mica

I had a band for about a year and then developed complications (tubing was burrowing its way into my small intestine) and had to be removed. It's been over a year now and I'm really thinking about the sleeve. I had the band placed and removed in Tijuana, and am not sure I can afford to pay for another procedure. Has anyone out there experienced something similar??I wouldn't mind someone to walk me through the sleeve experience.

Hi all, I was banded in TJ Mexico approx. 2 yrs ago. It went great for about 1 yr then started to have problems with severe pain, bloating etc... generally felt like I was going to die. Finally, after 2 stays in hosp., I had an endoscopy done with results showing severe erosion. I had the band removed June 25/09 in TJ. Not only was it eroding into my esophagus, but the tubing was burrowing its way into my small intestine. I recovered well, but now am gaining back the weight I lost (lost about 50) I think that I have gained about 20 back. The sleeve always seemed so radical to me, but now I'm starting to consider it as the better option. Anyone out there with some advice or info??? I am Canadian, so doing it here is not possible. I would have to go back to Mexico. Thanks in advance guys!

Long story short, banded 18 mths ago, loved it, pretty much at goal wt., when I began experiencing extreme abd. pain and bloating, following 2 hospitalizations and a whole ----load of tests, found out my band had eroded into my stomach. Off to TJ I go where a normally 1 hr removal surgery turns into a 3 hr. struggle where surgeons painstakingly remove piles of scar tissue and adhesions (which were causing the severe symptoms of bowel obstruction) from my stomach, liver and the worst spot, where the tubing had adhered to the small bowel and had begun to work its way into it! I was in hosp for 4 days, flew home 4 hr flight and 10 hrs later I made it home! It ended up costing me another $1,000.00 than quoted due to the extended time in hosp. and in the OR. I have the laparoscopic openings in my abd. as well as a very nice big 4 inch suture line that they had to put in because they weren't able to access all the adhesions etc... with the lap instruments.I was so happy to get home but am sad about losing my good friend and hoping that I can maintain my weight loss on my own!I am hoping to here from anyone else out there that has experienced a similar problem. I am now on the healing phase of the journey, still on a liquid, moving into mushie phase. Thanks for listening all.

Hi all, I need some advice! I was banded in Jan 2008 in TJ. Worked great for 1 yr, then suddenly problems! severe abd. pain, ended up in hosp twice, finally diagnosing a bowel obstruction due to abd. adhesions. Finally had an endoscopy which showed that my band had eroded. The surgeon here said that they would have to remove it via. traditional open surgery vs. laparoscopic . I contacted my Mexican surgeon and he says it will come out laparoscopically, so I'm sucking it up and coughing up the cash, now I'm booked for removal next week. I am considering the sleeve! Possibly even having the Dr. perform it after removing the band (if possible). What do you all think? Anybody been in this boat before? I'de appreciate any info and advice.

Hi Mary, I was banded Jan 25, 08 in Mexico and had lost about 55lbs when at almost exactly 1 yr post-op, I experienced pain in lower abd, not cramping, but continual pain as if severe gas which has to be released, but can't. I ended up collapsing, not losing cons. but extremely weak and dizzy. I saw an MD the next day who ordered blood work. The pain increased and the next day, saw my regular family MD, who sent me to emerg. to see a surgeon. I had fever, chills, low BP, extremely low iron. |I had an xray, ct scan etc.. more b/w. Ct scan showed some pockets of fluid around band and along tubing. I was on iv antibiotics and after 2 nites in hosp, I was feeling normalish and sent home. The only recommendation was to remove the band. No one in my area knows anything about the band. I consulted with my Mexican surgeon and he suggested I get an endoscopy and barium swallow. I see my Canadian surgeon this week and hopefully I'll get those tests done. I have had all the fluid out of my band and hope to God that this issue resolves itself so I can get my fills done again and resume my life without fear of gaining my weight back! I had considered returning to Mexico for the tests but I'm self-pay, so opted to wait to see if they can be done here and the results shared with the Mexican Dr. At this point I am feeling well and normal, Hopefully the rest that my stomach has had will mean all is well! Good luck to you, let us know what happens and I'll do the same.

Take a look at post #41 for fill nurse names and #'s.

