Watch your Symptoms!

[acdc0703 0]

I'm not posting to try to deter anyone from making a decision on choosing the lap band; it did work for me, somewhat, assisting me in losing almost 85 pounds. However I feel as though I should share what happened afterwards. My band has been completely empty since July of 2010 but since that time I had some feelings of discomfort and my doctor advised me it wasn't anything, especially a slip, becuase I didn't have the symptoms of a slip. Last month I started getting more discomfort and also extreme reflux which was waking me up at night. My doctor wanted me to get an x-ray to look at my port, but fortunately my band was visible in the x-ray and it showed an extreme slip. My surgery was scheduled a few days later and something that I thought was going to be rather easy (outpatient) turned in to 3 days in the hospital with a draining tube from my stomach out through my nose and another drain in my side. It turns out the band had eroded severly into my stomach and my stomach had to be opened (hence the draining tube). I was not able to eat or drink anything for two days until they could make sure my stomach wasn't leaking (fortunately it did not). I am still left with having to pack my incision every day, probably for another week or so. My doctor said that another 30 days could have been "catastrophic".

I just want to be people to be aware of their symptoms and pay attention to anything your body may be trying to tell you. Don't ever let your symptoms be ignored.

[Snoopyloverny 3]

So did your band come out through all of this?

[NJGirl32 43]

OMG! I am so sorry to hear you had to go through all of this-how terrible! But it is such a good thing they caught it in time!

What are the signs of a band slip? How did your band erode so much? I thought they were suppose to last forever (pretty much)? Does the band actually erode into your body?

Thank you for the advise and I wish you a speedy recovery!

[CheckYes 46]

I'd always heard that people with a slip can't keep even Water down. Did that happen to you?

Did the doctor tell you why this happened and why so quickly after your band was placed?

Get well soon! Best wishes!

[Dreamalways07 12]

this happened 2 one of my friends as well and she had to get the band out. It was bad. She was overeating alot and it was basically a slip that went untreated for and eroded her band and stomach.

[lifeisjustbeginning2011 11]

as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks. That's what we sign up for when we agree to surgery. Thankfully, stories like this are few and far between. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Jachut 487]

Well, I havent suffered band problems, but I too can attest to the fact that very minor symptoms can be a sign of a fairly catastrophic problem in your body! Its a good point to make - ignore nothing. Nothing is too silly or embarrassing to ask your doctor.

[cyndiebear 0]

Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you continued success with your weight loss and hope this isnt a determent to you. Good luck to you.

[54Shirley 105]

Thank You for your advice ! I know I try to listen to my body, I believe in that.

I am sorry to hear you had to go threw such turmoil.....

I hope you are feeling better, and get well soon !

Shirley.