I have a BAND leak

[sunsett 2]

I have been hesitant to post my story due to the fear so many people get from hearing differen't things on this site.

First off, If someone asked me if I would do this surgery again, my answer is in a heart beat.

Most common of problems with leaks are port leaks. I posted a question last week trying to find out if anyone has even heard of a band leak. I got 1 response. I can't remember who it was, but she tld me her Dr. told her that he had 1 patient who had a leak in thier band after 200 patients. When Dr. Ortiz posted about erosion, I PM him and asked him about the band leak. He was kind enough to reply to me. He has never had a band leak. Hasn't he done thousands of these?

So please dont' worry that this will happen to you. Looks like I'm one in hundreds, maybe even thousands.

I will have to go back into the hospital and have the whole surgery done again. I asked my Dr. if he thought I should do another WLS and he said this is still the safest and I have done great with it.

So yes I :think about it, it sucks:mad: ! No other way to put it. But I trust God, my Dr. and I trust the band and that is why I will do it agian.

I found this out on January 26th exactly 4 months after my surgery. I just found out today that the insurance company has approved for me to go through it again. I do not have a date yet and I'll let you know.

Prayers are sure appreciated. I felt them on September 26th, and I know I will feel them again this time.

[migbt 0]

Diane,

My prayers are with you. You are very corageous and I admire your positive attitude in a sitation that could really get you down....

Keep up the good work.....

D

[Dragonwillow 0]

Diane you rock, not only are you being so strong yourself through this but you are taking the time to make sure everyone else doesn't get too panicd about their bands. I'm so proud that you are one of my Nc lapband buddies. :clap2:

[PhotoNut 7]

Prayers are sure appreciated. I felt them on September 26th, and I know I will feel them again this time.

You certainly will be getting prayers from our home. Bless your heart for being so thoughtful about this when you must be going thru a heck of a time. And indeed.. how courageous you are to hold your head up and walk right back in there to have your band replaced. Good for you!

*hugs*

[Jessiebear 2]

Sending prayers your way too!! Hope your date hurries up so you don't have to worry about it too long. Thank goodness you have good insurance!

[Alexandra 55]

Argh, Sunsett, what a drag! Was the band defective? I have heard of leaking bands before, you are not alone. I'm sorry you have to have another surgery, but you'll be good as new--BETTER!--when all is said and done.

We're thinking of you. :hug:

[banded_for_life 2]

Best wishes Sunsett!

[HarleyNana 10]

Hugs Diane, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Please keep us informed on your recovery.

[sunsett 2]

Thanks everybody.

We won't know if it is a defect in the band or not until it is taken out. I have requested to have the band..Isn't that gross....But I really want to see for my self.

I'm am also looking at this as a jump start, which I sure need! I'm hoping to get out of the 220's real soon.

[HarleyNana 10]

You're so smart, I wouldn't have thought of that and I don't think it's gross. Yuk, I'd hate to think of what mine looks like with all the food hung up around it, LOL.

[Iluvharleys 15]

Good Luck Dianne! Keep us posted!

[Vera 7]

Hi Sweetie I got your PM but I’m responding here.

Yes, my band was replaced, here is my story that I often tell others that inquire:

My old band was an AMI-swedish band that was installed 8/14/03 by Dr. Sanchez. After about 6 months and 4 fills I had a flouro/X-ray check which revealed a kink in the tubing. Well I suspected a leak, and then confirmed it over 4 months later in mex, because Dr. Sanchez recommended I go see him. At that visit the tubing was repaired and I was given a 7cc fill (big band), a month later my doctor (McKeen) here in Calif. did a flouro fill and that's when we saw that the repair didn't work. Back to mex I went and Dr. Sanchez decided to reband me, free (the makers of the AMI band paid for it).

My leak was in the tubing. Do you know for sure it’s in the band? Did they do a leak check under flouro? Could you see the contrast/omnipaque leak out? Slow leaks are hard to detect and can sure make you feel like your going crazy getting fills and slowly loosing restriction.

I recently replied to Barbara who thought she was going to get a new band due to a leak, and then when her doctor operated, he started at the port and found the port had a crack. Replaced the port and she’s as good as new.

Full band replacements are rare from what I’ve seen. I was at a point were I didn’t want the AMI band anymore or a defective band/tube. I wanted it out and wanted the Inamed band. Plus my doctor didn’t want to see me back again with any other complications.

The best part was the recovery was so much easier for me. I was up and walking minutes after waking up.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[donali 57]

Best wishes, Sunset. They clean the band off, so it shouldn't be too gross. BUT - there won't be food and guck on it - it's on the outside of the stomach (at least it's supposed to be! lol), so they'll only have to clean blood and stuff off it.

Everyone who has a band taken out should ask for it to be returned to them and send it on to the maker for their stats (or keep it for their lawsuit, whatever). Inamed always asks for the eroded bands to be returned for study...

[Guest ASPHALT ANGEL]

Good luck to you on your upcoming surgery. Sorry to hear about your band leaking, you have a great attitude and I am sure you will be as good as new soon.

[I'llsucceed 1]

Diane,

My prayers are with you. You are very corageous and I admire your positive attitude in a sitation that could really get you down....

Keep up the good work.....

D

My thoughts exactly!