Loosing lapband due to complications-SAD

grammi · June 18, 2007

:omg:I was banded in May 2005. The first year was great and I lost around 50 pounds. In January of this last year, I started having horrible acid reflux and pain. I went to my regular physician and he started me on Previcid. Problems persisted so he did a scope and I had horrible inflammation of my esphagous as well as a small sore spot on my stomach near the band. Started me on Previcid 2 x daily and sent me to my lapband doctor (unfortunately I had never seen a doctor since my surgery due to the doctors leaving the center). I through a fit and saw a doctor who decided to fill some more which he thought would help. Wrong answer. I only got worse. Had to sleep sitting up, literally was gagging on reflux during the night, etc. Called my regular doc who had a barrium swallow and cat scan done. It showed a hiatal hernia and enlargement of my esphagous. He sent me to another lapband doctor who said I may have slippage, etc. Said he would call me in a few days after he had time to go over my films. Two weeks later never heard from him (and I am in a fair amount of pain and not sleeping real well). I called his office and his nurse said I neede to come back in and talk to him but she was not sure where he was going with helping me and he was not in my insurance network. I went to another doctor who was in network at KU Ned Center. He saw me, said I was probably filled too tight but needed to see my records. I was to come back in two weeks. I called in two weeks and his nurse said he did not make any notes and she did not know what I needed to do. I was SOOO upset. We were going on 8 weeks with no help in sight. My esphgous felt like sandpaper at this juncture and EVERYTHING even Water hurt going down. I started calling lapband doctors and almost evryone said they would not do surgery on one of Dr. Malleys patients. I even have United Health Care who generally pays for everthing. Fed up and in tears I call Tallgrass Bariatric Center in Topeka. There nurse corrdinator gets me in right away. Dr. Dunshee sends me straight to the hospital for another swallow (after talking to me for a very long time and offering me options). They held me at the hospital and called the doctor with the results. I was sent back to his office and was infomred my band had slipped (add this to the hernia and reflux). It took him literally three hours to find what three other physicians looked over for six months. I am now waiting for a surgery date (this week) for removal of my band and checking my hernia, etc. He unfilled my band and I feel a lot better already but, an very sad to have it removed.

I guess I just want to say to all lapbanders, if you do not feel the lapband it working right, demand answers. My band probably would not have slipped had the doctor not filled me more and I had not been so ill and threw up a lot.

Anyway, I am down 50 and will be joining Weight Watchers after my surgery.

GOOD LUCK to all new banders...it does work for some.

travelgirl · June 18, 2007

I don't know how much you have left to lose, but you might discuss your options with Dr. Dunshee (I LOVED MY TALLGRASS EXPERIENCE, BTW) about being re-banded after you've healed. Alexandra, one of the moderators on this site is in the process of getting insurance approval to be re-banded after having it removed due to a slip.

This must have been awful for you, not knowing what was going on, and having the doctors stringing you along, with no answers. I'm glad Dr. Dunshee was able to help you, and know that you are in good hands at Tallgrass. They are truly wonderful people.

Good luck, and let us know how you're doing!

grammi · June 18, 2007

Thank you so much. Dr. Dunshee actually spoke to me about this and it may be a possibility. I live about 50 miles away is the only problem. I am so impressed with their center, I cannot tell you. I have had an overall HORRIBLE experiance with my lap band due to the doctors coming and going, etc. Absolutely no follow up....so if I choose to have it done again, it will definately be at Tallgrass. My family and husband want me to take some time off and regroup before making any more decisions. This whole ordeal has definately taken a toll on me, my hubby and my kids. I have simply felt horrid for over six months.

Again, thank you so much for your words of encouragement.

travelgirl · June 18, 2007

Oh, hon, I'm 70 miles away from Tallgrass, and they're pretty good about working with you to schedule your follow up appointments and fills...

You have to do what you feel is best for you, though. If your LB experience was that horrible, then you might just need some time to heal, before you even think about re-banding.

You're in my prayers for a removal surgery very soon, and a speedy recovery. (((((hugs)))))

Iluvharleys · June 18, 2007

Awwww, sorry you had so many problems! Hopefully they can get you feeling back to normal soon! I would keep an open mind to the rebanding if I was you though!