics of a giant hiatal hernia he fixed while in there. To say I was stunned is putting it mildly. I had no symptoms of any kind.....ever. But he said it's pretty common and I suppose a large population has them, especially if you're obese, tend to lie down after eating, burp a lot, etc....And it can get worse. So, hiatal hernia gone. Learn something new everyday, I suppose.

alabamagirl1975 · 08-21-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegasgirl44

I had surgery on 8-14, went for my post-op appt today, and my doc showed me pics of a giant hiatal hernia he fixed while in there. To say I was stunned is putting it mildly. I had no symptoms of any kind.....ever. But he said it's pretty common and I suppose a large population has them, especially if you're obese, tend to lie down after eating, burp a lot, etc....And it can get worse. So, hiatal hernia gone. Learn something new everyday, I suppose.

You know, I think that is what is going on with me. Since he found the hernia, I have done some research and all of the symptoms I have after eating fit. Thank you guys! I hope that they can repair mine when I go for surgery.