What if the band is slipped?

Jennifer Crutcher · 11-06-2009, 06:18 AM

What will happen if the band slip? And how it can be fixed?

kategeorge · 11-06-2009, 07:58 AM

Hi,
Is it possible that the LAP-BAND®® may slip?Mygod that must be really devastating..LAP-BAND®® can be increased and decreased in size but i don't no about sliping of band.

kiz · 11-06-2009, 08:24 AM

Here's a list of some possible band complications and treatments.

Quote:

Risks Specific to Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band.

The Lap-Band®® System is a much less complicated procedure than the other bariatric operations. Because of this, there are few potential complications possible immediately after placement of the Lap-Band®® System. There are some long-term complications possible that are unique.

Slippage:

In order for the band to function properly it must be correctly positioned on the stomach. . The Lap-Band®® System can "slip". That is, the Lap-Band®® System can twist out of position. The band itself doesn’t usually slip, the stomach slips above the band. A slip occurs in 2 percent of patients. Slippage can occur for a variety of reasons; over filling resulting in persistent vomiting can be a culprit. Slippage can cause reflux and difficultly with foods. Weight loss can be affected. This can be diagnosed by an X-ray - however, only your surgeon will be experienced enough to diagnose this problem. Some slippages, if caught early can be corrected by removing all saline from the band and allowing the stomach to heal and then gradually re-filling to attain restriction. Slippage may require re-operation to reposition the band and in extreme cases band removal. If a band is removed for slippage it generally can be replaced after a healing period.

Band Erosion:

The Lap-Band®® System has been known to erode into the stomach. Erosion is a rare complication more specific to some of the older design of bands. This occurs in 2 percent of patients. It is characterized by the stomach tissue over-growing around the band until the band is on the inside of the stomach instead of the outside. Erosion almost always necessitates band removal, sometimes surgical, although it rarely is a life-threatening situation.

Hardware Difficulties:

Ports have been broken and tubing punctured usually during the filling process. This risk is diminished by using experienced fill practioners and using fluoroscopy to locate the port. However, broken ports and punctured tubing are relatively simple matters to fix although frustrating for the patient. The problem has been addressed with newer port designs.

Infection:

With any surgical procedure or adjustment there is always the slight risk of infection. Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics and in rare cases may necessitate removal. Always make sure you are in top health prior to your surgery or adjustments without colds or drugs that may compromise your immune system. Notify your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have an infection of any type.

Stretched Pouch:

This is a complication that can be completely avoided by not overeating. Learn to stop eating the moment you feel satisfied. Continuously packing food into your stomach when full will cause it to stretch and food may back up into your esophagus causing you future discomfort and problems.

Reflux:

Reflux is frequently associated with a too tight band causing stomach fluids to back up into the esophagus and damage the delicate tissues not designed to be bathed in acidic stomach juices. If you are experiencing mild reflux talk to your doctor about preventative measures such as diet changes or medications. If your reflux is a persistent problem speak to him immediately, don’t complicate the issue by waiting hoping it will get better without intervention.

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kategeorge · 11-07-2009, 08:10 AM

Hi,
Thanks for providing with such a vital piece of infomation.I never knew that a LAP-BAND® could slip.This information will be really helpful for me to decide if me or my friends and relatives would go for it and the surgeon we choose.
Thanks a lot.

kiz · 11-07-2009, 09:43 AM

Your welcome, Kate. Your wise to gather information..the good, the bad, and the ugly.

You're right that it's very important to find a doctor that has a wealth of experience with a proven track record as well as great aftercare. Another aspect we can control is to follow the band rules. Don't cheat the post-op liquid &/or mushy diet when the stomach is healing. Don't routinely eat to the point of vomiting (or PB). There's a learning curve, and most people experience a PB here and there, but if you begin to experience them on a reoccurring basis, it's important to discuss the problem with your doctor. It could be that you're eating too fast, too much, or that your band is too tight, but it's not normal to have PB's all the time...even if you are losing weight fast. It's not worth it in the long run. The newer bands are wider, they're sewn in with a different method than was done in the past, so slip rates have fallen. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks involved. Plenty of people have had band slips that are inexplicable. Also, some people seem to PB for no apparent reason, other than band intolerance. They have followed the band rules to the letter, and for whatever reason, they end up with a slip.

My personal goal is that if at some point I end up with a slip, that I not look back and know that I brought it on myself. I want to keep my odds of a slip to the bare minimum.

Good luck with your decision.

joanp · 11-09-2009, 08:24 PM

My band slipped and I'm scheduled for a revision next Monday! I am not looking forward to it, but there is no option, so in I'll go. I suspect that it happened after surgery this summer when I was sick in the postop room from anesthesia. But who knows.