http://www.lapbandtalk.com/ Receive and provide support for Lap-Band Complications and Lap-Band problems such as slippage, erosion, pain, infection, leaks, pb, gas etc. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:22:08 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/styles/lapband/misc/rss.jpg http://www.lapbandtalk.com/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/going-doctor-tomorrow-but-105758-new/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:01:53 GMT Friday will be one year since I got the band. In the past couple of months, I've had some pretty bad heartburn, that peaked last week and was so bad I couldn't go an hour without some sort of antacid. I was having reflux at night, that sometimes burned, sometimes didn't. It wasn't consistent, it wasn't every night, but sometimes it shot out like crazy and did have food in it at times regardless of not eating within 3 hours of going to bed. I had a prescription for Nexium, and so I started taking it this past Monday. No more heartburn (or very little anyway) and I sort of feel a cold feeling where it use to burn. I can also feel something that feels like a bubbling up and hitting a raw spot after I eat, but it isn't painful. I also had bad coughing last night and coughed up mouthfuls liquid about 3 times in the night, sometimes while sleeping. Since taking the Nexium, I feel sort of tight, and I am feeling more restriction than I was before. I had very little restriction, but I haven't gained a pound, I haven't lost either. I'm still coughing like I have a cold, but as long as I don't lay down it doesn't have anything coming up. I napped today after lunch and had zero issues. It's only at night. And within 30 minutes after I fall asleep.

From reading, I feel pretty sure it's either a slip or an erosion. Even though there is no pain, the lack of restriction the past couple of months and the reflux seems to indicate a slip. I'm terrified that I'll lose the band, I cannot go back to life before it. My hope is that since this has only gone on a couple of months that it can be remedied easily. I'm calling the doctor tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll call me in immediately. Oh and I also have hiccups! After I eat I get the hiccups! Like I said, I'm so afraid. Any feedback is welcome, good or bad. ]]> Lap-Band Complications MellyB http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/going-doctor-tomorrow-but-105758/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/2nd-dilated-pouch-within-one-year-105757-new/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:05 GMT Here is my story. I have been banded since 2005. For the past two years or so I have been messing with being too tight. I think I need a fill, go get one and almost always have to have an unfill. A few months go by and I gradually get more put back in. I think the issue is, I am not sure when I... Here is my story. I have been banded since 2005. For the past two years or so I have been messing with being too tight. I think I need a fill, go get one and almost always have to have an unfill. A few months go by and I gradually get more put back in. I think the issue is, I am not sure when I need a fill. How do you know when you have found your sweet spot? I went in for a fill yesterday because I have been hungry and have been able to eat almost anything. A barium swallow showed total blockage . The band is in the correct place but its stretched. So now for the second time I have to be unfilled for a month or maybe even more and then I get to go to the process again. Any suggestions? What am I doing wrong? I feel like a total failure. I have about 25 more pounds to lose and I am in this cycle of getting fills and unfills and dilated pouches. ]]> Lap-Band Complications Wisegrl http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/2nd-dilated-pouch-within-one-year-105757/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/lap-band-complications-erosion-105659-new/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:01:10 GMT Had Band on March 31, 2008. was 480 lb got down to 320lb when I had a sore come next to the port. Dr. said this is the body rejecting the band, if infection was there the might have to remove the band and port, June 17,2009 went in for day surgery and got out hosp. july 20,2009. the found that the... Had Band on March 31, 2008. was 480 lb got down to 320lb when I had a sore come next to the port. Dr. said this is the body rejecting the band, if infection was there the might have to remove the band and port, June 17,2009 went in for day surgery and got out hosp. july 20,2009. the found that the body had grown over the band and rubbed a hole in the flap that holda band in place. got very sick 21 day's in ICU now have a scar fron my groin to my chest. haven't worked
from june till today. Lost tone in my legs and had to learn to walk again. Got Gas all the time.
If you got a problem you NEED TO SEE DR. NOW. I had this problem for 4 mo's before sore come up they tell me I lucky to be alive Gary:confused: ]]> Lap-Band Complications westgw http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/lap-band-complications-erosion-105659/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/band-problems-105635-new/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:48:24 GMT i had an adjustment 2 weeks ago and felt ill the next day felt nauseas and run down now for 2 weeks they dont think its the band but sounds funny to me that i havent felt well since the adjustment i had an adjustment 2 weeks ago and felt ill the next day felt nauseas and run down now for 2 weeks they dont think its the band but sounds funny to me that i havent felt well since the adjustment ]]> Lap-Band Complications andielmt http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/band-problems-105635/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/nd-bandsters-new-social-grp-join-105614-new/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:22:52 GMT Hi - If you're from ND, or around the tri-state area, and want to chat about where you had your surgery done, by whicj Dr, and want to discuss the good, the bad and the frustrations, as well as the victories , sign up so we can chat !!

