2 And A Half Years, Nothing But Complications!!!

[harliquinn 1]

I was banded Feb 25th 2010. I have lost a grand total of about 25 pounds since then. I was fine for a few months after surgery until my surgeon started pussing aggressive monthly fills which landed me in the ER twice with a band that was so tight, I couldn't even swallow Water or my own saliva. After that, my surgeon's 'bariatric coordinator' called me every month *asking* (not telling me to come in, but asking) if I would like to come in for a fill. Not 'adjustment'. 'Fill'. To which I started replying, "No, the band was too tight already and I had to go to the ER because I couldn't even drink water." She accepted my answer, hung up, and called me again the next month. This went on for a few months. When I finally went in to see my surgeon again to assess how I was doing he insulted me, called me a liar when I told him of my complications, smirked as I described my eating habits, food choices and amounts, said I was 'noncompliant' because I refused to see him each month (excuse me, I was ASKED if I wanted to get a fill, NOT told to come in for monthly assessment, that their fault, NOT mine) and refused to see me as a patient because I wasn't losing weight as quickly as his other patients.

For several months I had to fight with my insurance company to be seen by another surgeon off base -we are military and there are no other Lapband surgeons/doctors on base.

Finally got a referal to UC Davis Medical Center. They removed all of the fill in my band back in January of this year. I am due back there in a little over a week to be assessed again.

I had emergency gallbladder surgery on March 26/27th of this year and the surgeon at that time said by band looked good. I've had an x-ray done to look at my band and I'm told that it's sitting where it should be. However, I am still having band complications.

Heartburn, reflux, general discomfort (I can sometimes feel the band rubbing against the inside of my rib cage), nausea, no weight loss, the complete inability to eat fruits, vegetables or whole grains (along with things like Beans, tortillas, ground beef/chicken/turkey), and depression. The only vegetable that I can usually eat without much of a problem is sauteed baby spinach without the stems. Even applesauce, mashed potatoes and even Soup are sometimes problematic. Needless to say, I can't take medication in pill form at all for fear of it getting stuck and needing removal via upper endoscopy. Sometimes I can't get *anything* down and often end up having nothing but water for a week. I get stuck on nearly everything and the pain is horiffic. When I get stuck, I start sliming really badly and usually have to go to the kitchen sink and spit out all the saliva/slime while in a great deal of pain. After several minutes, the stuck object eventually works its way through the band.

Have I mentioned that for nearly 2 years now, I haven't been able to sleep on my right side, back, or stomach at all? Instant heartburn/reflux. And now recently, I am developing heartburn laying on my left side. I cannot sleep comfortably at all anymore, even propped up on a bunch of pillows.

No one should have to live like this. I don't want to live like this anymore. I did this to be healthy but this isn't healthy at all. I want to be able to make good, healthy choices. I so badly long for the day that I can sit down to a salad or steamed cauiflower or veggie stir fry knowing that I can eat vegetables again without horrible and debilitating pain in my chest and back. Beaing able to eat an apple or an orange would give me the greatest joy in the world.

I just want this band gone. I just want to live my own life again.

Has anyone else had these issues? I feel so completely alone in this!

Doctors seem incredibly reluctant to remove this nightmare device! I so badly wanted this to work out but at this point, all I want is my life back.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I am sorry you have to go through this. But I must point out, it sounds like your problem isn't the band, it's the idiot (neglectful) surgeon who's care you were under. Had he not insisted on over-filling you repeatedly, and given you the sound guidance you deserve, you would likely feel very differently right now.

This is just a thought, but being as you already have the band and it's been verified to be in good shape, why not start over with a new surgeon? One that will actually work with you and guide you? You're right that no one should have live how you have been living, but the problem isn't the band. Why not get rid of the real problem, the surgeon?

Best wishes to you.

[harliquinn 1]

I am sorry you have to go through this. But I must point out, it sounds like your problem isn't the band, it's the idiot (neglectful) surgeon who's care you were under. Had he not insisted on over-filling you repeatedly, and given you the sound guidance you deserve, you would likely feel very differently right now.

This is just a thought, but being as you already have the band and it's been verified to be in good shape, why not start over with a new surgeon? One that will actually work with you and guide you? You're right that no one should have live how you have been living, but the problem isn't the band. Why not get rid of the real problem, the surgeon?

Best wishes to you.

I am with a new surgeon already. I will be assessed again by him on June 8th but despite having zero fill in my band and taking tiny bites, chewing everything into a nearly liquid state and not overeating, i am still having complications. Sticking, heartburn/reflux, discomfort and food intolerance. Clearly something is not right here.

[adorkbl 156]

I am so sorry you are having a rough journey!! I am glad you advocated for yourself and got a new doctor. Hopefully the new one will be a better fit for you.

