How Many Slipped Bands Do We Have Now?

[TwinMom]

Hi Everyone (Especially P'Nut)

I have been reading the threads and, as many have noted, it seems we are having a bunch of band complications (primarily slipped) this Summer.

P'Nut, I know you started a thread bringing attention to portion size, etc as sort of a group project and realization of what is going on and how we might prevent it. I just wondered if you have been keeping track somewhere of who all this has affected, and if you are seeing any pattern -- as far as length of time from surgery, current weight at time of slippage, etc.?

Who all is dealing with it right now? Or within the last 3-4 months?

Jess, Betty, and just Shelster posted today. I know there have been 3-4 others but I can't remember off the top of my head.

I am not trying to scare anyone - those thinking about WLS and/or the newbies like myself - but I do find it quizzical and maybe more than coincidental. :shocked:

Comments, anyone?

[Halo]

I think some one was slipped the others were dilated...right? There is a difference.

[redgrldj]

Yep as far as I have seen 1 slipped.. a few dilated.. and a stomache inflamed/ulcer..

["Just Jess"]

i have not heard of any more than just 1 slipped band -- mine was dilated, but after 2 weeks of being unfilled, it's back to normal and all's well. dilation and a slipped band are 2 very different beasts!!!

but for the record - i had surgery on 12/21/06 -- about a year and half ago now -- i've lost over 90 lbs. -- i'm currently at about 220lbs.

[DebbieChoos]

I'm in agreement with the girls, I've just heard of one slipped band. And like what was mentioned above some were unfilled due to other medical issues, nothing band related.

You also are now dealing with the laws of higher percentages. When alot of people were banded here the band was pretty "new" so to speak, there certainly were not any lapband commercials on TV. Now it's everywhere; TV, radio, print media, etc. So I think that the more that this procedure is preformed the ore you may hear about some related complications...just a thought.

[Shellster]

I have the slipped band. From what Dr. V told me...it is a common complication - but, happens in a small percentage of patients. I don't think that it was due to anything that I did....I think my stomach rode up and back through the band, so I wouldn't know how to tell anyone to avoid it. I will say that I was a very "by the book" bandster when I started and even up until now. I do liquids after fills then move to mushies. Advice I have given is to take your time with fills. Go slow and let your body adjust. If you are too tight and are pb'ing frequently - make sure you are talking to your doctor. Both times that I was too tight, I was adjusted back down fairly quick after recognizing that it was just too much. I don't know what I could have done differently. I'll know more after my test on 8/15. I hope it has fixed itself and I can start over with adjustments. If it doesn't....I'll have to have revision surgery. Even with the issues I'm having now - I would do it all again in a heart beat. It is a fantastic tool....

[Dustbunny]

Shelley:
If you drink something slippery like aloe vera would that help it fall back into place? I'm sending good thoughts your way for the best outcome! Love DB

[TwinMom]

Aaahhh, Newbie mistake. :signs110:Different beasts, eh? I was kinda lumping them all together in my mind. :idontknow:

So then, the dialation / stretched pouch often corrects itself? You just have to be unfilled, and let your body (stomach) "rest" , while still being good, then hopefully, you can refill later after the "irritation" is gone? :noidea:

So that would be what Jess & Betty has? And, anyone else out there?

And the slip is different how? B/c Shelley said hers could fix itself too. ooohh, I am really confused now.....:duh:

["Just Jess"]

i posted this somewhere else --- but maybe it will help here too:

What is a normal pouch?
The gastrointestinal tract is made of smooth muscle which streches and constricts to pass food along the tract and to accommodate different sizes and consistencies of food. The lapband is surgically places a the gastroesophageal junction where the esophagus wides and becomes the upper part of the stomach. When the band is tighteded, it narrows this area creating an hour glass appearance and a small pouch of stomach above the band. It is the small pouch that aids in your weight loss by limiting the amount of food you can eat at one time. Once it is stretched, you will feel a fullness or slight pressure in your chest area. This is a signal to stop eating. (Some people also experience hiccuping, runny nose, and other things.)

