Band Removed Due To Erosion: Should I Get Another?

[lauragshsu 6]

Hi guys,

I had the band put in March of 2010. My initial incision never closed, and 7 months later, I had to have the port removed due to a port infection and a new one put one in 6 weeks later. Everything was fine after that, and I lost a total of 125lbs. I started having pains in my chest, right in the middle (in myclevage area). I thought my band was too tight, so I had some saline removed. 6 weeks later, the pain got worse, so I had a flouroscopy done, and they saw the band had completely eroded into my stomach. I had the band out a month ago (though the port is still in).

My doctor said they didn't see any reason why I couldnt have a new band put in, but it would be up to my (new) surgeon (I moved from Utah to Texas 4 days after my band removal). My husband doesn't really want me to go through a 5th band-related surgery, but part of that is because he's currently deployed and doesn't like me having this done while he's not here.

Has anyone else had a band removed due to erosion and had another one put in?

Thanks!

[elcee 3,341]

I think with a history like that you might be better off opting for a different type of surgery, sleeve or bypass.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I've read and been told by my surgeon that after an erosion you should never have another band. Your stomach will heal from the erosion but it's never going to be the same and the risk of repeat erosion is very high. My extremely conservative surgeon also doesn't like to sleeve after erosion, prefers to bypass. Good luck! Keep us updated!

[Big Dan 2]

I have had to have a band removed do to erosion. In my case the surgeon said he wanted me to heal for six months after the removal of the band and then he could put in another one. I had the second band installed and for a year all was going well. Then I had to have a port revision do to my port flipping and the tube was trying to poke out of my skin. That didn't hurt, it just looked creepy. After the port revision thing seemed fine for a couple months and then I started getting reflux and night coughs really bad. I put up with that for almost a year while trying different remedies. During that time I quit losing weight and even put some back on even though they kept adjusting it tighter. Finally, they sent me to have it checked with a flouroscope for leaks. No leaks found but the area above my band was way too large! They figured the band slipped down my stomach and now there is acid producing area of my stomach above the band. So, they emptied it until we decide what to do. They have told me that I am no longer eligable for a band after three major failures. So, it looks like I am going for a vertical sleeve or bypass now. I'm leaning towards the sleeve. So, having said all this my personal opinion would be to do something other than the band again. But, you could have total success with a second. I'd have to say it is a gamble though. I really wanted a band (and a sleeve was not an option at the time) so I gambled and lost. Ultimately it is your decision (with your surgeons guidance).

[tmack34 1]

Do they have newer safer bands now?

[Big Dan 2]

There have been many improvements made to the band and the procedure over the years, but there will always be risk just as there is with any WLS. The statistics say that there will be failures and complications. Luckily they are low percentages. But they are not zero. Some of us are the unlucky ones that make up those statistics.