I told no one at work. I was new to the job and had no idea of the dynamics of the group so, I chose to keep the info to myself. Over the last year, since banding, I have lost about 50 lbs. When they would ask what I was doing, I said " I'me eating about 1/2 of what I used to", which was not a lie. My decision to keep this info to myself was the right one. Getting to know my co-workers, many or them are very critical and gossipy and love to sabotage. It would have been nice to have a few of the more supportive ones know, so I could lean on them, and maybe in the future, I will come out of the "band closet" to them. My advice, make sure that those you tell will be supportive of you. It is interesting what personality traits come out of others when one is successful. Good luck!

There is a fill nurse in Regina as well, but I don't know her name or #. Put a request on the Canada section of this forum and I'm sure someone will tell you.

Hi, There are 2 fill nurses in Saskatoon. They charge $75.00 per fill or de-fill and are both excellent. Michelle Wright 306-244-7004 or Lorna King 306-374-8162

I have a heliogast band. I was banded in Mexico a little over a year ago. I asked them why they used a heliogast and they really didn't have an answer for me. I wasn't aware that they were putting that in until it was done. You hear differring stories, some say they are better, some say no. Who knows. I am having problems at this time and don't know why? So I'll reserve my judgement cuz I'm not sure what the problem is, could be the band could be something entirely different.

a few weeks agO I ended up in emerg. with pain in lower abd.etc... had a whole whack of tests done, ct, xray, bloodwork etc... that showed some infection along tubing with pockets of infection in abdomen . I was put on iv antibiotics and after a few days, felt okay. I feel pretty much normal now. Had a complete unfill as well. Surgeon says my band must come out and that a reoccurance of this painful episode is likely. I am a year with my band and am pretty much at goal weight. I do not want to lose my band, but of course, my life is worth more, so it it must come out, it will come out. What I'de like to know is, if there is anyone else out there who has gone through a similar thing and how they ended up making out??? I am waiting to see another surgeon for a a second opinion so at this time it is a waiting game. I am a self-pay from Mexico. I would appreciate any input, advice etc...

I've been told that, after a year (almost to the day) with the band, almost to goal weight, but after sufferring from severe abd. pain, fever etc... that it should come out. i am not happy! My band is my very good friend! I am waiting for a consult for a second opinion but, most of what I read and been told etc...says it must come out due to infection and that although I feel fine today, I will suffer more episodes like the last one! Anyone out there go through this similar thing?

A few weeks ago, I developed pain in my lower abd. with fever etc... I ended up in emerg., had a bunch of tests done, ct scan, xray, blood work etc... I started to improve after a day or so of iv antibiotics. The MD said that my I band was infected, that the ct scan showed pockets of fluid in the abdomen, along the tubing etc... So, he said that if I had another episode, to see him in emerg , he recommended that I have it removed. I was devestated, thinking that I would lose my band. I am pretty much at goal weight, and almost at my 1 yr bandiversary. I feel fine now, normal really. I had a complete unfill and am waiting to see another surgeon for a second opinion. I am self-pay, Mexico and very few Dr.s know anything about the band here. I would appreciate any advice anyone out there can give me. Like, is it imperative that I have it taken out? Has anyone out there had an episode like this and NOT had to have the band removed? I know that I am grasping here, but I really do love my band! Thanks!

About 9 days ago, I started to get a squeezing-type pain in my lower abdomen. I had muscle aches and fever as well as headache. I thought I had the flu till I collapsed one evening. I had a slew of tests done, blood work, x-ray, ct scan etc.... They are still not sure what it is but I am worried that it may be erosion! The pain progressed up to the port area, and I spent a few nights in hosp on iv, antibiotics etc... I am home now, feeling much better but still with a bit of pain in the upper abd. I had a complete de-fill last eve. and hopefully what ever it is will clear up. i have had my band almost 1 yr to the day and am so scared that I will lose it. I am being referred to a surgeon who has more experience with lap bands and hopefully she will get to the bottom of this without loss of my band. Good luck to you all.

