Unrelated Surgery Needed Only 3 Months Post Op

[smmiley27 5]

Hi everyone,

I would like some opinions on my situation. I had my band inserted on May 21st. I have to have (ambulatory) shoulder surgery in late September. (I can't put it off any longer so please don't suggest I wait another couple of months since that's not an option). I had one fill thus far (on July 12th) and have 3cc's in a 10cc band. Now I know I'd have to wait at least 4-6 weeks to have another fill which would put me towards the end of August.

From what I have previously learned and heard, I would need to have the band completely empty for any procedures needed for the rest of my life so the late August fill probably shouldn't happen since they'll just have to take it out a few weeks later, right? But if I only have 3cc's in, would that make a big difference? Does that really need to be emptied? Has anyone else had to have an unrelated to lap band surgery in such a short time since the WLS?

(Also folks, please know that OF COURSE I will discuss with my surgeon(s) whether or not the 3cc's need to come out before the urelated surgery occurs. I'm just looking for a little reassurance that a different surgery can be performed so close to the original WLS. And hopefully no related complications occur).

Thanks in advance.

-P

[elcee 3,341]

I have had surgery and didn't have to unfill. The worst part was that I was put on a light diet afterwards - the only problem was that the hospitals definition of light isn't one that suits banded patients. They served Soup, yogurt,jelly,custard and sandwiches. there was no way I was going to attempt the sandwiches so i had to survive on the other stuff for a couple of days and ended up very hungry!

[Sojourner 2,446]

Doctors all seem to have their own rules and approach to surgery...I need to have surgery now, but the general surgeon says he will not do the surgery prior to 6 months post op unless an emergency situation arises.

I was all for waiting anyway, but he has the 6 month rule. On the other side, my bariatric surgeon said 3 months was enough healing time between abdominal surgeries.

The general surgeon said that I will not need to have the Fluid removed from my band, but, every doctor follows their own protocol.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I have had surgery and didn't have to unfill. The worst part was that I was put on a light diet afterwards - the only problem was that the hospitals definition of light isn't one that suits banded patients. They served Soup, yogurt,jelly,custard and sandwiches. there was no way I was going to attempt the sandwiches so i had to survive on the other stuff for a couple of days and ended up very hungry!

Your post brought back memories of last summer for me (before my band)...just after major surgery, when all I wanted was soup, the hospital definition of a "light diet" ordered by my doctor was scrambled eggs, "mystery meat", and sandwiches.

I had my husband bring chicken soup from a local deli, and heat it up in the waiting area; and he ate all my meals...

Needless to say, I pleaded with the doctor to let me go home to really recover 2 days before he normally would have wanted me to be discharged. I really believe that hospitals are not the best places to recover.