Thanks ! ]]> Lap-Band Complications BobbieND http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/nd-bandsters-new-social-grp-join-105614/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/abdominal-pain-port-area-105588-new/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:35:31 GMT Friday night (11/13/09) I started having terrible chest and abdominal pains on my left side. At first I figured I probabaly ate my dinner to fast and needed to vomit well that didn't happen. I didn't get any rest at all that night! Was up in pain and couldn't even swallow my spit. The right side of my stomach is very tender to touch and I just want to scream. I called the nurse and was told to take some Maalox or go to ER. Didn't want to wait in ER all day and night so I've been suffering at home. The Maalox did stop my chest from hurting but my stomach pain is unreal. I finally threw up on Sat but still having abdominal pains and now my throat and chest seem to be on fire. Took my prescription pepcid this morning and chest stopped burning but I keep burping. I hope the pain goes away soon because I'm so tired and just want to sleep!

Any suggestions about what to do? I am calling the doctor first thing in the morning but this has been happening to me off and on since the beginning of October and I was hospitalized twice by my pcp and they can't figure out the problem. They just blame it on my band. Hopefully my band doctor can see me or give me some answers but I would love to hear if anyone has experienced what I am dealing with and what was the cause and solution.
Thanks ]]> Lap-Band Complications yella1 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/abdominal-pain-port-area-105588/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/what-symptoms-slipped-band-105497-new/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:47:07 GMT hello i was just wondering what the symptoms were i am going to have surgery soon and i am researching into it , what is the symptoms and if this happens how do you fix it ? hello i was just wondering what the symptoms were i am going to have surgery soon and i am researching into it , what is the symptoms and if this happens how do you fix it ? ]]> Lap-Band Complications nightgangl7 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/what-symptoms-slipped-band-105497/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/stuck-nauseous-dizzy-105486-new/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:36:00 GMT Hey! I got banded last Tues (11/10/09)... I did good on the next day. But then yesterday I felt awful! nauseous, & stuck. This morning I felt a bit better, but then when I started to drink down the liquids, I started to feel the same way as I did yesterday- stuck. Felt like there was no air in my stomach, it made me nauseous & dizzy! I called my nurse, she kept saying keep drinking - you need 64 oz of liquids a day... I cant keep drinking if I feel like throwing up :( :cursing:

did you go through this in ur first week? what do you suggest? ]]> Lap-Band Complications MissWhitzel http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/stuck-nauseous-dizzy-105486/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/something-wrong-105332-new/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:32:24 GMT I had my surgery in May 2009. My first fill was about 5 weeks later. But just recently, the past 3 weeks - I can't eat or drink. Gradually. Now I can't even drink anything. I've made an appointment on Friday to get it checked out. I thought maybe it was drainage blocking it or something, I have bad allergy/sinus issues. Yesterday I got sick, a cold. Last night, I threw up about 15 times - tmi, sorry, but it was the color of red wine, a little thicker. Anyone know what that is? Or why?? It can't be something I ate, I have not eaten. This morning I was ok, still can't drink really. But I didn't feel that uncomfortable stuck feeling I've had for the past weeks. Then I took another cold medicine pill and this afternoon I threw up again, same color. I am going Friday, but I don't like my doctor, he didn't do the surgery. I had it done in mexico. So I thought if anyone had any thoughts.....:confused: I am miserable. But, I have lost 15 lbs since this started. (down a total of 32, I'd like to loose 40 more and keep off what I have already lost!!)

Thanks!

