Lap Band Surgery Terminated Due To Scar Tissue

Caterpillarfly · May 27, 2008

Hey everyone,

A few weeks ago I went in to have my surgery, and when I woke up, the first words I heard were "Attempted Lap Band." My surgeon could not place my band because he encountered adhesions from a surgery I had when I was a baby.

After reading my post-op report, I've learned that I've got scar tissue attaching my liver to my stomach, my stomach to my abdomen, and my intestines to just about everything.

I was obviously surprised that the surgery failed, especially after I showed the surgeon my scar, let him feel my stomach, was told that the previous surgery shouldn't be an issue. (I'm sort of surprised there was never an ultrasound or further testing of my stomach before surgery)

Speaking to my doctor, he told me that he'd never attempt the surgery again, that he couldn't insert the band through an open procedure, and that the best I could do was wait 2 years for a new procedure that is done down the throat.

Now, I trust my doctor, but I find it hard to believe that no one with a Lap Band has scar tissue or adhesions. I'm looking into consulting with other doctors, and I was wondering if anyone here faced anything similar, or had a doctor with experience in that area. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, or alternatives? I appreciate any help I can get!

Thank you,

Jessica

jessicalouann · May 28, 2008

I have worked in the hospital for 12 years. You will have to have your adhesions removed, then after they heal you should be able to have it done. Check with a different doctor and see. I do ultrasound and an ultrasound will not show adhesions or stomach lining and bowel. You would require a cat scan and or EGD scoping to evaluate them. The adhesions cannot be felt from a physical exam like you had. It was a new finding once he got in and he is correct that you cannot be banded with them in the way. Just consult with a general surgeon and have them removed and then you should be good for go in a few weeks. Let me know how it goes.Thanks, Jessica Stephens

mss · May 29, 2008

How disappointing for you Jessica. I had liver surgery 18 months before my lapband and the surgeon warned me at the consult that if I had severe adhesions and he wasn't able to complete the operation laparascopically he wouldn't be able to put the band in. I was lucky that he did end up doing it however afterwards he told me that I had a lot of adhesions which resulted in extra time in surgery, not being able to make the usual number of incisions they make because of the adhesions and scarring and thus having some difficulty placing the band and some extra bleeding during surgery. He had warned me beforehand that he couldn't predict how bad my scarring or adhesions would be or if they would impact on the surgery.

Tropicana · May 30, 2008

Also understand that the surgery required to remove adhesions can also cause further adhesions.

badmadmama · August 16, 2008

I had a hiatal hernia, which became much worse after the lap band surgery. The endoscopy showed that my entire stomach had migrated to my chest, and was pressing on my esophagus. The surgeon wanted to fix the hernia and relocate the band, but said that the scar tissue was so extensive that he couldn't get the band around it. I am bummed out, because I lost 70 pounds with the band, and have gained 20 back.

NancyJ1960 · August 17, 2008

I can understand your concerns and frustrations. I have had now 9 abdominal surgeries (only 7 before my lap band) and I was prepared to wake up and find out it could not be done. Fortunately for me most of my adhesions are in the lower abdomen and did not interfere with the procedure. You certainly can have the adhesions taken down, but they will regrow even thicker and can certainly interefere with a lap band if placed. There are no imagining studies that an show adhesions/scar tissue. Your doctor really did do the right thing for you. Good luck.

Debbie G. · August 20, 2008

Jessica,

I also have scar tissue from 5 stomach surgery. My surgeon was able to place my band, it took him well over 3 hours to do the surgery. It was a complete success. Before I saw Dr. Cwyers I had 6 other surgeons tell me it would be impossible due to the scar tissuse. I was banded 01/17/2008 and have lost 65 pounds. Don't give up. Come to Jacksonville and get have your surgery! Dr. Cwyers is at the Beaches Weight Loss Center In Jacksonville Florida his website is www.obesityresolved.com.

Good Luck, Debbie Gartenbush

Debbiegartenbush@yahoo.com

Hey everyone,
A few weeks ago I went in to have my surgery, and when I woke up, the first words I heard were "Attempted Lap Band." My surgeon could not place my band because he encountered adhesions from a surgery I had when I was a baby.

After reading my post-op report, I've learned that I've got scar tissue attaching my liver to my stomach, my stomach to my abdomen, and my intestines to just about everything.

I was obviously surprised that the surgery failed, especially after I showed the surgeon my scar, let him feel my stomach, was told that the previous surgery shouldn't be an issue. (I'm sort of surprised there was never an ultrasound or further testing of my stomach before surgery)

Speaking to my doctor, he told me that he'd never attempt the surgery again, that he couldn't insert the band through an open procedure, and that the best I could do was wait 2 years for a new procedure that is done down the throat.

Now, I trust my doctor, but I find it hard to believe that no one with a Lap Band has scar tissue or adhesions. I'm looking into consulting with other doctors, and I was wondering if anyone here faced anything similar, or had a doctor with experience in that area. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, or alternatives? I appreciate any help I can get!

Thank you,

Jessica

muscleband · September 18, 2008

I had adhesions from my original band, which had become entrapped due to a car accident. My new band is around my stomach muscles (hence my handle "muscleband") and I'm having nothing but trouble (difficulty swallowing, nausea, referred pain in my shoulder/neck)and don't know if that's the reason why. If it is, I sure would NOT recommend going this route. Hope you have better luck than I've had....