Scorpio Girl

I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing. I only had 2 cc in my band, so never kept it tight. Emptied it, things got worse and fast. I've been on soft diet to rest my esophagus, but the doctors think the band has grown scar tissue under it and its going to come out. I'm very upset about this. I've been super vigilant about my diet, eating habits to make sure I wouldn't fail. Didn't make a difference. Doctors say they are seeing more and more like me and there's a chance I will have damage that won't heal, so prolly no revision surgery. I'm so close to goal. Not a happy camper right now and questioning why damage to the esophagus wasn't specifically mentioned in the pre op time.

Is it your pouch or esophagus that's dilated?

But the purpose of my post is to let anyone know that scar tissue ALONE DOES not cause lap band complications, there has to be some "other underlying issues such as a too short esophagus, achalasia (which is a complication of the esophagus without any lap band) being banded will make it worse. I don't have a short esophagus, didn't have any signs of achalasia pre-band. Scar tissue forms around the lap band anyway because it helps hold it in place long term along with the sutures. Yes, but the scar tissue isn't under the band, it's usually at the site of the tissue that is used to suture the band in place. Glad you're enjoying life with your second band. You seem to consider yourself an expert in Lapband.

Posted Today, 4:42 AM Scorpio Girl, on July 16, 2013 - 10:31 AM, said: I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing. I only had 2 cc in my band, so never kept it tight. Emptied it, things got worse and fast. I've been on soft diet to rest my esophagus, but the doctors think the band has grown scar tissue under it and its going to come out. I'm very upset about this. I've been super vigilant about my diet, eating habits to make sure I wouldn't fail. Didn't make a difference. Doctors say they are seeing more and more like me and there's a chance I will have damage that won't heal, so prolly no revision surgery. I'm so close to goal. Not a happy camper right now and questioning why damage to the esophagus wasn't specifically mentioned in the pre op time. Sorry you had to get your band removed that must have been devastating. However, two things caught my eye, the things that other vets used to warn me about over 8 years ago, and sadly MANY newbies are not listening or being educated on warning signs with the lap band, many ignore the warnings especially if they are losing weight, so it's extremely hard to convince someone to get a small unfill if the scale are moving. When you first mentioned: I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing That ruff couple of months really meant your band was way too tight, I have seen others refuse to get saline removed from the band, you decided to do something when the reflux started, which is often times TOO LATE, and the band has slipped and permanent lap band damage has occurred. No, my band wasn't "too tight". The scar tissue UNDER the band was constricting my stoma. Maybe you didn't see I only had 2cc in a 10cc band. I also DIDN'T have a slip. Time is of essence to prevent permanent damage to the lap band, my pouch got dilated with my old band in less than 6 weeks, so damage can occur pretty quickly if someone is too tight and don't get saline removed immediately, this is the part where AFTERCARE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT WITH THE LAP BAND, because if someone can't get to their surgeon in time before damage is done, they risk losing the band or living a horrible banded life filled with vomiting and horrible reflux, pain and burning. You also mentioned you only had 2ccs in your band, this has NOTHING to do with it, it's NEVER how much saline is in your band, it's how you feel, some people are too tight at 1cc, sometimes the surgeon places a too small band for someone's anatomy which can cause issues too, if your band was too tight at 2cc, you should have immediately got some saline taken out, banded life should never be rough. Perhaps you should read my profile to see that I've been diligent with follow up. I had mild reflux earlier and had 1cc removed. When the reflux returned I got the rest removed. I'm very close to goal. I didn't get there over night, it took over 2.5 years of utilizing my tool properly to get there. I've had a band almost 8 years and I've read NUMEROUS studies, how lap band complication, occur, I even had a complication myself 6 years ago with my first band mild pouch dilation, my first surgeon filled me too tight, (and I traveled, which caused additional swelling) which was treated immediately when I got home, with completely emptying the band, and medication, before too much damage was done) plus I had a hiatal hernia last year that also caused some pain, and every time I would fill the band optimally I would get reflux. My new surgeon told me that my first band was never placed properly, also it was damaged from being too tight in the first year, But I never had band slippage, or difficulty eating unless my band was too tight, but, I decided to get my hernia repaired, and my surgeon removed my old band, port and tubing, and replaced it with a new AP small band all in one surgery, and my second band surgery was a WHOLE LOT EASIER than my first band surgery Why was my second band replacement recovery was easier? Could be that my new surgeon has more experience placing bands, I was my first surgeons 10th band placement over 8 years ago, and my second surgeon had done over 500 bands and had much more experience I had a LOT of scar tissue/adhesion's too when my surgeon went in to replace my new band, and SCAR tissue is very common after band revision, some people have more scar tissue than others, and too much scar tissue will make it very difficult to revise to any weight loss surgery band or not. But some surgeons are very skilled to clean up the scar tissue to make it possible for weight loss surgery and revisions. My surgeon told me it took an extra hour during my band replacement to clean up all the scar tissue before placing the second band. Also you are correct everyone is not a candidate to get rebanded, some people have too much damage to the esophagus and band slipped too bad, this is why it is VERY important for lap banders to know the warning signs of being too tight, and THERE ARE WARNINGS, such as not able to eat solids after a fill adjustment, many people will NOT go back to get saline removed in fear that it will cost too much money, or they think they can lose weight more quickly, also frequent vomiting are warnings, coughing and reflux are lap band killers, and when the reflux starts this often indicate that the band has already slipped to some degree. I didn't have problems eating solids after a fill EVER. I never had a slip. Can reflux be treated with a mild damaged band? Yes, I lived with a mild pouch dilation with my old band for over 7 years, plus I had a un diagnosed hiatal hernia which also contributed to reflux, and I was still able to get good restriction, but I had to take PPi's to control it, and be mindful of not eating too close to bedtime and use pillows to prop my head. Thank god, and lessons learned with my new band I have no refux -- yet because my new surgeon repaired the hiatal hernia before he placed my new band and I am almost 1 year post op with my new band. I had a hiatal hernia repair with my band placement. Again, I had scar tissue too, but I was able to have a successful band revision ALL IN ONE SURGERY, I have never read any studies to support scar tissue that cause lap band complications, however the symptoms you mentioned are WELL DOCUMENTED as band slippage and pouch dilation from being too tight. Just because you never read studies that scar tissue can cause complications doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Like This Banded 9/30/05 - Dr. Moazzez, Fairfax, Va 4cc 10m Lap Band, lost 130 pounds. Rebanded 11/13/2012 - Dr. James Ku, Lancaster, PA AP small lap band Quote MultiQuote Report I really am insulted by your assumptions. I have my surgical report that states clearly that I had scar tissue in "remarkable quantities under the band position and around the lower esophagus preventing the lower esophageal sphincter from opening in response to swallowing. This caused food to remain in the esophagus causing profound esophageal dilation. Patient was compliant with dietary plan throughout the course of treatment and kept all follow up appointments. Pre operative manometry testing might have shown that the patient was not a candidate for AGB, since this is a high pressure system that has the potential to cause damage to nerves in the gastro-esophageal junction, causing achalasia like symptoms. Tissues are compromised in the esophagus and gastric fundus making further bariatric surgery risk excessive and contraindicated." You make it sound like I should have been aware of the scar tissue forming before I had symptoms....exactly how does that work? Who are you, I haven't seen you post until very recently?

