Band Removal/Erosion

Dayna · January 18, 2006

I had my band put it almost two years ago. I just found out that I have to have it taken out because of erosion. I am going tomorrow to Mexico. I know the doctor said that I could probably wait 6 months and have it put back in. Has anyone else done this?

the best me · January 18, 2006

Uh, yeah. You'll be getting good replies here. Also, do a search on erosion. I'm really sorry about your news. Who's your doc? How do you know it's eroded? Any symptoms? Sorry for all the questions, but they'll get asked by someone, gotta start somewhere. Keep us posted.

Dody · January 18, 2006

Not another one. I am seeing the dr. in April (have to wait that long to clear up some other problems). Am looking at a late Apr. or May date for the band, and just about to change my mind. This is getting rediculous. Tell me please if you have diabetes. My dr. seems to think there is a link. If you don't, I'm really curious what could be causing this. Can it possibly be what people are eating, like spicy foods or something. Please someone...have you been told anymore about erosion possibilities and port infections then I have. I'm about to change my mind.

Better yet, how many of these erosions are coming from bands placed by Mexican doctors?:guess

Dayna · January 18, 2006

No, I do not have diabetes. I am pretty sure the erosion occured because I got my fill to full. I didn't have any bad symptoms. I just knew something wasn't right because I kept getting fills and feeling nothing. I didn't have my fills with the flouroscopy and I will do that from now on. I went back to see Dr. Rodriquez and he did the flouroscopy and it was obvious. He is isn't charging me to fix it, but I do have to pay the hospital bill. My sister and dad also had the surgery. They are doing great. I still think it is a good idea.

leatha_g · January 18, 2006

Please do a search for all the numerous threads concerning erosion. Simply put, there is no definitive answer as to WHY or WHAT causes it. It just IS a possible complication that happens to a certain percentage of banded people. I would say that in the case of several of our previously banded friends who were banded by the same doctor, there MIGHT be some situation at the local level which might have set the stage for erosion. But there is really nothing a bandster can or cannot do to prevent it or cause it such as eating certain foods etc. Erosion normally happens from outside the stomach, where the band erodes away at the exterior wall of the stomach until it reaches the inner lining of the stomach, not the reverse.

I'm really sorry to hear your news, but I still believe banding is far more safe than bypass and even this unfortunate complication is minor compared to some of the more invasive surgeries.

Dayna · January 18, 2006

I agree. I don't regret doing it. In fact, I think I want to have it put back in after the 6 months. I am just wondering if there is anyone else who has done that. I think the band is a great thing.

donali · January 18, 2006

There is a Yahoo! group for eroded bandsters.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ErodedBandsters/

Esther, the list owner, has been banded twice and eroded twice. A couple of others on there have been rebanded and no further problems so far.

Hope this helps!

Marimaru · January 20, 2006

If you don't mind my asking, how did the floroscope show the erosion? Usually it's detected by an endoscope from the inside?

I hope that your removal surgery goes well and that you recover quickly!

La_madam · January 20, 2006

Dayna, I am so sorry to hear of your erosion..just know I feel your emotions. I too eroded 2 months ago. I had great success with my band and do not regret it for a single second...best of luck to you andyes I do know of a woman whos band eroded and she waited the 6 months and just had a new one put back in in december.