Symptoms created by lap band

[hiddnstar 167]

HI everyone

One year after being banded I came down with some odd symptoms. My surgeon did tests to make sure the band was in the correct position. Since it was, he told me my symptoms were not related to the band and that I would need to see my regular doctor about them.

Longer story shorter, these past 2 years I have been researching, having tests done, seeking alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage. I sometimes get relief from the symptoms.

I am now going to see a new bariactric doctor in a different town (we have only 1 bariactric doctor in my town) to talk about options.

I plan to get the lap band removed.

How is everyone else doing who was banded in July of 2010?

I've lost almost 70 pounds, but all in the first year before the symptoms popped up.

Would love to hear from folks.

hiddn

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

What symptoms are you experiencing?

And if your band is fine, why are you having it removed?

[hiddnstar 167]

Hi Missy

Just recently I had a barium swallow which showed NO Fluid in my band, so there is most likely a leak somewhere.

I also have a weak stomach valve that is open, when it should be closed. It is allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.

My symptoms for the first year were mostly discomfort under my ribs that would not be relieved unless I layed down.

At 2 years I had a sudden influx of symptoms: sensation of golf ball in my throat, pins and needles up my neck and face, double vision, diarhea...and more ( I don't remember all the details now). My surgeon sent me to the ER to make sure I was not having a stroke.

I am now also lactose and gluten intolerant.

The last time I saw my surgeon he pretty much washed his hands of the whole thing and told me to not bother to come back unless I would write down everything I am eating and stay at 1200 calories----which was completely missing the point that I was having complications that needed investigating.

I believe my body is rejecting the band plus it is malfunctioning (most likely because of a leak somewhere).

My NEW surgeon did the investigating and found the two problems - the evidence of a leak and the non-functioning stomach valve. He is recommending band removal (which is what i wanted, anyway ---yay!) and then follow up surgery to fix the valve.

Hope this wasnt too wordy!

Im glad there are so many people who have used the band and have had incredible weight loss success. I love having lost as much weight as I have, though I have another 40 to go.

So I salute and encourage all Bandsters to keep on having that success! And I also voice to listen to your body and insist on medical investigation if something does not seem right to you.

Go all the way!

~hiddn

[lellow 1,713]

Hi hiddn I'm so sorry to hear of your complications. The leak would probably not have caused a lot of the issues you're experiencing beyond loss of restriction but the rest of the complications certainly sound difficult, especially considering that you had no Fluid in your band at all.

I hope your removal goes well. I believe that whether it was the band or not, once your quality of life is affected to that extent, you should try anything to try to improve it, including removing anything that may or may not be a possible cause, if necessary. I hope removing the band gives you the better quality of life you're seeking.

[hiddnstar 167]

Thank you Lellow!

I really appreciate your response. I had so many mystery symptoms that it confounded the doctors I saw. Surgeon, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Gastro-enterologist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, Primary Care doc...

Taking the band out makes the most sense.

I am still losing weight even though there is no Fluid in my band, which gives me hope that I am capable of completing my weight loss. I've learned a whole lot during this whole process!

And you are completely right about the quality of life being of utmost importance. Thats the whole goal right there.

Thank you for your supportive response!

~hiddn

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

sorry to read of your complications

but you did lose a good deal of weight, good for you

at least the band worked somewhat....anyhow, best of luck

to you in the future....you can do anything you set your mind to.

[hiddnstar 167]

sorry to read of your complications

but you did lose a good deal of weight, good for you

at least the band worked somewhat....anyhow, best of luck

to you in the future....you can do anything you set your mind to.

Thank you for your encouraging words, Carolinagirl!

Wow, you look great! What an accomplishment!

I love your quote at the bottom. Team work!

~hiddn