What happens when a pouch is dilated?
The pouch can be overstretched by overating, eating too fast, taking bites that are too big, eating foods that are uncomfortable, vomiting, or having your band too tight. If you continually overstretch your pouch, you can cause your pouch to dilate or "stretch out" and then it will hold more food. You may notice weight gain or that you can eat larger portions of food. If you continue eating the larger portions, it worses the problem by further stretching the pouch.

What is a slip?
Slippage occurs when the stomach below the band 'slips' up through the stoma (the opening inside the band between the pouch and the rest of the stomach), causing a prolapsed or herniated pouch. This herniated area can hang over the edge of the band causing food to be stuck in the pouch and preventing it from passing through the stoma to the larger stomach. This is what causes heartburn, regurgitation, vomiting and pain that can be associated with a symptomatic slip. In severe 'slippage' circulations to the stomach can be compromised requiring a second surgery to repair the slippage or to remove the band if there is too much scar tissue to repair the area. It is believed that vomiting is the biggest cause of a slip, so go to the doc if you are experiencing ongoing vomiting.

What should I do if I think I have a dilation or slip?
Although these complications are not common (I think they are more common than they are reported, but that is my opinion and not in any way based on fact.) they can be serious. Summarizing now...Follow the rules. If you think there is a problem, go get it checked out. Don't wait.

What will happen if I am diagnosed with a dilation or slip?
For most dilations or slips the first non-surgical step to treat the problem is to remove all fluid from the band to allow the system to rest. This will relieve some of the stress on the pouch which has led to dilation and hopefully allow the pouch to regain some of its tone so that it can again function to limit portions. (Translation - back to liquids.) In a slip, removing the fluid enlarges the stoma, increasing the chances that the stomach which slipped above the band can slip back down.

["Just Jess"]

also --- you'll find great answers to questions you may have here: http://www.laparoscopy.com/pleatman/Lapbandfaq.htm


like...


What is a slipped Band, and what causes it?
There are two types of slippage; anterior and posterior. This refers to whether the front or back side of the stomach slips. There is something else called concentric pouch dilation, but this is not the same as slippage. Slippage or prolapse is when the stomach slides up through the Band, making the pouch bigger. If this happens the Band usually becomes too tight, and patients experience symptoms of reflux (heartburn) as well as nausea and vomiting. This is because the amount of stomach being “squeezed” by the Band is increased, thereby obstructing the Band.
There are several causes. Posterior slippage was more common when the Band was placed by the “perigastric” technique. With this technique the back side of the stomach was free to slide up through the Band. These days most surgeons use the “pars flaccida” technique, which was developed to prevent posterior slippage, and has more or less eliminated the incidence of this problem.
Anterior slippage is when the front of the stomach slips up through the Band. We try to prevent this by suturing the stomach below the Band to the stomach above the Band, “locking” the Band in place in the right spot. In spite of this, slippage still occurs. It can happen because we haven't placed enough stitches, or they haven't been placed in the right place. Slippage can also occur if patients eat too much and vomit frequently.

How is a slipped Band diagnosed?
Fortunately, this is very easy. Often the diagnosis is made based on the history alone. A patient who has been going along fine, with no problems, and then suddenly develops reflux symptoms or symptoms of a too-tight Band will most likely have a slipped Band. The diagnosis is easily confirmed with an x-ray and barium swallow examination. Endoscopy is rarely necessary.

How is a slipped Band fixed?
A slipped Band needs to be fixed with an operation. The Band has to be dissected out, all the sutures removed, and the position of the stomach made right. Some surgeons remove the Band and place it back through a new tunnel. Others just straighten things out and re-suture the stomach over the Band.

What happens if the Band slips again?
That's a tough one. One could certainly try to fix the slip again, but my personal view is that, for whatever reason, the Band is just not working for that particular patient, and ought to be removed.

What is a Band erosion?
This is when the Band actually erodes into the stomach. It is a more serious problem, and generally requires removal of the Band. Band erosion is thought to be related to placing too many sutures (or too tight sutures) at the time of Band implantation. Surprisingly, Band erosion is often unnoticed. Occasionally the port will become infected if bacteria track along the catheter out to the port. Other times patients will stop losing weight. Diagnosis often requires an endoscopy.

