Why I'm Here

[Bandarella 223]

I came across this site long after my Lapband surgery looking for some support with complications. I belong to a Facebook group for those dealing with regain and revision. I joined that group when my band complications made it pretty clear I would be losing my tool. Other online forums aren't as active as this one, so I joined.

I'm a little discouraged, since the banders here seem to be closed minded about hearing about late complications of banding. I get why, since I was a very active proponent of banding, had great success and shot down anyone who dared say that bands = long term trouble.

One thing I've noticed in researching my complications is that male banders don't seem to have as many serious complications. I have a family member who is doing well almost 5 years post op and he hasn't had one problem.

He is, however sympathetic to my situation and has done a bit of research on complications and acknowledges that they do happen much more frequently than stated in the manufacturer's disclosure.

There is a strong mindset within this community that following a set of rules for eating and drinking will ensure that one will suffer no serious complications. The problem with this is that there isn't just one set of "rules", every surgeon has their own technique, surgical finesse, different staff and rules for living with a band. Every patient is unique too. We come with our own special set of circumstances, lifestyle, unique physiology and baggage. There are just too many variable factors involved to say that we will be successful by following our doctors rules.

I think that anyone who has a band and is successful AND complication free is very, very fortunate. I am truly happy for them. I know what losing 75% or more of excess weight can mean, I know the thrill of appetite suppression! being satisfied with 1/4 cup of food, fitting into smaller, more stylish clothes means. I know about having less joint pain, fitting in chairs, airplane seats and amusement park rides.

I also know the pain, fear and anxiety of serious complications. My doctors were completely perplexed by my case. Fortunately for me, a very qualified esophageal specialist practices near me and knew what was up. He's treated and consulted on many cases like mine and is currently researching the effect of Lapband on the esophagus.

Unfortunately, I have severe damage to my stomach, esophagus and it seems, to my heart that I cannot revise.

I'm working hard to maintain WL and regain my health. I'm also encouraging everyone considering WLS to fully investigate and research possible complications. It is my mission to warn about complications that happen much more frequently and are much more serious than is admitted within this community. I won't cave in to those who call me silly, a fear mongering bully, exaggerator, or that I'm trying to scare newbies away. I'm none of that. I've seen both sides of this situation. I hope you never do.

Edited February 28, 2014 by Bandarella

[enjoythetime 1,457]

I'm so sorry to hear about your complications, that's terrible! If you don't mind me asking can you provide more details regarding exactly whats wrong with your esophagus, stomach and heart that was caused by the band that are irreversable? What were some of the signs you were having that caused you concern? How long did you have the band before noticing some/all of the signs? Were you still going to your lapband dr. for regular check-ups and if so did these things go un-noitced? I'm assuming you've had your band removed? Did you follow all of your doctors instructions? What type of band did you have? Did the band slip? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get as much information as possible. The thing is, when you post something like this it is scarey, and so to have only limited information isn't going to help anyone, it's only going to scare us which I don't think is your intention. I truly wish you all the best in regaining you health!!! Thanks!

[Leepers 1,195]

Possibly what you're running into on this forum is human nature. The majority of people did research and knew that there's a risk of complications. But, like most humans, we want to think this can't happen to me. And we are embarking on, or have been on, a new journey in our lives. It is such a mental game that we are afraid to let even the smallest amount of negativity, however well meant or tactfully said, enter into this new little world. Most people on here already have a band and don't want to worry about what could go wrong.

I do empathize with your situation and I think you do have your place here. There are sub-forums for complications and you should be able to post your journey and your story. Unfortunately, tone of voice is hard to convey through the written word and people can take what you say in ways that you may have not intended.

I hope everything works out for you Healthwise. I can't imagine having the problems of complications and the uncertainty of being able to maintain all your hard efforts. Best wishes to you.

[Bandarella 223]

I'm so sorry to hear about your complications, that's terrible! If you don't mind me asking can you provide more details regarding exactly whats wrong with your esophagus, stomach and heart that was caused by the band that are irreversable? What were some of the signs you were having that caused you concern? How long did you have the band before noticing some/all of the signs? Were you still going to your lapband dr. for regular check-ups and if so did these things go un-noitced? I'm assuming you've had your band removed? Did you follow all of your doctors instructions? What type of band did you have? Did the band slip? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get as much information as possible. The thing is, when you post something like this it is scarey, and so to have only limited information isn't going to help anyone, it's only going to scare us which I don't think is your intention. I truly wish you all the best in regaining you health!!! Thanks!

The tissue damage from removing the band and scar tissue is extensive and means I should avoid any elective surgeries in the area. When the band was removed, there was a band of scar tissue under it, creating a narrowing. The esophagus has irreversible damage and I still have achalasia. The cardiac symptoms were not present pre band, were relieved for several months after removal and are back. They may be a result of scar tissue in the area between the heart and esophagus. Hoping they are not permanent.