Susan ]]> Lap-Band Complications lapband0505 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/something-wrong-105332/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/anyone-living-slipped-band-105184-new/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:53:16 GMT HI folks, My 1st band slipped last October and my replacement slipped in September this year. I am not having any pains, I do have a little more sliming. I do throw up some black contents every week or so, but other than that I feel good. I have little hunger and may not eat but once a day.... HI folks,

My 1st band slipped last October and my replacement slipped in September this year. I am not having any pains, I do have a little more sliming. I do throw up some black contents every week or so, but other than that I feel good.
I have little hunger and may not eat but once a day.

My lapband doctor said it was prolapsing on October 4th of this year, but we did not discuss the future. He had told me last year, lots of people live with a slipped band. Depends on the indvidual.
So? Any one live in my shoes?

By the way, I have $35 grand - self pay - in my stomach and lost 106 pounds and below target. I run slight fevers every week or two and suspect I have some infection. ]]> Lap-Band Complications TRANAM1955 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/anyone-living-slipped-band-105184/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/sharp-burning-pain-middle-stomach-105149-new/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:14:38 GMT I have been experiencing pain right in the middle of my stomach...about 2-3 inches to the right of my port. It happens when I have been sitting for a while and get up...or when I am bending and stooping..like cleaning or getting the clothes out of the dryer...if I take it easy when I first notice... I have been experiencing pain right in the middle of my stomach...about 2-3 inches to the right of my port. It happens when I have been sitting for a while and get up...or when I am bending and stooping..like cleaning or getting the clothes out of the dryer...if I take it easy when I first notice it..it goes away..but when it first started happening I kept on and would end up in EXTREME pain. Well I have kinda learned to adjust to it and ease off when it starts happening...so when I went for a follow up with my surgeon last week, I mentioned it but said it was getting managable and he said if it starts to get bad again..to let him know and he will do some workups to see what it could be. (I was banded 07/15/09 and have only had one fill...didnt feel like I needed one this past week when I went).

My question is..has anyone experienced this pain..right in the middle of your stomach...and found it to be scar tissue or something about a stitch pulling?? Just wondering. It was hurting today again pretty good and just isnt normal..so I am going to call my doctor this coming week and go ahead and set up appt so we can get to the bottom of it...cause I don't believe I should be in pain like this when I try to do things...

Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!:thumbup: ]]> Lap-Band Complications audjbr http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/sharp-burning-pain-middle-stomach-105149/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/probable-erosion-105073-new/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:55:13 GMT I wanted to share my story and get some advice. October 31st while attempting a fill under flouro, my doc told me I had a possible erosion. I was devasted, numb and in disbelief. Of course, I was there because I'd gained 30 pounds in 7 months, a classic symptom of erosion. Other than that, I had absolutely no symptoms. I'd always had good restriction with no problems. I'd even had an upper GI last year after having the band almost 3 years to check it out and make sure everything was ok.

