My Band has a leak!

[Sades 4]

To my fellow November Nymphs, I have to say I am very upset to find out that I have a leak in my band. For those who don't remember, I was originally banded in 2007 only to find out 8 months later that my band had not been put in correctly which they rectified at no cost to me. For months I questioned why I could eat so much with with 9 cc in my band until they decided to check it out for me. They had wrapped the band around the fat tissue, not my stomach. I looked into taking legal action but decided aganst it. I lost 21 kilos, 12 kilos through my own efforts in the first 8 months.

I went for a fill last year because I didn't have much restriction expecting the extra .5 cc would give me enough restriction to get back on track. I noticed I could eat more than I thought I should at 7.5 cc but since I was following a Weight Watchers diet decided not to have any more fill put in. I went off track with the diet because I was able to eat way too much. I could eat chicken burgers with chips and still hungry for more food later. Occasionally I would get stuck but mostly eating anything I wanted. After putting on more weight, I decided I needed to see the doctor for more restriction. He said he would not put more in without an x-ray. The barium meal showed that the Fluid was going down too quickly. When I saw the doctor again, he said that I may have a leak so he took all the fluid out but only managed to get 1.5 cc out of the band. I was devastated that I now have to go for more surgery. He said if the leak is at the port, it would only require minor surgery but if they find the leak is elsewhere, they would replace band. I am in a delemma about what to do and would appreciate some advice. I have lost confidence with the doctor, particularly after the first fiasco.

[Rojasanoll 920]

If its the port or lapband, they are all not perfect and there is a certain very small percent that failures do occur or the band it self doesn't last long before something goes wrong. There are "lemons" unfortuantely in bands and not just cars.

Work with your doctor or switch to another and make it happen for you.

Best wishes and Keep the Faith.

[Kime-lou 648]

If it were me, I would likely try and find another doctor. Two issues with the same surgeon doesn't bode well.

[Sades 4]

Thanks guys, I am definitely questioning the doctor situation. These doctors are meant to be reputable and came recommended by my GP. It could be just bad luck or maybe it's them, either way, I have a lot of thinking to do before I make a decision. Thanks again.

[Draven 188]

Hi Sades, I feel terrible for you. I do understand there are lemons in just about everything. But this isnt something you should accept as just a lemon. I think it would be hard to now trust this doctor. Iws there a way to find out if any of their other patients have had similar problems or issues? I would also talk to a lawyer and find out what options were available to you. Maybe something towards the manufacturer of your band, maybe towards the doctor for the first surgery. Either way, I wouldn't give up on the band itself. Talk to a lawyer. maybe there could be a way you could get a different surgeon and recover financial damages to help pay for it. I do wish you the best!!!!

[Sades 4]

Thanks Draven. I know they've had a numer of patients with slipped bands where some have reverted to having the sleeve done and some who no longer have the band but I'm not sure that these would be considered the fault of the doctor. I am considering speaking to another surgeon about where I stand financially if I decide to go ahead with someone else. I am also considering having it removed. I don't fancy the risk of more surgery if something goes wrong again. On the other hand, I am afraid I will put on even more weight if I don't keep it. The whole point of the surgery was to help control my food intake which I struggle with without the band!