Have you had any tests done specifically to check for a problem to explain your symptoms? For instance an upper GI or an EGD?

I ask because I have had issues with reflux and heartburn as well. I had an EGD done and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. I am scheduled for surgery to have it repaired and my surgeon feels it will alleviate my symptoms. (I also struggle with inconsistent restriction)

About two months ago I was where you are at... frustrated, pissed, disillusioned, and I just wanted my band removed. I decide to recommit myself to the bandster ways and have had some success (I have lost 17 pounds in 2 months). I have had to slow waaaay down and admit to myself that I was eating too big of bites too fast. I have had no PB experiences since I refocused.

If I read correctly all of your fill level is out? If your band has been empty for awhile, and you are still experiencing reflux, perhaps the size band used was too small for your anatomy?

I really hope you get some resolution and feel better soon. No one deserves to suffer daily like that. Hang in there. Talk to your new surgeon. Ask about an EGD or an upper GI to rule out problems. A surgeon peeking at it when removing your gallbladder is not sufficient!!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Wow that's terrible. How long ago were you unfilled? Do you know what size your band is? I would talk to the new surgeon next week when you go and be honest about all of it. I'd even go so far as to say you're afraid the last surgeon's neglect resulted in permanent damage and see what he says.

I am so very sorry. Your first surgeon has no business practicing medicine IMO.

[harliquinn 1]

I am so sorry you are having a rough journey!! I am glad you advocated for yourself and got a new doctor. Hopefully the new one will be a better fit for you.

Have you had any tests done specifically to check for a problem to explain your symptoms? For instance an upper GI or an EGD?

I ask because I have had issues with reflux and heartburn as well. I had an EGD done and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. I am scheduled for surgery to have it repaired and my surgeon feels it will alleviate my symptoms. (I also struggle with inconsistent restriction)

About two months ago I was where you are at... frustrated, pissed, disillusioned, and I just wanted my band removed. I decide to recommit myself to the bandster ways and have had some success (I have lost 17 pounds in 2 months). I have had to slow waaaay down and admit to myself that I was eating too big of bites too fast. I have had no PB experiences since I refocused.

If I read correctly all of your fill level is out? If your band has been empty for awhile, and you are still experiencing reflux, perhaps the size band used was too small for your anatomy?

I really hope you get some resolution and feel better soon. No one deserves to suffer daily like that. Hang in there. Talk to your new surgeon. Ask about an EGD or an upper GI to rule out problems. A surgeon peeking at it when removing your gallbladder is not sufficient!!

My new surgeon wants to do an upper GI/barium swallow or something when he sees me early next month, I believe. When I mentioned these complications to my old surgeon, he threatened me with an upper endoscopy specifically because he knew it would scare me since my first upper endoscopy was so painful and awful to go through.

When my gallbladder was removed, the surgeon doing that had a good look around and declared that the band looked good and was nice and loose around my stomach, not tight at all so I am inclined to believe that it's a good fit for me.

You are correct, I have no fill at all in my band currently.

At this point, after all I've had going on, I really really just want the band out.

I appreciate the insight and suggestions. Thank you so much.

[harliquinn 1]

Wow that's terrible. How long ago were you unfilled? Do you know what size your band is? I would talk to the new surgeon next week when you go and be honest about all of it. I'd even go so far as to say you're afraid the last surgeon's neglect resulted in permanent damage and see what he says.

I am so very sorry. Your first surgeon has no business practicing medicine IMO.

I agree, the original surgeon has no business practicing medicine. He is a military doctor so he is fairly well protected in that regard and can't really be fired. It's very distressing.

I was unfilled back in January I believe? Possibly February. Most likely January.

I believe I have a 10cc band. When it was put in, my surgeon had 'primed it' with 2ccs. Then he pushed rather aggressive 1-2cc fills and I started having problems.

I am starting to suspect that either my stomach/body is trying to reject the band, or something my first surgeon did has really screwed it up.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I agree, the original surgeon has no business practicing medicine. He is a military doctor so he is fairly well protected in that regard and can't really be fired. It's very distressing.

I was unfilled back in January I believe? Possibly February. Most likely January.

I believe I have a 10cc band. When it was put in, my surgeon had 'primed it' with 2ccs. Then he pushed rather aggressive 1-2cc fills and I started having problems.

I am starting to suspect that either my stomach/body is trying to reject the band, or something my first surgeon did has really screwed it up.

I am fearful of the same thing- the original surgeon really screwed it up.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be very frank with the new doctor and tell him unless he can find a way to relieve ALL your symptoms, especially your nighttime ones, you want the band out. You simply can't be expected to live as you are.

Again, I'm so very sorry this has happened to you. I can only imagine the stress and sadness it must cause. My heart goes out to you.