I am now planning on having an endo to confirm, although my doc in Mexico already suspects after seeing the flouro pics. I will have the band removed. Just to say that evokes such emotion. After doing a little research, I have decided to go with the Vertical Sleeve down the road. I would love to hear from others who've had the band to sleeve revision..and also from those who've have erosions. What was your removal like? I've heard removal is very painful compared to the insertion. In addition, I'd love to hear about what the surgeon 'saw' in terms of your erosion...was it completely erroded? Only a small hole? Was it totally encapsulated? Were there adhesions or infection? I've always gotten such great support here and I feel now that I need it more than ever...any info would be deeply appreciated...thanks to all!! ]]> Lap-Band Complications scneaux http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/probable-erosion-105073/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/when-will-my-complications-end-104894-new/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:00:38 GMT I must have the worst luck ever with the lap band or something is not being done right. I had my old leaking port replaced with Dr. Gonzalez on 08/27/2009 and within five weeks my port incision site was seperated under the skin about half way thru thickness of stomach wall. I had that repaired here... I must have the worst luck ever with the lap band or something is not being done right. I had my old leaking port replaced with Dr. Gonzalez on 08/27/2009 and within five weeks my port incision site was seperated under the skin about half way thru thickness of stomach wall. I had that repaired here at home with a lot of work to get it done at insurance cost. Now last week what would you know my port started hurting with sharp pain, like when it flipped earlier this year. I went to have it checked here at home and surpise it has flipped again. What is the problem, I do little to no lifting, is it in the wrong position or not sutured down good or is it just a freak thing. The first year and half I had the band all was well but these last 10 months have been one problem after another. To date I have had two flipped ports, a leaking port that was worked on twice before replacement, and I have had two port incisions open up and need repairing. All this work was done after many cross country trips to Tijuana which cost major bucks not to mention the time off from work & family for each recovery. There are days I could rip this thing out with my bare hands out of frustration, but I paid a lot and I can't give up that dream of being skinny so I must endure. ]]> Lap-Band Complications vmills http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/when-will-my-complications-end-104894/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/possible-pouch-stretch-104800-new/ Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:30:50 GMT Hi I was wondering if it is possible to re tighten the pouch should it stretch out inbetween fills? I would like to know. I ahve been banded since Sept 2007 and I have done real well, watching what I eat and through tons of exercise and walking I mastered about a 93 pound weightlos in the first 10... Hi I was wondering if it is possible to re tighten the pouch should it stretch out inbetween fills? I would like to know. I ahve been banded since Sept 2007 and I have done real well, watching what I eat and through tons of exercise and walking I mastered about a 93 pound weightlos in the first 10 months of surgery and well now I am just plain stuck. I ahve lost inches and look good but I ahve only lost 8 pounds since May 2008 before I had my gallbladder removed I was weighed and my weight just goes up and down the scale sort to speak. I am maintaining 180 pounds. I am going to have my large veins removed from my legs soon and I asked the nurse at that clinic how much I weighed in at beofre that gallbladder surgery and i was just thrown back in horror. This is not the actual bariatric clinic that did my surgery it is another clinic of there for general surgeries. I ahve told my surgeon and his staff for months on end about not losing the weigh and well after 17 months something seems wrong. I ahve been filled and un filled and then re filled. I ahve a 10 cc band now with under 5cc's in it and I am tired of the expense it is causing me now and everything else and I am wondering if the pouch could be stretched. I ahd an upper GI about a month ago and i was told other than it being too tight the band looks good, now how do they really know? can someone send me an e-mail about this. my address is sharrroc@aol.com I really need some advice here. Thanks:confused: ]]> Lap-Band Complications sharon2u http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/possible-pouch-stretch-104800/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/cant-take-deep-breath-without-tightness-104625-new/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:25:55 GMT Ok, I need help because I'm worried. I got my lapband just before Thanksgiving last year (so, just shy of a year ago). My band was filled at 7.2 cc. I was worried that it was leaking, so I went back to the DR. He pulled all of the fluid out - noticed no leak & put it back in with an additional 3/4 CC. So, now I'm filled at 8 cc. Well, I had the adjustment on Monday and been having trouble ever since. It's now Wednesday. I was having a hard time keeping anything down, but now I can eat some food & drink without trouble. However, when I lay down, I go into coughing fits, reflux (I wind up throwing up in the middle of the night), sleeping on the recliner to help elliviate the issue. I experience heartburn during the day for no reason (even if I haven't eaten). And, now, when I take a deep breath, I feel pressure (not pain), but I can't take a full deep breath because of the tightness I'm experiencing.

So, what is this? Is the band too tight? Has the band slipped? Have you ever encountered this? If the band slipped, do I need to go to the hospital - or will it be okay for a few days?

In addition, I'm feeling like crap b/c I've been scared to eat, so I've only been taking in a few 100 calories per day - not sleeping well & feeling like crap. So, I'm thinking that I might even be slightly dehydrated. Because of the night time issues, I stop eating & drinking anything around 5 PM (trying to minimize the nighttime reflux & coughing). ]]> Lap-Band Complications pd9845 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/cant-take-deep-breath-without-tightness-104625/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/what-deal-rt-side-pain-104571-new/ Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:02:55 GMT Well I have been having some issues this past week... I ate a few grapes and my stomach turned.. I got sick but didn't throw up.. my rt side started hurting.. then 2 days later I ate about 3 doritos ( I know! Shameful! lol) and about an hour later my side was KILLING me! then the next day I had some tomato based cabbage soup same thing... that night i got some burning in my throat, some coughing... Then the next morning I had my protein shake and instant rt side pain, nausea and after about 2 hours of this accompanied by shaking, difficulty breathing and panicking, I lost said protein shake. the nausea got better but my side continued to hurt for the rest of the day... Needless to say I called my surgeon, they said it sounded like classic gallbladder symptoms.. (I have lost 85lbs in 6 months) and ordered a gallbladder ultrasound and HIDA scan. Both of which came back normal... Well now I'm having more issues with burning in my throat and side pain... My surgeon said if it were my band I would be hurting in the center of my chest and stomach not on my rt side.. Of course I keep worrying about a slip or being too tight but that doesn't explain my side pain.. Has anyone else experienced this? Gallbladder symptoms with normal test results.... ? Sorry so long but I'm wigging out just a bit...

