band eroded in to stomach - anyone had this happen

[charleston-mom 0]

I also had an erosion and almost died. I had revision surgery in August, to a gastric bypass, and couldn't be happier. However, the doctor spent the first two HOURS of my surgery picking pieces of a disintigrated band out of my stomach wall. I probably had weeks left to live only.

I was very lucky. Now, however, I am truly happy again. To me, the difference between these two surgeries is night and day. I never got anywhere near close to goal after lapband. The gastric bypass is an absolute dream come true. I have lost 79 pounds in 5 months and am wearing a size 6-8. I've still got a little more to lose, but I have my health back, and hope for being thin, real hope, for the first time. Reoperation rates, long term, 8-12 years out, for lapband are VERY high.

[BJean 16]

Thank you Denise. I just got back from the doc. I have a severe kidney infection and probable stones. I'm struggling with whether to try to wait it out or go on to the hospital. Thanks for your response.

[BJean 16]

Charleston mom: What were your symptoms with the erosion? Thank God you went when you did! How long had you had the band?

[chell1957 2]

I happened on this doing my research. All I know about it is what I read here. So of course you should RESEARCH much more. I do find it interesting. Please use cut/paste if the link dose not work for you. Chell

http://www.gastricbypasssanfrancisco.com/vertical-gastrectomy-sleeve-san-francisco-ca.htm

[charleston-mom 0]

Charleston mom: What were your symptoms with the erosion? Thank God you went when you did! How long had you had the band?

I was ten years out. I had my first slip after about year 2 and they removed the Fluid and it slipped back up.

Had my second slip after about 6 years; same thing.

Then I found it hard to eat any solid food without vomiting. Lost most of my teeth (had to have them capped). I went in - in June - for a check up to see if maybe I could have some Fluid put back in and try to jump start the weight loss which is when I found out I had another bad slip. They could not tell the erosion until they got in there - it was VERY bad. I'm very lucky and very grateful to be alive.

Other than solid food intolerance, which is quite common in any case with the band, I didn't have symptoms. The doctors said I might have lived another few weeks had I not happened to have made an appointment to get a fill and found out what was going on.