I'm a little freaked out

[John Tally 0]

This question may be covered but I'm not exactly sure what to search for.

Lap band in 2007, decent results (85 pounds). Untightened 18 months ago because I felt like I had developed good new habits.

Went back in recently because I was gaining some weight. They withdrew the entire amount in, as they always do - said it had been stable the whole time and this was proof I had a 'good one'. Only partially refilled me because they like to do it in two steps.

Second visit - can't get any Fluid out. They are concerned they poked the band. They send me to the hospital, where I go through the whole contrast fluid thing while they put more in me and they conclude no leak, nothing,zip,nada. Nurse still couldn't get any out. But she punts that to next visit.

I go in today. She still can't get any out. She puts a little more in and says 'we'll just have to go by how you feel - I have no idea how much is in you'. I say 'what if I get so tight I need to run in here and get some removed' and she shrugs.

All of this is with my original surgeon. So as of now - they can put it in but can't take any out - and they don't know why. And they hardly seem to care. I left with no future appt.

Anyone ever heard of a circumstance where the band accepts more fluid but none can be withdrawn ? Seems completely counterintuitive.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Did they take some x-ray's? There could be so many things going on in there besides poking the band...not sure how that is even possible!

I could understand maybe poking a hole in the port tubing or the port becoming disconnected from the tubing but I can't really understand why they can put Fluid in and not get Fluid out unless it's disappearing somehow and the system has an opening that it should not have.

I would request to see the surgeon, and if they still don't find an answer for you seek an opinion from another surgeon.

I had fill about 3 months ago, where the Dr. told me she was putting in 1.5 cc, and I had the feeling that she totally missed my port. She was a new Dr. and I have since changed practices. At the new Dr. they removed all the fluid to measure and sure enough...I was right and she had missed the port. So the fluid she injected went into the muscle tissue and not into the band.

I'm not saying this is what's happening with you, but I would seek out another Dr. if you don't get a resolution.

Let us know what happens!!