peg2134
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4 years has passed since you registered at LapBandTalk! Happy 4th Anniversary peg2134!
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I was banded in 2004 and 2 weeks ago had surgery to remove the band because it had eroded in my stomach. There are numerous forums for lap banders and this is one of the best. However I have been dealing with the erosion and other complications for over a year. I found myself scouring the forum to see if anybody had issues like my and then read it to see if I can get more information. I believe there should be a place where anybody can go and have medical advice, pictures of slipping/erosion, and generally other complications. We can learn a lot from each other and have support BUT what we all do for our problems often does not apply. I know the object is to convince and reassure people to GET the band. As a result of my experience I do not alot about what happens, but my experience was JUST LIKE YOURS. Please give people a place to go for expert advice for complications.
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Hi,
Yes they were able to remove my band laproscopally but......Because I had it done in Mexico, no one would touch it in NH. My regular doctor had me go through
several tests. An Endoscopy showed I had an ulcer in my escophus so for four month I had to down this vile stuff. Went back for a check and realized what she thought was an ulcer was really the band eroded in my stomach (at least 1/4 of band)
My ability to eat was just horrible and if I did get something down, it was followed by severe pain.
Anyway my Doc found an expert in this area in Burlington, Ma at the lahey clinic. All he does as a specialty is weight loss issues and surgery. (I apologize if I am giving you too much info, I could never find anthing substinative while going through this) Finally saw Dr. Brams and he scheduled surgery for the end of April. He also explained that he had never taken out an ERODED band and the buckle on the band may cause my stomach to be torn and depending how badly he may have to do bypass surgery (did not want that) Went for pre-op day before surgery and I flunked the EKG. NEVER had any kind of problems with my heart and I tried to tell them something must be wrong with their equipmt!!! Thry are a New England Center for heart issues and told me their machine ae calibrated every 2 days. Ok so several more tests-chemical stress tests
they decided to put a stent in my heart. Did it - did it feel any different No did not feel anything but good before(related to the heart. Then I had to be on a med called plavix for three months and could not have any surgery for three months. after that time frame I stopped plavix and was back on tap for the lap band. I had the surgery two weeks ago. It took 7 slits for him to do it without opening me up. The buckle did tear but he was able to fix it.I was home in three days and eating with no food coming back up. I have pictures of the inside of my stomach showing the erosion. It does erode slowly but it could create an unfilled hole in your stomach and that would be like putting poison in your system because there should never be food outside the stomach. I know I probably gave you too much info but I was so frustrated that there a hundreds of sites that tell about putting the lapband in, but little to no info about the problem. I had the band fo 4 years lost 110 lbs but.... If I am honest with myself After bandingI NEVER could eat even comfortably.
If I can help you in any way, just email me at peg2134@aol.com
Peggy
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My band has eroded into my stomach. An endoscopy was how it was discovered. I have been banded for four years and lost close to 100lbs. This weight loss substantially reduce my need for medication for diabetes and blood pressure. The stress the weight put on my knees was now gone. The cause according to my doctor was that a one point a fill was done too tightly. I pretty much had restriction, even with the band eroded. However, eating, on some days, was not an option. Food would just not go down. Because I had my surgery in Mexico, doctors in my state would not even see me as they did not want the liability. Finally I was able to get a doctor in another state to take my case. When I first learned my band had to be removed, I had very mixed feelings and still worry worry about eating after it is removed. The surgery is scheduled for September 10th. I want to stress that the band did work for me and there was nothing wrong with the band or procedures I initially received. There was and still is very little information about erosion. Before I knew this was my problem, I would search the internet and look to compare my symptoms as I suspected that erosion was my problem. For me, my symptoms were being able to eat one day or a certain food and the next day I could eat what I wanted (not bread or pasta). As it stands now, the doctor is going to remove the band, however he won't know until he tries to remove it laproscopally. If he is unable to get it out then they will have to do open surgery. The other complication that may occur that if my stomach is too difficult to close, He may have to perform a bypass. at any rate the band must come out! Everyone is different and given my experience I thought I would share it with others who worry about erosion.
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ddierda Thank you for your comment. Guess I will know after Wednesday. You are right, it isn't there all the time. I watched and it seems to be at times when I am stressed, but always after eating. Thats why they are looking for an ulcer. Peggy:rolleyes:
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Hi you could be eating too fast or not chewing food enough. I had a ultrasound and there is no problem with my colon or gall blader. Wed. I get an upper GI to see if there is an ulcer. Right now I get mostly pain in my abdomen. Be really careful with the vomiting - is it the food backing up or digested food coming back up? Peggy
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That makes me feel a whole lot better. I wasn't thinking it was barium that they were going to give me, but you are right. Thanks again. Peg2134:clap2:
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<p>Help!! I was banded three years ago in July and have terrible pain in my abdomen. Had ultra sound and it showed no problem with gall bladder or colon. I am now scheduled for an upper GI series. Can this work with the band?? Doesen't that chalky fluid have a hard time going through the band? I do still feel restriction and have lost 85 pounds, however the last time I had a fill wqs a year ago July. Anyone have answers or</p> <p>similiar experience?<img :help::help::help:src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p>