I was under the continuous care of my bariatric team up until 2 months before removal. As I was referred to cardiac and GI teams, my pcp and bariatric team were sent test results.

I was compliant with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

I did not have a slip. I had a 10cc Lapband.

The problem with bands is the pressure put on the lower esophageal junction. The band puts upward pressure, the esophageal muscles put downward pressure. This can cause band induced achalasia. This is the mechanism that causes esophageal dilation, not "pouch packing", while this is possible, it's not the cause according to my esophageal specialist, in most cases.

You're correct, my intent isn't to scare, it's to provide information that could save another person.

In the disclosure, "difficulty swallowing" is mentioned. This is not because you didn't chew, too big of bites or ate too fast...this is the first sign of damage to the LEJ. If the stated that the risk was achalasia, research would show a rare, progressive disease that results in the eventual removal of the esophagus. This changes the perception of risk.

Thanks for your questions....

[Lady VS 1,147]

Sorry that the band didn't work for you as it should. Thanks for sharing this information. Best wishes

Edited March 1, 2014 by Lady VS

[pdh 2]

I was banded in 2011 and around 6 months ago I started having comp!ications with acid coming up in my throat, I had a endoscope done in December and band was eroding into my stomach and I had a ulcerated esophagus, The doc removed the Fluid and I had a revision done on Feb 17,2014. I was surprised to find out my band was wrapped around my heart and I wonder what would have happened to me and if I would have had more damage if I had waited any longer.My heart was bruised but no complications. I now have R N Y bypass. I lost 80 pounds with the band and was happy at first.

[Bandarella 223]

I was banded in 2011 and around 6 months ago I started having comp!ications with acid coming up in my throat, I had a endoscope done in December and band was eroding into my stomach and I had a ulcerated esophagus, The doc removed the Fluid and I had a revision done on Feb 17,2014. I was surprised to find out my band was wrapped around my heart and I wonder what would have happened to me and if I would have had more damage if I had waited any longer.My heart was bruised but no complications. I now have R N Y bypass. I lost 80 pounds with the band and was happy at first.

Unbelievable!! Your very fortunate to have come out of this with your life. Since the band is supposed to be anchored to the stomach, it's hard to imagine how it would end up around your heart. I recd my surgery report today from my removal. My band was 3 cm above the lower esophageal junction, instead of being 2-3 cm below the junction. There were adhesions over and around it, indicating it had been there for some time. The removing surgeon noted that it appeared to have been there the entire time.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

With any weight loss surgery there are complications for some. No one is saying not to post your experience. I am sorry this happened to you. Complications happen but to who and why that is another mystery. If at any time in my life I have to have my band removed I won't even consider either of the other surgeries. I will just say fair well to my band and live my life because I don't let it consume me and weight loss any longer. With any surgery there is a chance of complications, a foreign body inside your body is a chance for complications however I don't believe anyone goes in to weight loss surgery blind and doesn't know at some point there could be complications. I wish you well and hope you get well so you can go on with your life.

[2muchfun 8,927]

So, both Bandarella and PDH both had their bands installed incorrectly? I'm not much on litigation but seems appropriate for what you've both suffered. Those two stories are head shakers!

[Bandarella 223]

2muchfun, I didn't know until today when I got my surgical report...I'm astounded by this. My doctor was recently recognized as one of Seattles Best Doctors. My husband is absolutely livid!

[2muchfun 8,927]

I can see why. Your minds must be swimming with WTFs?

[catfish87 3,471]

Bandarella,

I wish you well in your continued success and thanks for the info!

Edited March 1, 2014 by catfish87

[Bandarella 223]

I'm going to follow up with my GI specialist. He's the one that told me after my manometry results came in that a serious mistake had been made and referred me to the esophageal specialist. I need to know how this happened. I suspect it was during GB removal.

[ger 0]

I am here because I had lapband surgery in 2009 by Dr. Elhor. He put the band up to high so all I did was puke. All he kept doing was filling my band more so I puked even more. He is the worse doctor. I would never recommend him. I seen Dr. G and he had to put a new lapband in after he removed the old one. I was sick with bronchitis so he removed all of the Fluid because I had so much phlegm. I am now back seeing Dr. G and starting slow with fills. I still have a lot of phlegm which causes me to puke a lot. Yes I drink plenty of Water. I have not lost any weight off this surgery. I would not recommend it to anyone. I don't know what I am doing wrong but nothing has worked. It really stinks. I am actually thinking of having it removed since it doesn't seem to be working. I am going to get a couple more fills if it doesn't help I am way over this. This lapband surgery is a nightmare!!!!!!!!! Feeling very upset.

[2muchfun 8,927]

ger, you're the 3rd patient in the last 3 days to report a botched surgery.

If you seek help here we'll need more info?

Date of new surgery?

Beginning and current weight? Height?

Fills?

What are you eating now?

Do you track calories and how many calories/day do you consume?

Do you exercise?

Any other co-morbids?