6 weeks post op and band is leaking? :-(

[NewBandit95 1]

I had my lap band surgery 09 MAR 2011 and had my first fill done 11 APR 2011. I received 4.3 cc's at this adjustment. For the next two weeks, I experienced the most UNrestricted feeling since the original surgery and constant hunger. I called the office and they had me come in to do a barium swallow and check the saline. When the Nurse Practitioner removed the saline from the original adjustment, she was only able able to retrieve 2.0 cc's. My barium swallow appeared normal and the Nurse Practitioner added the original 2.0 cc's of saline plus another 2.00 cc's to bring me back to 4.0 cc's total and told me to come back and recheck the adjustment next week.

I questioned her regarding my band leaking, to which she replied, "Oh I am sure "Betty" just didn't write the correct numbers down or she just made a mistake". Really? Not sure if she was trying to make me feel better saying that, but "Betty" and I talked extensively about the amount of saline i received on my first adjustment, so I would be very shocked if that was an error or an incorrect amount. Then the Nurse Practitioner gave me a lecture about about coming in too soon for another adjustment. I didn't even bother explaining to her that I was TOLD to return at the two week mark because of the irregularity.

Anyway, I really see no other possibility for the loss of saline out of my band other than a leak, which is very frightening since I paid cash for my procedure. This is made even more troubling by the lackadaisical manner of my surgeons office. I have a call into the office, which will no doubt go unanswered until next week due to the holiday with the following questions:

1) What is my financial responsibility, if anything, to a band leaking at 6 weeks?

2) How does this happen?

3) Will the band itself need to be replaced or is this a repair?

Any insight you all might have would be greatly appreciated.

[reverie 49]

Who says the band is leaking? Maybe 4ccs just isn't enough for you yet. Rarely is all the fill pulled out because, from what I've read not personal experience, some of the fill does stay within the tubing. Also it can take a week to two weeks for a fill to kick in, so I agree a fill 2 weeks after another fill is a bit much.

If it is leaking, I'm pretty sure you have to pay for the surgery.

Maybe have your doctor fill you under fluroscopy to see, or find a new office.

[NewBandit95 1]

Who says the band is leaking? Maybe 4ccs just isn't enough for you yet. Rarely is all the fill pulled out because, from what I've read not personal experience, some of the fill does stay within the tubing. Also it can take a week to two weeks for a fill to kick in, so I agree a fill 2 weeks after another fill is a bit much.

If it is leaking, I'm pretty sure you have to pay for the surgery.

Maybe have your doctor fill you under fluroscopy to see, or find a new office.

The Lap Band is a "Closed System". If the 4.3 cc's go in, then 4.3 cc's must come out when extracted. The saline has nowhere to go but in the lap band and will be removed when extracted via an adjustment. I am not sure I understand your statement. And I was not returning after 2 weeks for another adjustment. I was told to return as I was having less restriction than prior to the original adjustment. I am very aware of the idea that adjustments take time to kick in. But if there were not some concerns from some individual within my surgeons office, I would not have been asked to return so soon.

You are pretty sure I have to pay for yet another surgery because this happened to you?

Thank you for the quick response.

[reverie 49]

The Lap Band is a "Closed System". If the 4.3 cc's go in, then 4.3 cc's must come out when extracted. The saline has nowhere to go but in the lap band and will be removed when extracted via an adjustment. I am not sure I understand your statement. And I was not returning after 2 weeks for another adjustment. I was told to return as I was having less restriction than prior to the original adjustment. I am very aware of the idea that adjustments take time to kick in. But if there were not some concerns from some individual within my surgeons office, I would not have been asked to return so soon.

You are pretty sure I have to pay for yet another surgery because this happened to you?

Thank you for the quick response.

Have a fill under floroscopy then; you'll know for sure if you have a leak or not.

And no it hasn't happened to me, I've never had a fill, and my insurance paid for my surgery, but from reading forums, it seems those who self-pay have to self-pay for any follow-up surgeries; who else is going to pay for it? Maybe you could contact Allergen and explain the situation and see what they say, otherwise I'm sure it has to come from your pocket sadly.