Fills Can't Work If There's A Leak...

[bcf_momma 1]

I had my 4 cc band placed in 2003 and did awesome!!! Went from size 22 to 10/12 and maintained til January of this year when I suddenly lost complete restriction. The weight started packing on and unfortunately I am now up to size 18. But because of financial reasons I did not return to my band dr until last month. The last time I had seen him for a fill (2005) he documented that I had 2.5 cc but when he withdrew back, there was no Fluid in band. He suspected it evaporated- I had my doubts but figured he's the dr and has probably seen it all. Anyways, I returned today for an additional fill which I was looking forward to since I had still not achieved any restriction from last fill. Today I was suppose to have started off with 1.5 cc but when the fluid was pulled- again, nothing. Therefore they only added 1 cc today and I am to return on Monday for a confirmation of a leak. Both fills were done under fluoro and the before and after pics showed the same thing- no restriction before, restriction after. For anybody that has experienced this could you please let me know what happened in your situation so I kinda know what to expect from this point. Will I have to have the whole band replaced or what? I'm not afraid, just kinda would like to know what my options are if there is any.

[TKW 501]

I have not experienced a leak but from what I have read on here, sometimes it is the tubing that is leaking or it is leaking at the port, and then they can just fix or replace as needed. It will all depend on what is leaking.

Wish you the best of luck

[adorkbl 156]

I had a leak in my port. I had port replacement surgery last year done under local anesthesia and my restriction returned. Honestly... now that I think about it in hindsight... they didn't test to confirm it was leaking at the port. I guess I am lucky that it was or I would have had the surgery for nothing.

I believe there is a dye they can use with fluoroscopy that will help them see where it is leaking form.

Good luck! Sorry about your leak. My best advice is be proactive and get it repaired as soon as possible. I waited almost 2 years and re-gained 56 pounds. Ugh.

[bcf_momma 1]

Thank you or the replies. To adorkbl- you said you had the port replaced under local anesthesia, but where was it done? hospital? office? Also, did they determine why the leak had occurred and what was the financial burden from it? Did you have insurance? I know I'm bombarding you with tons of questions....

[adorkbl 156]

Thank you or the replies. To adorkbl- you said you had the port replaced under local anesthesia' date=' but where was it done? hospital? office? Also, did they determine why the leak had occurred and what was the financial burden from it? Did you have insurance? I know I'm bombarding you with tons of questions....[/quote']

No worries about the questions.

It was done in the office under local to save me money since I am self pay. My surgeon usually does it at a surgery center under general... but I asked nicely if he would consider his office under local so I wouldn't have to pay approx $1700 in anesthesiologist fees. I think the port surgery cost me around $2200. I would have to pull out records to be sure.

I am pretty certain my leak was caused by a bad fill. I am not thrilled about it. But it is what it is. When he first took me on as a patient, my first fill with him was rough. Took him awhile to find my port, multiple sticks, and my leak issues started after that fill. All my fills previously were done under fluoroscopy with no issues. With my new port I have had really easy fills. No issues with fills anymore. Plus he placed a low profile port which I was happy about.

I do have insurance but my employer has a bariatric opt out clause. So I am self pay with regards to the band. Except for my surgery last week... insurance agreed to pay for my band to be repositioned when I had a hiatal hernia fixed. I was shocked and thrilled.

I am happy I had my leak fixed. I would make the same decision again if I had to. Best of luck!