[harliquinn 1]

I am fearful of the same thing- the original surgeon really screwed it up.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be very frank with the new doctor and tell him unless he can find a way to relieve ALL your symptoms, especially your nighttime ones, you want the band out. You simply can't be expected to live as you are.

Again, I'm so very sorry this has happened to you. I can only imagine the stress and sadness it must cause. My heart goes out to you.

It has been really upsetting and stressful for sure. Depressing as well.

I'm going to be really firm when I see my new surgeon again. Maybe I'll show him this thread so he knows what I'm dealing with.

Thank you so much for the advice and care. I really truly appreciate it. *hugs*

[Sunshyne068 97]

harliquinn, Let me start by saying that I am truely sorry and saddened to hear what you are going through. It sounds as if you have discomfort and pain every single day AND night. That is horrible and Im sorry that your prevous surgeon wasn't a good, responsible doctor.

Have you gone to see an ENT specialist (not a bariatric surgeon) in reference to your reflux and sleeping issues? Have you see a general physician about the chest pains? If not, I think you should.

Also, have you written any letters to your insurance company documenting your pain? I think you should do that as well. Give them dates of pain and doctor appointements, names, and very explicit detail about how you are feeling and what you are going through. Get everything with delivery confirmation. Call them and complain as well. Maybe this will motivate them to consider the removal surgery.

I would also advise that you get a malpractice lawyer in reference to your original surgeron and his office. Keep every document relating to his care. Phone records would be good if you have them since you say they called you monthly.

Again I am very sorry that you are having an extremely hard time. Im sorry if I can't do anything more than give you a comforting word. I hope that things turn around soon and you get better medical care, or the removal surgery so that things will get better for you.

[harliquinn 1]

harliquinn, Let me start by saying that I am truely sorry and saddened to hear what you are going through. It sounds as if you have discomfort and pain every single day AND night. That is horrible and Im sorry that your prevous surgeon wasn't a good, responsible doctor.

Have you gone to see an ENT specialist (not a bariatric surgeon) in reference to your reflux and sleeping issues? Have you see a general physician about the chest pains? If not, I think you should.

Also, have you written any letters to your insurance company documenting your pain? I think you should do that as well. Give them dates of pain and doctor appointements, names, and very explicit detail about how you are feeling and what you are going through. Get everything with delivery confirmation. Call them and complain as well. Maybe this will motivate them to consider the removal surgery.

I would also advise that you get a malpractice lawyer in reference to your original surgeron and his office. Keep every document relating to his care. Phone records would be good if you have them since you say they called you monthly.

Again I am very sorry that you are having an extremely hard time. Im sorry if I can't do anything more than give you a comforting word. I hope that things turn around soon and you get better medical care, or the removal surgery so that things will get better for you.

Thank you.

I have mentioned the heartburn/reflux issues (which started after the overfilled band episodes) to my regular doctor and was told to try Prilosec. I've also been given Aciphex. I cannot take pills so none of that has helped me. I've been told to avoid spicy and acidic foods. I do avoid them and that still seems to make no difference.

I've had an EKG (I think that's the right one) done. Heart is normal and healthy.

Most of my pain, aside from the heartburn is the band rubbing against the inside of my rib cage. For a while (about a year ago) I was feeling it 'spin' or turn. It's so bizarre to be able to feel something like that on your organs.

The husband and I have looked into our options regarding a malpractice suit and I'm afraid that it's just not possible as he is a military surgeon. My insurance company is Tricare. I can try and file a suit but the end result will be Tricare dropping me and I really cannot afford to be without medical insurance as I have asthma and other chronic issues that need ongoing medical care.

I am doing what I can to get everything documented and filed just in case though.

Thank you for your help. <3

[harliquinn 1]

I feel I should mention that for dinner last night, I had 3 small slices of tofu and less than a quarter cup of sauteed baby spinach. Today, I can't get anything down but Water. This is not uncommon. I suspect I won't be able to eat anything for several days, if not a week. :/

[adorkbl 156]

Harliquinn...my first EGD experience was awful too. Gagging and discomfort. They maxed me on twilight drugs... But I was completely lucid! Horrible.

The EGD I had done 2 months ago was night and day different. They used propofol and it knocked me out. Felt GREAT when I woke up. No nausea. Didn't remember the procedure at all.

Just wanted to let you know that things have improved over the years. Dont be afraid of the procedure!! Just ask for propofol if they want to do an EGD.

[harliquinn 1]

I had a follow-up appointment with my new surgeon today. He said that because I am still having pain, nausea, heartburn, reflux and food intolerance after having my band emptied, the band has to come out. I am actually really relieved to know that in a month, I will be band-free and able to eat a salad or stir-fry veggies or even chili without horrible pain and discomfort!

I really hope the band removal ends the heartburn/reflux/nausea nightmare.

[adorkbl 156]

I am sorry you are losing your band. I hope it gives you the relief you are looking for.