What is concentric pouch dilation?
This is technically not the same as slippage. In this case the pouch just seems to be enlarged. Sometimes partial emptying of the Band may help with this.

What is esophageal dilation?
This is when the esophagus enlarges over time, and is probably related to either too tight a Band, or possibly improper placement of the Band around the junction of the esophagus and stomach. This requires loosening or removal of the Band.

[redgrldj]

Jess thanks for posting that.. LOL my brain is not holding info at all right now.. I couldn't come up with the words today to explain the differences..

["Just Jess"]

one more interesting article - with pictures........Slip with Dilation

http://www.thinnertimes.com/images/LAGB/LAGB_Dilation.jpgHere the back wall of the stomach has slipped up through the band causing dilation of the pouch above the band. Note how the band is now turned upward.

Slippage and dilation will cause nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases the stomach within or above the band may die and need to be removed.


Diagnosis


Symptoms of acute nausea and vomiting and inability to take liquids or foods
Upper GI series X-ray.Treatment


Mild slip: Deflate the band, reinflate in one to two weeks
Moderate slip: Deflate the band, operate to reposition band
Severe slip: Deflate band and operate to remove bandPrevention


Appropriate band placement by surgeon
Careful progression of diet by patient. No solids for 4 weeks
Wait at least 6 weeks for first adjustment

[Neal R.]

Great info and links Jess

[redgrldj]

wow Jess it took me a minute to focus on that picture LOL I am kinda loopy right now... good drugs LOL.. Next time I will read the post first and try to figure out the pic second... But another great post.. I save alot of these to my computer..

[TwinMom]

Jess !

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was soooo confused. I will be printing this info out for my binder.

[TwinMom]

soooo, if you are diagnosed with dilation.....9 times out of 10 you can "fix" it with an unfill & letting it rest (and eating normally/light while you heal). Then , say 1 month later , you can refill and your stomach/pouch will be back to normal and you will be back on the bandwagon with restriction? Is that right?

I guess I am just sooo afraid of somehow stretching it all out somewhere down the road and my hope of becoming a normal weight will be forever gone.

[Kim G]

I work for my doc now. I am the one w/ inflamed stomach & ucler. (The ulcer thank goodness has healed.) I was unfilled completly do to the ulcer being right on my band line inside my stomach. This can cause erosion so to be safe he deflated me and it worked as the ulcer as stated above is healed. But now I have a horrible case of gastritis. Which is very painful. Anyway neither of these are band related, it's stress and they way I handle stress. So unfortantly the band isn't "useable" right now and until I get my stomach better he will not fill me again.

I have successfully kept off 80 pounds over the last year I have gained weight but I have been fighting stomach issues for a year! I am very happy w/ my band and would still do it over again.

Jess you are such a wealth of info....The interent can be a good thing and a bad thing.

Also to answer you question I know my doc will try to "fix" a dilatation or slip w/ a complete unfill before doing a revisional surgery. Most times they do fix themselves.

Also I have to agree w/ Debbie now that the band is more advertised it has gain in popularity and more people are having it done. (last year our office did just as many band as we did gastric bypass this is huge becuase the year before there were not even half as many.) So you are going to hear more about them. Even though the percentages of complications are low like say 10% 3 years ago there could have only been 100 people banded this year there is porbably 100 people banded a month. See how you will hear more about complications but know that the complication rates are still the lowest w/ the band. :)

Hope I didn't confuse you more... :)

[redgrldj]

Kim I was wondering if you had been tested for H pylori.. It causes ulcers... This is what my dad lived with for years..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori

[MoOrLess]

[QUOTE=Jameza40;152340]one more interesting article - with pictures........Slip with Dilation

http://www.thinnertimes.com/images/LAGB/LAGB_Dilation.jpgHere the back wall of the stomach has slipped up through the band causing dilation of the pouch above the band. Note how the band is now turned upward.

Slippage and dilation will cause nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases the stomach within or above the band may die and need to be removed.


