Lap-Band Concerns (HELP!)

[Bandgirl74 0]

I just signed up with band talk so my apologies if I am not posting correctly. I wrote my "story" in hopes that someone out there has experienced the same issues. I'm so disappointed so any assistance is appreciated! Please see my story; my user name is "bandgirl74"

Thanks!

[Melissannde 41]

I just signed up with band talk so my apologies if I am not posting correctly. I wrote my "story" in hopes that someone out there has experienced the same issues. I'm so disappointed so any assistance is appreciated! Please see my story; my user name is "bandgirl74"

Thanks!

I had my surgery Dec 2010. Starting weight was 235. Was suppose to have Dr. Hollis as my physician, however it quickly changed to Dr. Reilly due to True Results scheduling. Surgery was very smooth with no complications.

I was on liquids for the first two weeks and then to soft foods; I lost about five pounds. There was not a noticiable difference in the amount that I could eat. I stopped eating because of the amount of food the doctor told me to eat (about a cup) not because I was not hungry, because I was.

I went to my first fill but no differences was made. Went to my second fill and no differneces was made. Then each month was the same thing. I started making a diary of each visit because I was not seeing any results. I emailed my concerns to the patient avocate, which called me in and replaced by solution with "Omnipak" liquid which seemed to be a little better. Then, over night I could not eat anything and could not drink. For three days it was like this but I was so excited that something was happening I didn't complain. My back started to hurt and then then creeped into my abdomen area. It then got worse and worse until I couldn't stand it anymore. I called to make an appointment to find out what was going on. After a 2.5 hour wait, in pain, they said my band was dialated. I could not understand why because I ate minimal food and chewed everything up very small. They took 2 cc's out and I instantly felt better.

At this time I had no restriction so i didn't lose anymore weight. Two weeks later they added 1cc of saline after my chart clearly stated that they replaced the saline with omnipak. I had not other results. Two weeks later went back in and the removed all the liquid again to refill with omnipack again. Now I'm slowly loosing and things were slowing looking up.

Two weeks ago went in for another cc (now I'm at I believe 8.5 cc with minimal results) and things seemed to be just great until three days ago. On Wednesday night I could not sleep because I was uncomfortable and stopped eating all together. There was no way I over ate and I don't vomit so what's the problem? Well I go in today and they said that my band has moved. How? I ask, because I have done nothing to contribute this happening. I'm so upset I don't even know what to say. The nurse tells me that usually it's caused from overeating, vomiting, or eating too big of bites. I then tell her that all of those things have not happened. I told her that I have been extreamly careful with everything I eat because of the problems I have had. She had no response except to say she needed to take two or three cc's out total. She asked me how many to take out. I told her that I did not know because I am not the doctor or the nurse. She then said that in her "professional opinion" she needs to take out at least two. I told her to "do it." Now I'm back to the beginning. I'm at 215 after almost eight months post surgery. I'm so upset, mad, angry, and disappointed all in one.

I'm not sure what your question is, but I'm so sorry you're having problems.

I would suggest that you review the basic bandster guidelines and make sure you are following them as best you can.

If you're not journaling your food intake, start. You might be eating a lot more calories than you think you are.

Are you moving your body more than you did pre-surgery?

Are you attending support group anywhere?

Read over Dr. Simpsons article: It's not about restriction and see if it is helpful to you. The band is not supposed to control how much we are able to eat, it's supposed to help with appetite suppression so that we can make better and healthier choices (most of the time.. no one is perfect. ::smile:.

Anytime you cannot drink.. you are WAY TOO TIGHT. You should always be able to get fluids down.

Hope some of this is helpful. I'm so glad you're reaching out for support.

[shakey88 37]

I am sorry to hear this, but hopefully they can get you situated back at the doctor's office and you can continue on your journey!

[Humming Bird 275]

It almost sounds like they did not secure the band properly in the first place. If it were me, I would talk to them and see if they can re-position the band and secure it properly.

[Cocoabean 430]

Your band did not dilate..this means they think that either your esophagus has stretched out to hold more food, or your stomach has "slipped" up through the band and created a larger pouch. The following is from lapband.com's website.

There have been some reports that the esophagus has stretched or dilated in some patients. This could be caused by:

• Improper placement of the band
• The band being tightened too much
• Stoma obstruction
• Binge eating
• Excessive vomiting

There are also problems that can occur that are directly related to the LAP-BAND^® System:

• The band can spontaneously deflate because of leakage. That leakage can come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them.
• The band can slip
• There can be stomach slippage
• The stomach pouch can enlarge
• The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked
• The band can erode into the stomach

Below is a link from my surgeon's website that explains a slip, which is what I think you are referring to when you say they told you that your band moved.

http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-loss-surgery/lap-band/lap-band-complications/slippage.html