I know I mentioned this in a different post, but thought I should update. I had my band removed, three+ hours of surgery, difficult recovery, but I'm able to swallow again. I was on a soft diet for several weeks because of the damage to my esophagus. There was scar tissue under the band and around the bottom of my esophagus, so much that the doctor said to forget revising. Tissues are too thin and damaged to tolerate any revision. I'm totally bummed out by this and struggling to maintain my weight loss, but it's hard! I was 10 lb from goal, now up 7 lb. My esophagus has permanent damage.

The motility test is needed before you can decide on what procedure you'll have. Many bariatric surgeons are requiring on before banding and gastric sleeve since both are high pressure systems, band more so than sleeve. I'm recovering from band removal due to gerd, motility problems that occurred within the last few months. I wish I'd had the test before surgery. I had a lot of scar tissue around the esophagus and under the band. Surgery was almost 3 hours...recovery difficult, but I'm feeling better. I have to wait a few weeks to eat salads, raw foods cuz my tissues are pretty thin where the scar tissue was removed. Get the test and if it comes back with any issues you'll need to rethink your wls options. Best of luck.

I'm 10 lb away, but losing my band very soon

Again, saying that your truth is the only truth is just not reasonable. Suggesting that ppl who post about their complications or disagree with your opinion, are lying is very disrespectful. I'm appalled that since I now have a known complication I'm considered full of BS or just outright lying about it. I'm pretty disappointed in this. I guess there's no room on LBT for those who aren't so called "cheerleaders".

