Erosion question

jillrn · December 9, 2005

When I asked my surgeon about this he made it sound so rare and obviously it is not. He said he hadnt had an erosions but some that he heard about some on the people are doing just fine without any complications and are keeping their band. This seems dangerous to keep the band-- it seems like it could open you up to serious infection, any one know about this??? Jill

sleepyjean · December 9, 2005

I don't think this community necessarily represents the entire banded community. This forum is most likely to have people who:

a)are about to be banded

b)were just banded recently and are still adjusting

c)are banded having big problems

As someone here once said, most of the people who are banded and doing just fine are off living their lives. It may seem like everyone is having problems and I think that's just because the people who aren't having problems/questions aren't here.

La_madam · December 9, 2005

I had erosion, I did well with my band.

In my mind I imagine a piece of fishing line tied tightly around my finger, if I keep tightening it, it is bound to erode into my finger or atleast cut it somewhat. That is the same theory "I" ( me personally) have on my band. I was one of those who was not so fortunate, my body rejected it after 19 months. but again I lost 104 lbs with my band and I'm still losing without it. I do not regret it for a minute. Without my band I would still be morbidly obese and have no life, my band gave me my life back and Iam now in the normal range for my weight. It feels good

the best me · December 9, 2005

This forum is most likely to have people who:
a)are about to be banded

b)were just banded recently and are still adjusting

c)are banded having big problems

add to the list:

d) LBT Addicts

such as myself We should start a club. Oh! We already have one!!

I haven't heard about diagnosed erosions healing on their own and folks walking around still banded...odd to me. If my band is coming through the wall of my stomach, it's coming out! Maybe folks keep their band for a short while, unfilled? I don't know. Unchecked, though, an eroded band can send bacteria down the tubing to the port, causing port infections. Gastric juices in your body cavity? Not me! Nope, eroded bands need to be removed. Perhaps next week or next month, but I'd bet it's coming out. I hate to question your doc's perspective...maybe ask for some clarification?

I have also heard of eroded bandsters getting rebanded after a long healing period, but apparently the risk of another erosion is much higher. I love my band, but that's too much worry. I'm not sure I'd choose to get rebanded after eroding? Ask me again if I ever erode. I love my band and never want to lose it. So maybe I would get it back if I could.