Robbed of my Lap Band

[GoCubbies79 31]

Hello All:

I was banded in March of 2011 and had great success, I lost 240lbs. Back in December of 2013 I started getting this weird feeling near my port, not pain, just a weird feeling. I didn't think much of it and thought maybe some scar tissue was forming. A few weeks went by and pain started to creep up on me and get worse each day.

I went to see my primary care doctor who ordered an xray. I was told that I just had a backup in my intestines and needed to add some Fiber into my diet. I did as the doctor instructed and noticed a slight increase in my bowel movements however the pain was not getting any better.

I was a little reluctant to see my lab band surgeon because I had gained a few pounds since my last visit and didn't want to disappoint him since I had such great success overall.

The pain got even worse so I thought I would face the music so I went and saw him in mid January 2014. Of course the dr confronted me on the few pounds I had gained and performed a fill. I think expressed my true purpose for seeing him which was the pain not necessarily my weight gain or need for a fill.

He ordered a CT scan and sent me on my way.

Over the next few days absolute hell broke loose on me. The area he inserted the needle to fill my band turned blochy red almost looked like a rash was forming. A swollen bubble started to form over that area as well that looked like a blister full of liquid.

I called his office and got some receptionist telling me he had no openings for two weeks. The instant I mentioned the rash and bubble the told me to come in immediately. I went in to see him and the results from the CT scan were in as well.

I was sadly informed that my band had eroded into my stomach. There was a nasty infection brewing inside me around the band and my stomach as well as all down the tubing and around the port.

The band was removed the next morning where I then spent the next week in the hosptial on IV antibiotics. For two months i was out of work on hardcore antibiotics. I also had to see a dr specializing in infectious disease and had a home care nurse come to my house twice a week to clean out the wound from where the port was removed.

Here I am a year later having gained about 30lbs back and so mad that the band failed me. I was doing so well, people were looking at me differently, and it was all taken away in an instant.

Has anyone else gone through this? What could have caused the erosion? I asked the dr and he said it just happens to about 2% of people.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. This is very scary. I hope they will be able to offer an alternative. You've been through so much.

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@GoCubbies79 I'm sorry that you have had to go through so much. The band just like any other surgical device needs to be constantly monitored by both the Dr. and the patient.

Your health has you be your number 1 top priority at all times. This is your life my friend, so if you are having pain or not feeling right don't just take the answer of the receptionist or even the Dr.if you know it's not enough, no matter if it's your band, your hip or your head. Only you are living in your body and know how you are feeling.

Many of us are shy of our Dr.'s thinking we are failures if we gain a pound or eat the wrong things but we are NOT. The only time we fail is when we fail to care for ourselves and seek help when we need it.

The band could have eroded for many many reasons, NSAIDS, reflux, so many reasons. Best to not dwell on it now, but to get well and get strong and healthy again. Once you are well and healthy consult with a few Bariatric Dr.'s to find out if you are eligible or able to revise to the sleeve or bypass.

If you are willing I would suggest seeking a therapist about your ordeal and your re-gain and the way you are feeling about it. Your weight big or small should not define who you are or how you treat yourself or allow others to treat you my friend. You are worthy of being healthy and happy and that is a goal to strive for.

I wish you all the best and please keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing!!