Medical Mystery: Where does the saline / fluid go?

[LadyMaggie 145]

I would like to know if the cc level of your band decreases, where does that go?

My lap band surgeon told me during my June 2013 visit that I had 7 cc's. Went to the doctor today for a small fill and he informs me I know have 6 cc's. I have NOT had an unfill; so, this does not make sense to me (?)

Any insight or feedback is greatly appreciated.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

It sounds like your band needs to be checked for a leak. There is no way to lose a full cc of Fluid in two months.

[lellow 1,713]

I was losing about 2cc every 3 months and it was a slow leak. I would get them to check it again every 2 months and record how much was in before and how much was in after. With a slow leak there isn't really a 'test' they can do to detect it, checking the amount of Fluid in your band is the only way to diagnose it.

Slow leaks usually occur in the port or tubing and can be easily fixed by replacing these during day surgery. I say "usually" because mine was in my band itself and so it took longer for them to diagnose and fix.

[hiddnstar 167]

I was losing about 2cc every 3 months and it was a slow leak. I would get them to check it again every 2 months and record how much was in before and how much was in after. With a slow leak there isn't really a 'test' they can do to detect it, checking the amount of Fluid in your band is the only way to diagnose it.

Slow leaks usually occur in the port or tubing and can be easily fixed by replacing these during day surgery. I say "usually" because mine was in my band itself and so it took longer for them to diagnose and fix.

HI! Do you know what can cause a leak in the band itself? I apparently have a leak, though I don't know where it's coming from yet. Im curious how there might be a leak in the band itself. Maybe a hole during installation? or a defective band from the beginning?

Thanks!

~hiddn

[lellow 1,713]

As far as I'm aware not only do they not know what caused the leak, they couldn't actually find where the leak was after they took the band out.

But it wasn't always leaking, no. I had great restriction and stayed in the green zone for 3 years, maintaining my weight easily. Then it disappeared slowly but surely over several months, and finally it was completely gone.

[LadyMaggie 145]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I will discuss with my surgeon. . . with fingers crossed that it is not a leak and/or can be remedied easily

[pastor o 73]

As far as I'm aware not only do they not know what caused the leak' date=' they couldn't actually find where the leak was after they took the band out.

But it wasn't always leaking, no. I had great restriction and stayed in the green zone for 3 years, maintaining my weight easily. Then it disappeared slowly but surely over several months, and finally it was completely gone.[/quote']

I was losing 1-3 lbs a week since being banded June 4th; had my first fill and stopped losing & actually gained a few LBS w/o changing a thing !