L.B. Complications

kallen00 · January 10, 2011

Hello fellow Banders , ~~~~ I have just rejoined after a little over 2 years . I want to share my story ; currently ongoing .

I was banded (Realize ) about 2.3 yrs ago at a surgical center of excellence out of state about 100 miles , I do not live there but was recommended to the center by local WLS Center because of Ins. issues

I have had nothing but L.B . trouble for the last two years ( 2 fills and 2 cc removed and currently at 3 CC's ) and now my symptoms are getting worse ; chronic IBS etc. and a Hiatial Hernia which I did not have before WLS.

I will know more in the next 4 -5 weeks after a LOT of testing . My G. I. MD has recommended removal as I have chronic reflux & Esophagitis , I do not know exactly what she saw in an upper and lower GI ; but she recommends removal. I second that !!

I saw the local MD Surgeon that does WLS surgeries all the time and he told me the Realize band was taken off the market over a year ago and why. I was appalled ! I see it is still listed as a L B option when I came home and googled it . There are a few tests to go through to make a determination as to what exactly is going on with me . I would never do this again and I do not want it fixed even if he can "fix it " I have lost a total of 25 pounds and it simply is not worth it for me .

It is possible the band has worn through and overfilled and causing stomach issues , thus causing the IBS ; they are checking this out shortly. Fluoroscope and a Barium spill.

I mean this as an FYI only as we are all different ; some people do just fine banded, others do not .

Cleo's Mom · January 12, 2011

Hello fellow Banders , ~~~~ I have just rejoined after a little over 2 years . I want to share my story ; currently ongoing .

I was banded (Realize ) about 2.3 yrs ago at a surgical center of excellence out of state about 100 miles , I do not live there but was recommended to the center by local WLS Center because of Ins. issues

I have had nothing but L.B . trouble for the last two years ( 2 fills and 2 cc removed and currently at 3 CC's ) and now my symptoms are getting worse ; chronic IBS etc. and a Hiatial Hernia which I did not have before WLS.

I will know more in the next 4 -5 weeks after a LOT of testing . My G. I. MD has recommended removal as I have chronic reflux & Esophagitis , I do not know exactly what she saw in an upper and lower GI ; but she recommends removal. I second that !!

I saw the local MD Surgeon that does WLS surgeries all the time and he told me the Realize band was taken off the market over a year ago and why. I was appalled ! I see it is still listed as a L B option when I came home and googled it . There are a few tests to go through to make a determination as to what exactly is going on with me . I would never do this again and I do not want it fixed even if he can "fix it " I have lost a total of 25 pounds and it simply is not worth it for me .

It is possible the band has worn through and overfilled and causing stomach issues , thus causing the IBS ; they are checking this out shortly. Fluoroscope and a Barium spill.

I mean this as an FYI only as we are all different ; some people do just fine banded, others do not .

I don't believe all Realize band were recalled. Just certain ones and I think it had to do with tubing. That being said, you need to do some research and find out what kind you have.

Then you need to get copies of your upper GI report as well as all the test results of everything you've had done as well as all those tests you are getting done in the next several weeks. Make sure your test results include your operative report.

Then take all of this to an experienced bariatric surgeon for a second opinion. After all of this you will be in a better position to know exactly what is wrong with you and your best options for addressing it. Good luck.

kallen00 · January 12, 2011

I don't believe all Realize band were recalled. Just certain ones and I think it had to do with tubing. That being said, you need to do some research and find out what kind you have.

Then you need to get copies of your upper GI report as well as all the test results of everything you've had done as well as all those tests you are getting done in the next several weeks. Make sure your test results include your operative report.

Then take all of this to an experienced bariatric surgeon for a second opinion. After all of this you will be in a better position to know exactly what is wrong with you and your best options for addressing it. Good luck.

kallen00 · January 12, 2011

Thanks for your input . That is exactly what I have one as soon as i got my report and could get an appointment to see a well experienced Bar. Surgeon in my area .

The surgeon was the person that told me about the Realize band being taken off the market.He explained why he did not use it ever in his practice. The surgeon will make the determination along with myself to either try to fix it or take it out. My thoughts are to take it out .