Confirmed! Leak Not My Imagination

[parkerdj 0]

Maybe that's my situation? Please give me your input. My story is a little different. I had my band emptied right before going to Iraq 2.5 years ago. I stayed for 18 months and then had a complete fill (4 ccs) when I returned a year ago. When the doc checked it out he said everything looked good, but I had no restriction! It was the first time my band was ever that tight, because I used to get very sick if they ever filled me more than 3 cc. Therefore, I expected that it would be very tight! I figured that I must have stretched my pouch and ruined the surgery. I should have gone back to my surgeon, but I was super busy at work and just didn't. I figured I failed the surgery and there was no point. The thing is, I didn't think I could stretch the pouch if the band was empty! Do you think that maybe the pouch is okay and that I actually have a leak in my band?

I had so many issues with my band, but to be honest, I think a lot of it was self imposed. I would really like to get back on track and put it to good use again. Otherwise, if it's ruined, I wonder if it is wise to even keep it inside of me. I mean, have you guys wondered how safe it is to have this inside of us forever? It is a foreign object in our bodies and there really haven't been any case studies to determine what the outcome will be since it is still relatively new. Any input would be appreciated.

Oh...and I know all of you will say, "Go back to your surgeon!!!" I know....I will make an appointment as soon as Thanksgiving season is over. But I would love some constructive feedback from my fellow banisters! Thanks for reading!

[Gigi_Girl 77]

The surgeon/NP can test the band for leaks. One easy way is to remove and measure the Fluid in the band. If they don't get out as much as they put in last time, then there is need for further testing. They may have you do a barium swallow to see the band placement and pouch. Trust your surgeon.

[parkerdj 0]

I will make an appointment tomorrow. Te barium swallow a year ago looked good. Can they see if the pouch is stretched? If so, I guess it looked fine then. I guess we'll see. Thanks for the response! This support group blog is just what I needed to get the ball rolling again!