Diagnosis



Symptoms of acute nausea and vomiting and inability to take liquids or foods
Upper GI series X-ray.Treatment


Mild slip: Deflate the band, reinflate in one to two weeks
Moderate slip: Deflate the band, operate to reposition band
Severe slip: Deflate band and operate to remove bandPrevention


Appropriate band placement by surgeon
Careful progression of diet by patient. No solids for 4 weeks
Wait at least 6 weeks for first adjustment

Jess - thanks for all the digging of great info -- where is "this" article from? Just wondered -- because the "wait at least 6 weeks for first adjustment" greatly concerns me. I, personally, waited to get a first fill after I stopped losing 2-3 lbs a week, which I was fortunate enough to do for quite a long time. My first fill was done at week 14 - which is a lot later than most people get their fills.

I get concerned when I hear doctors giving first fills as early as 4 weeks AND they are large fills at that. I wonder why doctors aren't always asking - or folks just aren't mentioning? - what kind of restriction they have "before" a fill, and whether they actually need one or the doctors just in the habit of following a certain schedule?

And this leads to my second question, does this "schedule" that doctors tend to follow for the most part - no matter how much weight or restriction a "new" band patient has (and yes some just follow a rigid schedule) -- push some patients toward ending up too tight - because that is what they think should happen? I mean, we are told to follow our doctor's orders - but honestly, how many of us think to ourselves, hmm maybe I don't need a fill, but get one because their doctors says it is time? From what I have read here and heard from people via phone is that their doctor dictates their fills - they don't.

I feel fortunate on some levels because my surgeon definitely does NOT set weight goals for me, he stated that is up to me; and he doesn't set fill times - that is also up to me. That said, it doesn't mean he doesn't discuss how I am doing, what's going on with my band, etc. and give his input - he does - but he doesn't PUSH me in any direction and listens to what I'm saying about my band journey.

I guess I'm concerned about some doctors possibly pushing patients too fast and too soon into getting a fill they don't really need - it takes a long time (in my opinion) to get our "head" banded and to deal with head hunger vs. band hunger.

Now - all that I'm talking about has NOTHING to do with members here who have slipped/eroded/etc. band issues - I'm not saying or thinking that anyone can control such issues with their band -- I'm just sitting back and observing how many doctors are NOT waiting at least 6 weeks to give fills. I guess it has me wondering what role doctors are playing in band slippage....

What do others think about this???

[GirlyGirl]

Shelly,

About your slipped band... I am curious about whether, when you got your band, they were stitching the bands into place as they do now? I understand they started stitching them in place to avoid the problem of slipping. My doctor explained all this to me at one time or another, I don't remember all the details now, but I wonder if the slipped bands are slipping on those not stitched on, or those that are stitched on or whether the bands are slipping in either case... do you have any information or opinion on this?

[ginabobina]

Even with the stitching, the band is only stitched on one side... I believe it is the other side that is vulnerable to slippage. There is also a possibility of the stitches releasing. Usually the most vulnerable time is that first 6 weeks - if someone is vomiting or eating solids or large amounts, there is pressure on the pouch and the stitching doesn't have the chance to settle in and have scar tissue form to help hold it in place. i'm not a doctor of course - but that's my understanding.

[redgrldj]

Even with the stitching, the band is only stitched on one side... I believe it is the other side that is vulnerable to slippage. There is also a possibility of the stitches releasing. Usually the most vulnerable time is that first 6 weeks - if someone is vomiting or eating solids or large amounts, there is pressure on the pouch and the stitching doesn't have the chance to settle in and have scar tissue form to help hold it in place. i'm not a doctor of course - but that's my understanding.


Gina, from everything I have read I think you are on the MONEY with this post..

[Kim G]

Kim I was wondering if you had been tested for H pylori.. It causes ulcers... This is what my dad lived with for years..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori

Yes have been tested twice this year and both have come back negative. So I think it's for sure I don't have it. :) Just a very bad case of gastritis. UGH!

