Dr unable to get saline back into band after removing for fill

Chelle 1968 · 03-31-2008, 11:36 AM

My sister and I both have lap bands which were fitted in Belgium 18 months ago and 6 months ago respectively.

My sister went for a fill this week and the nurse removed all of the saline from her band 3.5mls and then was unable to get this back in (the intention was to add a fill of 1ml making 4.5 in total) She told her that she may have a 'kink' in her tubing. She is going back tomorrow to try again but if this doesn't work it will be back to the surgeon in Belgium.

Anyone heard of this problem before?

As you can imagine she is distraught.

Thanks

Chelle x

**Wheetsin** · 03-31-2008, 12:23 PM

What fill method did the nurse use? E.g. blind, fluoro, etc. I'm far from a band expert but it seems odd that a kink would prevent the fill from going back in, but not from being withdrawn. If you think of a kinked hose, it's blocked both ways. And if your sister wasn't kinked when the fluid was removed, and just stayed in one position, there's no rationale for it spontaneously becoming kinked.

Perhaps she can advocate for some further testing or methods before making the trip again. E.g. fluoro fill, xray to see if any kinks can be seen, etc.

antsmith101 · 03-31-2008, 12:35 PM

My doctor had little problem removing some fluid but he kept at it by pushing that darn neddle down hard to make sure it all the way in.. He was finally able to get it out but it hurt... ;(
I'm at a good restriction now...
I hope your sister is all right... maybe the nurse not experienced enough to fill up the port? Hope she have better luck next time she go in.. good luck

Chelle 1968 · 03-31-2008, 12:59 PM

Thanks guys

Wheetsin - I totally agree with your logic there. The fill was 'blind' and she is going to see the most experienced fill nurse tomorrow so hopefully she will be able to sort it out.

Thankfully Belgium is not too far (a couple of hours on Eurostar) so not the end of the world if she has to go back, bit of a pain though.

Antsmith101 - the nurse had 6 attemps to refill my sister's band and still didn't manage it. I have everything crossed for her for tomorrow but best to go back to the surgeon I think if the problem persists.

I have just frightened myself to death reading about complications on here this afternoon, so guess I's better go away and be sensible for a while!!!

Thank you for your responses.

aubrie · 03-31-2008, 01:22 PM

Could it be filled with air? If it's a pressurized port, maybe the pressure is off.