I'm sorry Mis73, but there is no way to determine which complications are caused by patients not following the rules, doctors over filling bands and the band just causing damage. The facts are becoming more clear with time. As the radiologist told me, the newer bands are causing complications that don't involve erosion. The complications being seen now are related to swallowing disorders which prevent food from even getting to the pouch. I just joined a group that is made up of people with this problem and its amazing how similar the stories are...the symptoms seem to get worse after emptying the band. When their bands are removed, there is extensive scar tissue and damage to surrounding tissues when the scar tissue is removed. Most of the people who had their band removed for this reason are not able to revise due to this damage. We can't discount personal experience for lack of official studies.

Any time food you eat (or liquid) comes back up, it's a sign something is wrong. Call your doctor.

It should concern anyone with a band. My situation isn't unique. I'm just starting to really understand what is happening to my stomach/esophagus due to the band. These issues weren't included in my informed consent.

Since the topic was about keeping the band long term without complications, I will stick to that. No. I've had my band almost 3 years and had a small unfill last fall due to heartburn and some reflux. In June I started having severe night time reflux, difficulty swallowing and what I thought was getting stuck. I had a barium swallow showing that the valve between the esophagus and stomach was not opening. My band looks fine, but the doctors believe there is scar tissue under the band and maybe around my esophogus causing this. The radiologist told me the hospital is seeing a lot of this complication recently with the newer realize and lap bands. I'm going to have my band removed and I'm told that the amount of damage won't be known until they get in there and take a look. I had a manometry and it showed poor "mobility?". This is seen in a disease called achalasia which I was told is very unusual. I'm scared, since I'm so close to goal and was planning on keeping my band for 6-12 months after I reached goal, gradually emptying the fluid. My complications started at 23 months post op. I followed all the band rules exactly. If I had to choose today I would be torn. On the one hand I lost a lot of weight. On the other, I don't know if I have permanent damage to my digestive system from the band. Read the link I gave in an earlier reply to your post. I've been reading the posts there and it's pretty enlightening.

For the OP: here's a link for you. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/13-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

If you can drink your fluids, you're probably ok. Were you told no gum? I was.

Wo I'm sorry to hear you're having problems, but glad the night time routine is helping! I've had a bit of heartburn recently and was given Rx for omeprezole. It helps, but it concerns me more and more that the clock is ticking on my band. I'm almost 3 years out.

It seems like every now and again we get someone who posts out of the blue that their band is terrible, hurt them, worst thing they ever did. What do you all think is the best way to deal with this? a-be supportive and ask questions b-outright accuse them of being a troll c-ignore just curius, since I'm sorta new here, don't post much and don't want 2 step on anyone's toes. SG

I haven't replied to your claim that "affluent Europeans always come to the U.S. when they need specialized medical care" because it is your opinion (and rather prejudiced) and that's all, unless you have a link to back it up. I'm pretty busy living my life, approaching my goal weight. I don't have a whole lot of time to spend here.

Nici6, what are your plans once healed? Are you considering revising to another WLS? Glad you're thru surgery and on the road to recovery!

To Sharpie: I'm offended because your statement infers a bias. This is the 21st century. You made a blanket statement that is offensive. Our country isn't the only place to receive quality health care in the world. Our system is about to undergo a huge change that is going to be challenging to say the least. I've heard that 30 states are not including WLS in their affordable care provisions... BTW, I'm 25% Native American, a direct descendant of John Adams and married to a first generation Italian-American. I've traveled extensively and when I needed medical attention in the EU had top drawer care. To vinncereautmori: I'm planning on having my band gradually unfilled when I've reached goal and removed when I've maintained for 6 months. I'm confident I can continue to live my new lifestyle habits and maintain. One WLS is enough for me.

Liz, if your Lapband doctor isn't finding you an answer, you need a second or even third opinion. Find a gastric specialist (surgeon or gastroenterologist) who can guide you to a solution. Universities with a medical center are excellent resources for symptoms that are unusual or don't have a clear origin. The worst thing you can do is the same thing, without results, just runnin' in circles.

I could be wrong, but a 4cc Realize band wasn't available in the US. They came 9 cc and 11 cc(I have this one). http://www.wlshelp.com/lap-band-vs-realize-band.html

Band migration is a risk with our type of surgery. It's called erosion, but sometimes it is completely inside the stomach, the tubing becomes disconnected and it passes thru the GI tract. This isn't surgeon error, especially 6 years post op.

I've heard of this happening when the band migrates thru the gastric wall and then passes into the intestine. It's unusual, but not impossible.

Of course: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23256021?log$=activity

I'm a bit offended by your comments, to be honest. The fact remains that Lapband and Realize Band were developed in Europe. As for everyone going back where they came from, if you're not 100% Native American, see ya later...