[GirlyGirl]

Hi Twinmom, Interesting that you started a thread with this question. I researched this before I had my lapband surgery and as a result I decided I was willing to risk it due to the low percentage of occurrences, both dilated pouch and slipping. As Shelly said, hers slipped and neither she nor her doctor can point to anything she did to cause it...I figure at this point, I have my band and now all I can do is follow the doctors orders to the very best of my ability, hope the doctors orders are researched and adopted because they actually help prevent these complications... and beyond that, I have decided I am not going to worry about it.... it takes away from my ability to enjoy my non-slipped band or non-dilated pouch... I'm not suggesting that this is something that you are stressed out about but I am just wondering if you are worried about this happening to your band or are you just curious about this subject? For me, I am curious but I really don't worry about it.... I think I am more worried about whether I will really lose my weight... The thought of not losing my weight actually causes me to worry. What about you? Do you worry that you've gone through all this and what if it doesn't work for you? That thought goes through my head often...

[MoOrLess]

Hi Twinmom, Interesting that you started a thread with this question. I researched this before I had my lapband surgery and as a result I decided I was willing to risk it due to the low percentage of occurrences, both dilated pouch and slipping. As Shelly said, hers slipped and neither she nor her doctor can point to anything she did to cause it...I figure at this point, I have my band and now all I can do is follow the doctors orders to the very best of my ability, hope the doctors orders are researched and adopted because they actually help prevent these complications... and beyond that, I have decided I am not going to worry about it.... it takes away from my ability to enjoy my non-slipped band or non-dilated pouch... I'm not suggesting that this is something that you are stressed out about but I am just wondering if you are worried about this happening to your band or are you just curious about this subject? For me, I am curious but I really don't worry about it.... I think I am more worried about whether I will really lose my weight... The thought of not losing my weight actually causes me to worry. What about you? Do you worry that you've gone through all this and what if it doesn't work for you? That thought goes through my head often...

I'm not Twinmom but thought I'd pipe in -- YES I think most of us worry about whether we will lose all of our weight. The statistics that are used by band doctors is that banded folks will, on average, lose 60% of their EXCESS weight -- not a great percentage -- so I know for myself, that I fight daily to beat that 60% statistic. I'm 11 months out and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't have that thought - and that's what keeps me going to get the weight off.

[chrispygal]

Even still Mo, 60% of our excess weight will make us much healthier people no doubt!

[GirlyGirl]

Mo... pipe away!

[little t]

When I first started out, I was so desperate to lose weight that I would have done anything besides bypass (that seemed to scary). I knew the risks and I decided that the risk I was taking being heavy was far worse than the risk I was taking by getting my band. I don't worry about a slip or a dialation, but at the same time I am aware that my actions may contribute if I am not careful. In the cases that are posting on this board, it is just dumb bad luck that this happened to them. But one has worked itself out and the others I am confident that they will get good news next month when they get their follow-up visit to their surgeon.

When I first started, my goal was to lose 100% of my excess weight. I honestly didn't think I would be able to do it, but I had to try as hard as I could. When I was a size 28, my dream was to be a size 14 again. I felt good at that size. I had energy and my face at least looked pretty thin. When I hit that goal, I had changed my life completely by eating right and excercising. So I did not change my ways back to where I was pre-band. I kept plugging along, not stressing about losing any more weight (since this was just a bonus beyond my goal). Now I am buying size 5/6 jeans and I am going to have to stop myself from losing more! I am going to get a slight unfill so I can consume more calories and stop losing. My point is that this is not a short term diet like weightwatchers, jenny craig or the abundance of other diets out there. This is truely a lifestyle change. This tool will never be taken out of me and I will never be able to eat an entire pizza like I used to (or even half for that matter).

Don't worry about not being able to lose your weight. You will be able to do it when you look at each day as a new challenge. You will mess up. I promise...everyone does! But, you must decide that each day is a new day, forgive yourself and make good decisions on this new day. Start looking at yourself as a healthy, active person. I got that advice a long time ago and it contributed to my success.

[TwinMom]

Tami -

Thanks for your insight --you truly are an inspiration.

