Band almost cost me my life

[finding_me_again 0]

I was banded on 2/17/15. Since I had the surgery, I have had nothing but problems. I was in and out of ER every other day to get IV fluids because I was constantly vomiting. I couldn't even sip Water. I had no energy and wasn't even able to take care of my own basic needs. I called my surgeon's office and they kept telling me I needed to give it more time. After a month though, I could no longer take it. I demanded they get me in for an emergency appointment, which they did. I convinced the surgeon it needed to come out immediately. Luckily, he listened. After surgery he came in to talk with me about how things went. He said once he opened me up, he couldn't believe what he found. He said there was so much inflammation and tons of Fluid that he had to drain. Not only that, but there was a bag of pus he had to release and my port had cemented itself on my liver. He said he'd never seen anything like it before, especially since it was only placed a month ago. If I hadn't insisted on removing the band, things would have only continued to get worse and would have eventually led to death. I did years and years of research before making the choice to have the band placed. I thought it would be the tool to help me lose some of my weight in a slower, more healthy way. Please, if you are considering this surgery be very careful. Make sure you listen to your body and have a supportive surgeon in case things do go wrong.

[parisshel 1,892]

Wow. What a horrific experience. I'm sorry that this happened to you.

Listening to your body and having a supportive surgeon are key points for everyone...you are so right on those!

Are you looking at a different WLS at this point?

I send healing thoughts and hope you will soon be feeling 100%.

[catfish87 3,471]

Wow! That sounds scary! I'm sorry to hear it didn't go well at all for you. I've never heard of a "port cementing itself to the liver" .... I've never even heard of a port being placed where it could physically touch the liver. Who is your surgeon and is this some new technique?

Best wishes for a full recovery.

[parisshel 1,892]

I agree that it would be important information to know...would you please post the name of your surgeon?