I've just returned home after 2 days in hosp. I started to have severe abdominal pain, felt like my intestines were filled up like balloons with no way to let the gas out. I had fever, chills, headache etc... I had blood work done, x-rays, CT scan etc... The surgeon told me that I had an infection in my bowel that was caused by an infection around the banded part of the stomach, up the tube and to the port. He said that these infections can cause damage to the stomach etc... Now I knew that this Dr. was not a real fan of lap bands, you could tell when he told me about this stomach damage. He didn't remove it but advised me that if the symptoms come back, I should present to the ER and he would re-assess. Has anyone out there had this happen to them? What was the outcome? I'm not really feeling very positive right now and after a year with this band and successfully at near goal, I am scared! I am on oral antibiotics for a week and we'll see after that. I was banded in Mexico. Any words of wisdom out there, prayers etc... I could use them all.

I'm feeling a bit better now but still have many questions and fears. I appreciate all of your advice and kind words.

I wondered too, how an infection would start 1yr post-op, the surgeon did not seem to know either. I feel okay today but still have pain in abdomen and can feel some pressure there as well. last night it was quite alot. I have spoken to my medical coordinator, and at this point it is a wait and see situation. Wait for these antibiotics to finish then reassess. I always have the option as well of returning to TJ to see the surgeon there. The issue there is cost of flight and time, but I'll do it if I have to. My band is my very close friend and assistant and the thought of losing it is so scary to me as I have never had much luck keeping the weight off on my own. I am about 10 lbs or so away from goal, so at least I wasn't say just started or halfway but the maintaining has always been the bitch. Wish me luck.

Congrats! I am about 10 months post op with a loss of about 50 #. I also view my band as a friend! My biggest fear right now is losing it! Stories such as yours are encouraging to me! I have had only one fill so far and am close to my goal. I am enjoying eating whatever I want (just not overeating) and living a "normal" life. I wish I had had it done 25 yrs ago! Here's to the next 4+++ years!

I experienced a similar episode of severe abdominal pain about 2 wks after being banded. At that point, I had lost about 20 plus lbs. I had 2 attacks where I thought that I would die. I had an ultrasound which showed that my gallbladder was fine, no stones etc... My MD said that the stone(S) may have passed on their own. I have not had any issues since then but I am sure it was due to the gallbladder and quick weight loss. It definately is an unforgettable pain.

Wow! Are you sure the amount is not 6500.00-7,000.00 or 8000,00? I had my lap band done in Mexico last Jan and it cost $7500.00. I've since seen cheaper but only around $6500.00. If the cost is correct, right on! It's the best thing I ever did for me!

I'm almost 10 months into my band and couldn't be happier. Only one fill at 6 wks post-op and am down about 50 lbs. I told only my hubby and 2 kids about the surgery so, I know how it feels to be kind of alone in the experience. That's why sites like this one are so valuable. I lived in Prince Albert for forever! We moved to Saskatoon about 1 1/2 yrs ago. We probably know each other, it is such a small world. Mamma G, maybe you need a fill? I know 2 fill nurses here in S'toon. Contact me if you need #'s. Were you at the meeting Nov. 15 where Dr. Carmen Cajella was down, I'm sure she was from Dr. Corvalla's clinic. It's tough when you've got 10 kids to care for and for yourself too! I find 2 kids and 4 dogs a challenge. You can do this! You have this awesome tool! Good luck!

I was close to 190 at 5 ' 1 1/2 inch tall when I had my band done. When people ask me how I'm losing the weight, I don't lie! I tell them that I'm eating about 1/2 of what I used to eat. They are usually satisfied with that and I don't have any guilt feelings to contend with. i have only told my husband and 2 kids about my band and would love to spread the word to others, but on the other hand, I don't have to deal with all the negatives that would surely come if more people knew.

Don't panic, but give your Dr. a call. The earlier they deal with issues the easier it is to fix (I would expect).

I did it alone as well. I had to travel to and from Tijuana, mexico, a trip with stopovers etc... of about 12 hrs or so. Okay on the way there,but the way back was complicated by a cancelled flight due to severe weather, so the impromtu overnighter in Calgary and all the issues that come with finding a hotel room and then trying to rebook a flight etc.... were not fun! But, I survived! Mostly it was the gas pain that was an issue, and sitting was not the best position for me. So, I think that you could manage that drive home, unless you are still too sedated. It really depends alot on your pain-tolerance. Good luck!