When I started this thread - it was simply b/c it seemed like all of the sudden there were several banders struggling with these complications. These were are successful banders, so I knew they were following the rules, which is why I found it all so quizzical. Why was it happening? Was there a "shelf life" on these things or what? I was really just trying to wrap my mind around the difference, the causes, and the signs -- in case it should happen to me. (I say that b/c I do have a knack for being that 1 out of 100 that has a problem)

However, Jeralin's question has kinda turned this thread in another direction.

"Do you worry that you've gone through all this and what if it doesn't work for you?"

Yes, I think we have all asked ourselves the questions, and worried about this band possibly failing, like so many other weight loss attempts in the past. Yes, I worry about not losing the weight I hope to lose. But, as Chrispygal said, "Even still, 60% of our excess weight will make us much healthier people no doubt!"

For me, I know the weight was never going away -- and likely was only going to increase at the rate of 5-15 lbs a year. Not a pretty picture.... especially from a health perspective, and certainly not from my self esteem perspective.

As much as I want to lose weight - even if I don't -- this will at least keep me right where I am -- and I am better off.

Now, that being said, if I get the 60% off like they "advertise" , I will be a much happier person. 175 is still too much for my height - however, I would certainly be more in line with other Moms, my friends, and women my age, in general. (since the general population is overweight now) At least, I wouldn't be one of those women people look at at and immediately think - "Gosh !They are sooo overweight!"

Now, if God so chooses to bless me and my band so that I am able to lose 100% of the excess weight and I do get down to the 130-140's - I will be beyond happy. Honestly, I can't even imagine how I would feel. Probably like it wasn't really me, it wasn't really happening. I would be afraid at any minute I would wake up from the dream.

I guess I will just keep trying to follow the rules & praying ---and see where I am 6/11/09. Wish me luck.

[little t]

It is great that you are asking lots of questions! This is a sign of a successful bandster! I would put money on it that you will do great and we will see a much smaller you on 6/11/09! For goodness sake! You have already lost 18 pounds! That is fantastic!

[stac1982]

In my opinion why it "seems" like there are more all of a sudden is because these girls have been willing to put themselves out there. Most of the time when people struggle with their band, they turn away from the support boards and sulk. It has happened to some great girls who have had some bad luck and they know they still need support. I think it should be an example to the rest of us to not only support them but come here when we need it too! Also, take the time to research what each of the problems are and what to do to avoid it. Sure you can be a wonderful bandster and it still happen to you, but there are some things out there that can make your risk for these things higher. We all need to remember this and make sure we are loving our bands and treating them right. I know it opened my eyes. I have asked to be looked at under floro. I don't have any symptoms, but I want it checked. My dr said sure, I'm over a year out and let's look at it. Keep talking to your dr's and let them know what's going on. They are there for you!

[afisher4band]

I love all of the post here... I am a worry kind of girl but with that said , that is the reason that I got my band so that I could foucs on WL and not failure. Every little pain I have felt I am trying to figure it out.
For ex. I have not had any port pain or incision pain in that area in a while but... I went to the pool and laid in a lounge chair on my stomach and it is sore. I have been sleeping on my stomach with no problems but I guess the chair was too hard.
Anyway I admire everybody who shares info to help others so here is mine.....


WHEN IT STORMS IN LIFE......GET UP AND DANCE IN THE RAIN!!!!!

[TwinMom]

Hey You!

We have been missing you over on the June Banders thread. Hope all is well.

Now...did I see pictures of you at a get together in NC? Was that you? There was lots of dancing going on...Gina, Betty Choos....was that you?

[Shellster]

http://www.band2gether.net/images/icons/icon1.gif Re: How Many Slipped Bands Do We Have Now?
Shelly,

About your slipped band... I am curious about whether, when you got your band, they were stitching the bands into place as they do now? I understand they started stitching them in place to avoid the problem of slipping. My doctor explained all this to me at one time or another, I don't remember all the details now, but I wonder if the slipped bands are slipping on those not stitched on, or those that are stitched on or whether the bands are slipping in either case... do you have any information or opinion on this?
__________________


Hi Jeralin, I'm pretty sure that he stitched my band in place. I kind of zoned out after he told me he was going to have to deflate me, but I'm pretty sure he said that it looked like on one side the stomach had rode up and through the band in what he determines to be a slipped band. I'm guessing that even if it is stitched into place your stomach could possibly do that? That's just opinion, I have not info or haven't asked that question. I will for you guys though when I go back. I have lots of questions for him when I go back in August, that I just didn't think of during the initial test/diagnosis and deflate. Hindsight, I suppose. We'll know more in a few weeks....I'm hanging in there until then. :sun_smiley:

[GirlyGirl]

It is great that you are asking lots of questions! This is a sign of a successful bandster! I would put money on it that you will do great and we will see a much smaller you on 6/11/09! For goodness sake! You have already lost 18 pounds! That is fantastic!

