erosion and slippage

CathyCat · July 6, 2005

Hi,I was wondering how would one know if they had an erosion or a band slippage? I am just so afraid that something is going to go wrong, if my stomach hurts I think something is wrong.

Alexandra · July 6, 2005

CathyCat, I think we can all relate to being afraid something is wrong. There is no one way to tell if there's a problem--while it's possible erosion or slippage will cause recognizable symptoms, sometimes there are none. The best defense is a close relationship with your doctor and regular discussions about how you feel and what's going on.

If you have any significant change in your restriction or ability to eat or drink, that's reason to call the doctor. And of course pain is a reason, especially once you're out of the post-op period and healed up. Any indication of infection, including redness or warmth at the port site, is also something to call about.

Is something specific worrying you? It may comfort you to know that the incidence of slippage and/or erosion is very low, and MOST bandsters will not experience either. What is making you ask?

CathyCat · July 8, 2005

I'm asking because I'm a little paranoid. The past few days, i've been feeling something at the top of my stomach, like where the band is. It doesn't hurt, it's kindof like pressure, but not bad. It seems to go away while i'm eating. I'm not sure how to explain it. I don't really have a Dr. I had surgery in Mexico and I have a dr. the does fills only no aftercare. It's not something that would even bother me if i didn;t have a band. I just get afraid that I spent all this money and I'll have to get it removed or some thing. I'm sure I'm ok, just paranoid. thanks

donali · July 8, 2005

How long have you been banded, Cathy? Just out of curiosity.

If you are concerned there is no reason why you shouldn't get tested. But if you're really newly banded, it's probably nothing. If you've been banded for a few months and the sensation doesn't go away, it doesn't hurt to get checked out.

CathyCat · July 9, 2005

i've been banded for 5 months. I'm thinking that I remember before I was banded I had something like this when I ate bad foods like it was an ulsur or something. I have been eating bad lately so maybe thats the reason. I still have restriction so its probably not slippage. thanks cathy

alice · July 9, 2005

I too am worried about my band and if it doesn't get better I am going to call Monday to Judy with Dr. Sanchez. I have had sudden restriction for days with innability to eat much and much discomfort at my port. Even a few bites makes me feel too full, it isn'nt normal.