Revision to VSG from Lapband

[Glendaaus 20]

Hello everyone. I recently started researching optional WLS, as I have a failed lapband surgery from 2003. I was going to go for DS but felt that I only have 80lb to loose and the VSG was the best place to start.

I am Australian, but have lived in Canada for 7.5 years. I have a quiet happy life but my weight and the other illnesses have now are causing bigger issues.

I am 50 years old (in my head I'm about 1/2 of that) and now have type 2 diabetes, high bp, high cholesterol, depression (due to loosing a child 5 years ago) and am a stay home wife/mother with an active 9 year old.

I have read alot of your posts and let me say that this information and your humour is fantastic and I look forward to getting to know you all better.

Glenda

[Papa Jack 86]

Welcome Glenda!

[KristeyK 3]

Hello Glenda. First off, I am so sorry for your loss. I think losing a child would throw even the strongest person into a tailspin. Hugs to you.

What brings you to getting the revision? I'll be getting a revision from band to VSG myself at the end of August. (I CANNOT wait!)

Feel free to let your hair down here. Everyone here is a great source of knowledge and support.

[Glendaaus 20]

Thanks guys. This site is a great source of information and support. I have joined other sites - but feel there can be some problems with all the different types of surgery competing with one another at times.

My band is starting to corrode and has been for quite sometime. I causes me pain around the port and the last unfill I had the Fluid was rusty. He specialist said - it's not blood - I don't know what that is - good one!! I am in touch with Michel Gagner in Quebec and he felt that wasn't so fantastic.

I have my medical records in Sydney Australia - I need to get them over here and I have a barium swallow on Wednesday and waiting to hear back from the local doc on a date for the camera swallow tests - these are what I need for Quebec.

Additionally, my other other option is to self pay in Mexico - I will decide in the next few days which route I will take.

Glenda

[Wheetsin 714]

Hi Glendaaus...

I too am currently banded. Mine has slipped, but not eroded (nor corroded). I am pursuing approval for a sleeve revision.

"Rust" is a really strange conclusion for your doctor to make. Do you have an Inamed band or an Allergan band? The Allergan bands use titanium, which is inert and is (very) corrosion resistant, and there's nothing in your body chemistry that could cause it to rust (not even direct contact with acids you produce). I've been told Inamed has a band without titanium in it, but I have no idea what they use in place... or if that's even accurate.

Have they actually tested the Fluid to see what was discoloring the saline? Because my first guess would be blood, and I would really want them figuring out what was in my band.

If your port area hurts, I'm guessing you have an infection. Did your doctor check for this, or give you any treatment? Bacteria from the eroded portion of the stomach can travel via the tubing and colonize in your port area. It's actually one of the more common symptoms of erosion. Are you completely eroded or partially? Have they tested you for infection? That is a bit worrisome.

Please let us know what you find out.

[Glendaaus 20]

The band I have is the Inamed. I have not started the tests yet. I have a barium swallow on Wednesday (won't show much I imagine), then I am waiting on a date for the colonoscopy (I guess that's the one with the little camera).

I have spoken with Alberta Health Care and my insurance company this morning - they will both cover parts of the surgery - so I have asked the doctor to provide a prebill so we can take a look at what is what.

Right now I wish I could just do it today, I am just over everything already -I am usually a happy person - but today I feel down - waiting is hard for me - and usually I can try and forget about, but I feel like I have some type of alien in me - does that makes sense? With all of us in the "waiting" boat - we know how hard it is to think about other things.

The sun is shining here - so maybe if I get out in it - I may perk up.

Thanks for replies

Glenda

[Rev Me Up! 75]

Welcome!

There are quite a few of us band revisions here on the board - I sure hope you get some answers on your mystery Fluid. Sounds like the health system in Canada is going to take good care of you, and that must be some relief. Make sure to be strong when working with your doctors - you are your own best advocate!

Good luck on your tests and your pending decision / surgery.

[Becca 108]

WELCOME!!!!

I had all sorts of problems with my band. I had a revision in December and I have been so happy ever since!!! I am losing weight and I feel amazing. My weight loss has slowed down a little (I am almost 7 months), but I do continue to lose. The first couple of weeks after surgery can be rough, but life with the sleeve is great. Recently, I had to get rid of everything in my closet because all my clothes were too big. Shopping is so fun now. Good luck on your jouney!

[Glendaaus 20]

Thankyou everyone!

[AutumnLily 77]

Welcome Glandaaus

I am not a revision sleever BUT I am from Alberta. I went self pay in Mexico with Dr. Aceves and it was the best decision I have made. I did not want to wait several years to get WLS for free the money I spent is benefiting me know. You may have to have the band removed and then your stomach might have to heal before you could possibly get the sleeve.

I too am curious as to the red Fluid from your port area. Hopefully they find out what is going on soon and fix the problem.