Band Leakage at 4 1/2 months post-op I need help!!
Has anyone heard of the band leaking at 4 1/2 months out? I was banded with Dr. Oh on Sept 13, 2007. Since I have had the surgery I have never had restriction and I am now up to 5 fills. I had two doctors measure what should be the fluid in my band only to find it isn't holding it. Of course, I was a cash pay and my insurance doesn't cover any of the expenses. I will be going in for an exray next week to find out just where the leak is at. I asked the doctor how this is fixed and the answer is another surgery. I asked if their is any type of warranty on a band, especially this soon after surgery, and I was informed that I would have to pay for another surgery if I was to have this fixed. WONDERFUL!! Anyone have any advice on what to do or if they have heard of this happening this soon? I have been sticking to the diet, journaling, and meauring portions, etc. Since having surgery I have never felt restriction either. The only way that I can tell that I have had surgery is that I have a lot of pain at the port site. Any advice would be apprecitated. Thanks-Melissa (phillipsbell@comcast.net)
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Hi,
I have had my band for 10 months, had 4 fills and have been doing very well. I have lost 55 pounds. The other day, though, I had a lot of pain in my port area and later went to eat lunch and no longer felt any restriction. I went to see my surgeon today and he sad that there was no fluid left in my band. It may be detached from the port, a faulty tube to the band or a leak somewhere. He has only had threee cses of it ever, and that It may be a simple fix or a complete replacement of my band. I need to schedule surgery again and he will not know what it is until he goes in there. I can not get a date for over a month so I am back to the beginning again. It is very depressing. Maybe there is a problem with your band or port that needs to be looked at further. Let me know how you make out.
Tracy
Tracy,
Sorry to hear about your situation. I know from experience it is very stressful to find out you have a leak. The last couple of months my band was always loosing 3 ccs out of my 6 ccs that were put in. On my third fill the PA had a difficult time finding the port and the way it was angled. I just had my port and tubing replaced a week ago and doing great. They found out my tubing had 2 leaks and the port the way it was situated I would have had a problem sooner or later. I was glad to find out my insurance would cover it. I had it done on a friday and was back to work on Monday. Remember to use a heating pad and hold your tummy when you get up at down.
Please keep in touch and let me know how it is going.
I'm so glad to hear someone else had the same issues. I am so sad because trying to fit in another surgery into my schedule really is hard. I'm not sure if all the same restrictions apply. I have 4 kids and play softball during the summer so I don't want to go through all of that right now, but on the other hand, I am already eating more than I have in monthts and I do not want to gain back my weight. I hope my surgery goes well, and it is a simple fix. I can't imagine living without my band.
How do I post a new thread? to hear from others?
What did you mean about the heating pad? Are you talking about after surgery? How long?
Thank you,
Tracy
Before your doctor does the surgery they can request a fluoroscopy study. When they do this they will insert contrast into your band while you are under x-ray and then they will be able to see where exactly the leak is. It can be common to have a leak in the port or the tubing connection. The leak/whole I had actually was on the band itself. I have seen three surgeons and none of the three have seen a leak in this spot. Depending on where the leak is at will depend on the type or surgery needed. If the leak is in the tubing/port then it can be pretty simple, if it is beyond the connection point in the tubing or on the band then the entire band, tubing and port need to be replaced. I hope that this makes sense. Of course depending on where the leak is at will impact the cost. By doing the fluoroscopy you will know where exactly the leak is and be able to plan better. Also, if the entire device needs to be replaced you may decide to convert to a VSG, etc. I had looked at revising to a VSG, but in the end decided no VSG and I didn't get a new band in either. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.
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