Why did you choose a midband?

Betje · October 30, 2006

Hi, i have the Midband too, my surgery was in Caracas, Venezuela with Dr. Sanchez and dr. Raaz. The day of surgery we were 5 people me and 4 ladies from texas, they flew the day day before for the surgery.

My surgery was november 8, 2005 No problem at all with my band thanks God. I have my first fill last month. And im down now to 210. So i have lost 76 pounds im very happy. My first fill i do it just here in Aruba.

Anyway succes with the surgery.

Delly · October 30, 2006

Hi Pam:)

Yes Ive read of your erosion on another thread and Im really sorry that its happened to you, it must be terrible:(

That study was conducted in Lyon and all bands were fitted by Dr Frering so it a true comparison and very recently published at the Obesity Forum.

I think I asked on another thread but your siggie says you had a 6ml fill at surgery which seems odd as the manufacturer recommend no fill for 4/6 weeks post-op

I might be reading it wrong and if so I apologise, but if I am reading it right do you have no "come-back" to your surgeon if he went against the manufacturers recommendations:confused:

I could be way off the mark here - just a thought:)

Best wishes

Delly

PamRN · October 30, 2006

Nope you're not off the mark. I awoke from surgery with a filled band. It worked great for about 18 months without any other fill. I lost about 96 pounds total before I started losing restriction. I have since gained about 40 back

I have been in contact with the makers of the band, and they do indeed recommend a waiting period before the first fill. As for holding my surgeon accountable... he's in Mexico, it's not likely that I have any recourse. I can't imagine how much money, effort and time a legal pursuit across international lines would take. At least his parter Dr V. is doing my removal, and if I choose, rebanding for the cost of the band and anesthesia only. Dr V seems very knowledgeable and compassionate. I really like him so far.

I think across international lines, that's about as good as it can get. I'm certain if I go to someone else for removal it will cost an outrageous amount. I've seen quotes for as high as 10,000 just for removal, and they use the laparoscopic method instead of the newer less invasive endoscopic route, so I am comfortable with that part at least.

As far as blaming my erosion on the early fill, well, it could be the cause, in fact it very likely is as I didn't have any infections or other difficulty post banding, but it could be any of a myriad of other reasons I don't know about. I read where the excess thread after the knot of a stitch caused an irritation that lead to erosion for one patient, port infection after a fill caused another, and body rejection others still. I guess there's no way to be certain.