bcf_momma

This is my first time posting- I had my 4cc lapband placed 7/2003 and have not had any problems until January of this year. I had gone from a size 22 to size 10/12 and was able to maintain that for approximately 6 years, then in January I suddenly lost all restriction in my band. I have now creeped up to a size 18 (yuck) and went to see my band dr in June. He did a fill under fluoro and said that my band was empty. My last fill in 2005 was documented that I had a total of 2.5 cc. He then put in 1.5 cc and I was to return today. From the fill last month I never had restriction either. So today I went in- when he withdrew- Nada!!! He put in 1 cc of saline and then I'm to return Monday to confirm a leak. I guess my question is for those that have had leaks how was it confirmed? repaired? What can I expect from this point? Any advice or sharing of experience highly appreciated.

Well my appointment didn't go as planned. It appears as if my Dr is just incompetent, ignorant or both. Basically, he is still blowing off my concerns and the concern of his PA (I guess he feels he is the Dr and he knows best) but refuses to even entertain the idea that I have a leak even though when I went in every time now the correct amount of fluid is not present. He just wants me to keep coming in every month for fills. I am now looking for another surgeon. It really bothers me that my Dr is this way because at one time he was a successful, caring surgeon. Now it seems that his practice is dwindling and he is not listening to his patients. He just only wants me to count my calories. Trust me, it is so much easier to count calories if I had a functioning band. If I did it the way he wants, AND WAS SUCCESSFUL AT IT, I would have never gotten a band in 2003. I'm sorry, just frustrated.

That is exactly what happened to me in January of this year. I had my band placed 7/2003, had lost 90 lbs and kept most of it off with last fill being in 2005 then in January of this year I suddenly lost all restriction. After a few months of thinking it was just my imagination I started researching possible issues and then after putting on 40 lbs decided to have my band dr take a look. When he withdrew all fluid he said there was only like a drop (not enough to even measure) and since then I have had 2.5 cc placed (from 2 separate fills) and nothing. I was suppose to have an appt today to see where the leak is coming from but my Dr had to run to OR so I rescheduled for tomorrow. I am hoping it can easily be repaired/replaced and that my insurance will cooperate. Did you find out anything more regarding your band? Keep me updated.

I know what you mean about thinking it was your imagination when you lost restriction. That is actually the topic heading of when I found out I had a leak. I was suppose to have follow up today to find out location of leak but MD had to return to OR so I had to reschedule for tomorrow. When I first lost restriction and for about 3 months I just kept thinking it was my imagination because I was also under alot of stress but I have had a total of 2.5 cc saline injected in past 6 weeks and on recheck none drawn back. I just hope my insurance isn't impossible to help with the repair/replacement. I've had my band since 2003 and never had any problems until this year. Good luck to you and I will be watching your posts on your progress.

GiGi_girl, what insurance do you have if you don't mind me asking? Well, I was suppose to have my follow up with dr today but he had an emergency in OR so I rescheduled for tomorrow I really want to get this straightened out and fixed. Now, I really hope that my insurance doesn't try to deny the repair or replacement. It is the same insurance company as before but different employer and plan. Not sure what difference it will make. Well I am excited for you and know what you mean about feeling like you won the lottery. Thats exactly how I will feel once I am back on track as well. Take care and let me know how you do

I had my 4 cc band placed in 2003 and did awesome!!! Went from size 22 to 10/12 and maintained til January of this year when I suddenly lost complete restriction. The weight started packing on and unfortunately I am now up to size 18. But because of financial reasons I did not return to my band dr until last month. The last time I had seen him for a fill (2005) he documented that I had 2.5 cc but when he withdrew back, there was no fluid in band. He suspected it evaporated- I had my doubts but figured he's the dr and has probably seen it all. Anyways, I returned today for an additional fill which I was looking forward to since I had still not achieved any restriction from last fill. Today I was suppose to have started off with 1.5 cc but when the fluid was pulled- again, nothing. Therefore they only added 1 cc today and I am to return on Monday for a confirmation of a leak. Both fills were done under fluoro and the before and after pics showed the same thing- no restriction before, restriction after. For anybody that has experienced this could you please let me know what happened in your situation so I kinda know what to expect from this point. Will I have to have the whole band replaced or what? I'm not afraid, just kinda would like to know what my options are if there is any.

Thank you or the replies. To adorkbl- you said you had the port replaced under local anesthesia, but where was it done? hospital? office? Also, did they determine why the leak had occurred and what was the financial burden from it? Did you have insurance? I know I'm bombarding you with tons of questions....

I'm a little slow, what does NSV mean?