Should I change to a new type lap band ?

[Patrick M 3]

I am 9 1/2 years post op. My last visit for a fill was about two years ago. At that time I had a procedure to check the position of my band ( can't remember what type) My band was still in the correct position. My original Dr., who I have never liked, said my band was the first style to be used and should be replaced, since there are now using a sixth generation ( that was two years ago) I told him that I had thought my band was good for a lifetime. He said no, it is not.

Even though he said it should be replaced, he is reluctant to do so because of my age (69). He said he would think about it, that was two years ago and I have not heard from him since. I'm wondering if anyone else has been given this type of information or changed to the newer generation band.

I think I have a leak in mine because I have had several fills over the years and there is always less liquid than there should be. My Dr. says there is no leak but can not explain where the Fluid is going. His words " It just went away" Not a very satisfactory explanation..

Not sure what to do at this point so feedback would be appreciated.

[KateP 359]

I am 9 years post-op and have the old, now obsolete 4cc band. In my case, it works perfectly and unless that changed, I wouid not consider changing. All surgery carries risks and from everything I read, newer bands have as many complications as older ones. I have never heard f a doctor suggesting removing and replacing simply to get a newer version,

I had a leak repaired about five years ago and have had no issues since. It is less than helpful of your doc just to dismiss lost fluid!

[Patrick M 3]

What did your leak repair entail ? Mine is the 10 cc model and I have never had an issue other than some Fluid "disappearing"

[KateP 359]

What did your leak repair entail ? Mine is the 10 cc model and I have never had an issue other than some Fluid "disappearing"

I went to bed with perfect restriction and woke up the next day with none! Nothing ambiguous about it! None of these slow leaks! Doctor injected dye into the port. Saw under XRay where it was coming straight out of the tubing about midway between the band and the port.

Two weeks later, he went in through an existing incision, chopped out the bit where the leak was and reconnected the two ends. Has been fine for five years now! The cause (probable) also made the solution possible! When my band was implanted, there was lots of internal fat. As I no longer have this, the now excess tubing was rubbing against muscle, hence the leak. But the fact I had excess tubing meant he could chop some out to cut out the leaks.

[Patrick M 3]

Interesting. Was this done under local or general anesthesia. My loss is very slow and I still had most of the fill,5cc last time, down from 7cc.

[KateP 359]

Interesting. Was this done under local or general anesthesia. My loss is very slow and I still had most of the fill,5cc last time, down from 7cc.

General .

[2babutterfly 483]

I had my band placed in 2008 and I had a leak last year. It was after an unfill I was working on refilling and couldn't ever tell a difference. Come to find out my tubing had a small split in it. Replaced it and my port. Quick and easy surgery.

[Patrick M 3]

Have I posted this in the wrong forum. I am mainly interested in the supposed obsolescence and need to change my band ( according to my doctor) Is he just after more money ? It is a 10cc band and I thought it was good for a lifetime.

[KateP 359]

Have I posted this in the wrong forum. I am mainly interested in the supposed obsolescence and need to change my band ( according to my doctor) Is he just after more money ? It is a 10cc band and I thought it was good for a lifetime.

I am not a doctor, but I have never heard of anyone having a band replaced simply because it was an earlier model. Compared to mine (4cc), the 10cc one you have is modern! As the new bands have not been shown to be safer or more effective than earlier ones, it wouid seem an unnecessary operation unless there is a problem.

[Msippi 1]

I have had mine for 5 years and my doctor has asked me 3 times when I was going to have it removed and have the sleeve done. I tell him "never" and he says okay. I think he just wants the money. I too, never have the same amount that he says he put in and he doesn't give me an explanation. He says it doesn't leak and he doesn't know where it goes. I don't really care as long as it works for me.

[Patrick M 3]

Thanks Msippi I think my Dr. wants the money too. I think they must think we are stupid when they say it's not leaking but you lose Fluid.