Another one bites the dust... I'm eroded

[tracey anderson 0]

Hi Pam,

My band was also removed due to erision but my dr. said he thinks there is to much scare tissue to have a new one placed. You might see if your medical insurance will help pay maybe if you see a dr. in the US for this maybe you can get your insurance to cover the removal my insurance did I just had to pay the out of pocket cap 2000.00 for it. Good Luck! I put on 20lbs really quick I had lost about 120lbs with the bad Iam now doing LA weightloss hoping to take off atleast another 100lbs. Tracey

[socalgal3 4]

I am so sorry about your erosion! That is I fear of mine! Best of luck in all that you have ahead. Your journey will educate alot of people here.

[hootiebelle 0]

Wow I use Dr V's Obesity Goodbye place in TJ for fills glad he caught that for you....he seems like a really nice man....glad to know they are so on top of things.......makes me feel better....and wish you all the best!!!!

[leatha_g 4]

I understand, but mine cannot. Thanks for the information, I will still be careful.

Everyone is using the pars flaccida technique nowadays. They switched some time ago - maybe 2002? 2003? And yes, your band can slip even wrapped around with this technique. Stitches come loose, bands slip up and down. It happens. Hopefully you'll escape the statistics, but I don't think you're immune. Good luck!

[Redi 0]

I have a question about Barrett's Esophagus. Has anyone had a problem with Barrett's and the band? My possible surgeon said it should be ok. But now the gatroenterologist has me worried. If I already have a problem with my esophagus, am I taking a chance with the band of further irritation of the esophagus.

[jqpublic 1]

Pam im sorry to hear about your problem, if you need an exercise coach im free of charge. good luck!

[leatha_g 4]

I have a question about Barrett's Esophagus. Has anyone had a problem with Barrett's and the band? My possible surgeon said it should be ok. But now the gatroenterologist has me worried. If I already have a problem with my esophagus, am I taking a chance with the band of further irritation of the esophagus.

Having been banded 3 yrs, I would definitely give this some consideration. The band really does put additional stress on the esophagus, especially during times of restriction. Just my opinion.. I'm sure the anatomy and functionality of my esophagus is changed..

[NewSho 20]

How does erosion happen? My band can't slip because a piece of stomach is wrapped around a part of it, so I am not worried on that end....but erosion???

Any band... even with the newer technique... can slip. It's a device, not a guarantee.

But wait, there was more hard-headedness:

I understand, but mine cannot. Thanks for the information, I will still be careful.

Well, now I see Dr.C went on to respond to that.

I mean, although we're all (much more veteran and possibly, much better informed) banded patients - maybe having an actual surgeon say that will actually mean something.

Oh, man this is deep. :nono; We never say never in LapBanding. Good Luck.

[PamRN 0]

Thanks for all the well wishes. I've sent an email to Dr V with some of my questions and concerns. I've also researched and found that as usual GSue is on target with her info. Different doc's have different ideas. As for what I'd tell others; I'd say research, and make an informed decision... as a science major I have to see proof, I'm not a fan of opinion for facts when it comes to life altering decisions. Show me the studies, or people that have been there done that, then I'll decide.

I have found a couple of research articles about rebanding, and so far they seem in support of it. I am also looking into the mgb and ds.

I'm not sure at this stage if I will find a doc to do either for me unless I gain back more weight...not something that appeals to me... but since I'm losing the only thing that ever helped me lose weight, and have gained some since it's eroded, it's probably inevitable.

I'm looking into all my options before deciding. I'd love to find some folks who've been rebanded for a while without erosion issues, or even some who have so my doubts can be confirmed or dissuaded. I'm pretty upset over the loan payments I'm still making for a band that I soon wont have anymore...what a cruddy investment that turned into. I cringe at how much more money I'm going to have to throw in to fix this.

[NewSho 20]

Pam,

Believe me, I totally understand your dilemma.

I hope you get some straight answers.

What you've experienced isn't common, but it happens enough to disturb us all.

And why is the Mexican erosion complication rate, so much higher? :girl_hug: Is it because they've been doing it longer, and do more per year? Whatever the answer is, It's troubling for all of us Bandsters.

I was banded here in the 'States, but with the older technique. Since I know my 'antique band' was surgically done in a way that is no longer performed, I keep getting it checked via Upper GI annually for issues.

To be honest Pam, last year, when I suspected a complication that would need a repair surgery - I did soul-searching about it, and decided to be rebanded.

(Turns out it was the tubing, and was an easy fix, thankfully)

My choice then was to try re-banding. I figured I'd ride off on the horse that I rode in on, so to speak.

So I gave the band a second chance, and it turns out my band was actually in place.

Now, later after that when I was erroneously convinced I wasn't going to lose any more weight (errr, turns out I was under-filled, sigh) I questioned being converted to RnY....

Only your doctor(s) know the actual degree of erosion, and it sounds like you have options, which is a testament to you having caught this early. So I would give the band one more chance personally - and be re-banded. Only much later, if I had another problem, I would explore a conversion procedure. Three times, and it's out, as I say. :phanvan

Here's a big question I have for you, though: Usually doctors don't charge the same fees for repairing erosion - what has he said about helping to de-fray the cost? I'd also ask for my replacement band price to be significantly discounted, at the very least. An erosion is not a patient-caused complication. So please find out exactly what they expect you to pay, and what expenses they will minimise for you.)

No matter what, I've got your fingers crossed.

[gonnabethin 10]

How does erosion happen? My band can't slip because a piece of stomach is wrapped around a part of it, so I am not worried on that end....but erosion??? Scary and I am sorry it happened to you.

Bettina YES IT CAN!! Vomitting can make it slip. ALL bands have that piece sutured around the band and you can still slip. It has decreased the incidence but it is still possible. And the actual procedure is not done all the way around because that is known to increase erosion!!

Pam Good luck to you!!

I would think that the band is no longer a good option-

I would consider another WLS if you feel it is warranted. PM geezer sue.

[gonnabethin 10]

All bands can slip. No matter what your surgeon told you, all bands can slip. Did I mention that all bands can slip?

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

THATS what my surgeon told me prior to surgery.

[paula 4]

Hey Pam,

Since this thread is a few days old, im assuming that you have more news on your removal... ? Crummy news indeed!!!

And so sorry to hear its happening to another LBTer.

I have a question.. when you were having your stomach pains, did you try taking anything for it? Like Prilosec? OR - did you take any type of acid reducers on a regular basis?

Also - if you decide on some type of conversion, will your insurance pay for it?

Good luck, Sister! We're thinking about you.

[PamRN 0]

Hi Paula,

I was taking pepcid complete more and more frequently for the discomfort, but it wasn't helping. I go back to Tijuana November 11 to have it removed. I have found a few studies that say it actually is safe to be rebanded after erosion. There of course is no guarantee that it won't re-erode, but in the studies I found, the incidence of re-erosion is pretty low. Then again, erosion with the midband is pretty low...and here I am...

I won't be able to go back before christmas for rebanding so I'll have to wait more than my dr's recommended 5-6 weeks if I do decide to have another band placed. After what I've read, I'm leaning in that direction for the moment.

My insurance doesn't cover squat for bariatrics, I'll be self pay all the way, and I am currently still paying for the loan part of my first band. The idea of a second loan to pay for more expensive, more invasive procedure makes me queasy.

Are there any eroded bandsters on here or that anyone knows of that has been rebanded? I'd love to find someone who's been there before I have to decide.

[leatha_g 4]

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ErodedBandsters/

This is the link to the Yahoo Group for Eroded Bandsters. Perhaps you'll find others there who were rebanded.