oh and I have had dizziness and lightheaded spells off and on since this started.. blah! ]]> Lap-Band Complications gospelkidbanded http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/what-deal-rt-side-pain-104571/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/i-have-slip-confirmed-ct-do-i-need-go-er-now-104399-new/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:30:56 GMT Hi all, I was in the hospital for three days this week because I have been having horrible pains in my left and right sides. I had to have a CT to rule out any problems and they so happen to find that my band has slipped. Well I have been discharged from that hospital, my lap band doc works at... Hi all, I was in the hospital for three days this week because I have been having horrible pains in my left and right sides. I had to have a CT to rule out any problems and they so happen to find that my band has slipped.

Well I have been discharged from that hospital, my lap band doc works at another hospital, and it's Saturday night. What am I supposed to do? Do I go to that other hospitals emergency department or do I just wait until Monday? I have enough percocet on me to handle the pain. I think maybe the pain I have been experiencing is because of the slippage????

Also do they normally replace the band? Because I have the Realize band which I am NOT happy with and would rather have the Lapband put in me like I was originally led to believe I was going to be given.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. ]]> Lap-Band Complications bert99 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/i-have-slip-confirmed-ct-do-i-need-go-er-now-104399/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/stress-band-tightness-104396-new/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:25:09 GMT Please confirm that stress tightens the band. I had my last fill back in March '09 (7.5 cc in a 10 cc band). I had also lost my job in March. The weight didn't come off right away. I had days when I ate well, but as the months passed, my appetite and ability to eat well have decreased. I can only eat a few bites of food and then feel like PB'ing. Sometimes I catch it, sometimes I don't. I have a protein shake for breakfast (usually takes about 3 hours to drink 10 oz). Sometimes, I'll have a Yoplait "Whips" yogurt, which is "light as air" and it takes me about 1 hour to finish. I'll have broiled fish for dinner, but can only eat a few bites with a couple of tbsp mashed potatoes.

My mouth starts to fill up with saliva, which is usually an indication that the band is tight, or I am too full, but this didn't happen to me when I had my last fill in March - only for the past 3-4 months or so. I told my doctor that some days I eat well, and some days I can only eat crackers. He said this is normal.

Any advice? ]]> Lap-Band Complications Ruthie G http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/stress-band-tightness-104396/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/tell-me-more-about-band-erosion-104390-new/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:56 GMT This board is the first I am hearing of this complication - can someone tell me more?

How do you know?
What actually is "band erosion"?
How / can it be fixed?


Thanks in advance.
LTOT ]]> Lap-Band Complications LTOT123 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/tell-me-more-about-band-erosion-104390/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/looking-possible-answer-104357-new/ Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:07:30 GMT I had a barium swallow a week ago, really kind of routine, as it had been a year. I felt like I could eat a little more then I should, so no problem in having it done. My dr. unfortunately is out of town for 2 weeks, but his associated called today and left me a message. He said "Your pouch is slightly tipped, but nothing to worry about"...nothing to worry about? I don't understand what this means. I've heard of pouches being enlarged, I've heard of slips, but I've never heard the term "pouch is slightly tipped." Is there anyone familiar with this term that can explain to me what this means. My dr., like I said, is gone for 2 more weeks. The dr. covering from him is not a lap-band surgeon. They left a message not to worry..like that's going to happen.

So, what is a tipped pouch? Please someone help me out here?

Thanks so much:confused: ]]> Lap-Band Complications skittles108 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/looking-possible-answer-104357/