Twinmom, I agree whole heartedly with Little T, I too will put money on you being successful! I've put $16,000 plus on me being successful so I will be there with you!


make sure we are loving our bands and treating them right!

I love this statement! Good advice!


the reason that I got my band so that I could foucs on WL and not failure. Every little pain I have felt I am trying to figure it out.

Anyway I admire everybody who shares info to help others so here is mine.....

afisher, I'm like that too, and I don't want to worry either. And success is important to focus my thoughts and on being positive, but like you also said, it is great when others share their situation in order to help others!


Hi Jeralin, I'm pretty sure that he stitched my band in place. haven't asked that question. I will for you guys though when I go back.

Shell, thanks so much for being willing to ask your doctor about this to help those of us on B2g, I am really curious what he will say about this. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers that all of this will resolve and your band will be back in good form as soon as possible with the least amount of problem for you!

[little t]

For ex. I have not had any port pain or incision pain in that area in a while but... I went to the pool and laid in a lounge chair on my stomach and it is sore. I have been sleeping on my stomach with no problems but I guess the chair was too hard.
I could not lay on my stomach for weeks after being banded. I am sure this will pass for you.

[camiband]

Thanks for the information. My son got the band in September and one of his stitches tore Last Monday and he had to have his band removed. He is only 18 and away at college. It was very devastating to him. He has lost 82 pounds and is so scared that he will gain it back. I've been reading lots of things about people who have had their bands removed and it is nice to see the positive attitudes. Although hard for me when I'm not with my son to keep him encouraged to continue his weight loss now without the band. Any words of wisdom for me to give him.....

[GirlyGirl]

hey Cami...sorry about your son, he has done so well so far, do they know when they can put the band back in? Do you mind giving more details of how he tore a stitch etc? How did he know it was torn? Does he know when it happened, etc?

I know how you feel as a mom. I 'm the same with my son, I always want to be there to protect him from the big bad world, but somehow, I think with your son's renewed confidence after losing the 82 lbs so far, he might just be strong enough and mature enough to deal with this without you being there. I know he loves you ,but it sounds like this is one of his first big challenges in his adult life and I bet he will pass with flying colors! You will be proud of him!

More details if you don't mind. It will help all of us.

[Patrick]

My band never 'slipped', but I did have some pain that my GP couldn't figure out. I did not associate it with my band because it was several inches away from my port and I initially thought it was associated with a colon exam. Finally, after several months and during a routine visit to my band Surgeon, he explained that there were stitches in that area from his work and it was probably just a pulling stitch. Must be true, since the pain (or rather discomfort) has decreased over time, as the stitch has continued to pull through. Still some small feelings with a really long stretch, but not enough to worry me again.

Just a thought for others before believing in the worst.

[gprjvance]

Had my band surgery on 12/29/07. Had 5 fills during the year - no problem. Slow and steady weight loss. January 19, 2009, thought I had the stomach flu, I couldn't keep anything down. Went to the ER because of dehydration. After many tests they called my surgeon. I had to have emergency surgery to remove the band. My doctor said the band had slipped so bad that I would have only lived another 24 - 36 hours. I am so disappointed that I no longer have it. Bottom line is if you throw-up for any length of time check with your band doctor.

[Italiangirl33]

Virgo-

How did your band slip so bad...from overeating...OMG..That is really scarey that you could have died..that terrifies me

[gprjvance]

No - I didn't overeat. The doctor told me it was one of the band's flaws and I just happen to be one of the very few it would ever happen to. Yes, it was very scary that I could have died from it.