Lap Band Erosion
There are many terms that have become familiar to the lap band population because they are commonly used among doctors and patients. One popular term is “Lap Band” which stands for Laparoscopic Gastric Banding. The term “Lap Band Erosion” also became very popular among the banded patients as lap band message boards increased in popularity. The patients that already had the Lap Band were concerned as“erosion” was often connected to topics such as de-banding or surgical removal of the band. However, the term actually means that the stomach has developed a penetrating ulcer and has eroded (worn away) towards the balloon of the band.
How does Stomach Erosion happen in Lap Band Patients?
Intragastric band erosions have been reported at rates that vary from 3 to 10% depending on the operatory technique or surgeon´s experience, the device used and the patient’s eating behavior. There are several different and controversial theories for the cause of erosion:
- The Lap Band around the stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall over time, and goes into the gastric lumen, as we have seen with other intrabdominal devices.
- The stomach damage done during the Lap Band procedure debilitates the layers of the stomach wall, resulting in erosion at a later time.
- The sutures were placed too deep and trespassed all the wall layers of the stomach, causing micro perforations that generate leaking, infection and later erosion.
- Events that happens inside the stomach, such as frequent vomiting, medications, ingestion of irritants as spicy or hot food, alcohol, etc. as well as a large adjustment to the band system, will produce an ulcer that penetrates toward the balloon of the band.
I believe the last theory is the most consistent and also the most frequently seen in the vast majority of patients with erosion. Other theories, such as a crease or a fold in the balloon, which may harm and erode the stomach lining, were not scientifically proven. We have seen erosion with all kinds of Lap Bands and with all kinds of balloons and find no correlation with the fold theory.
Once the erosion-ulcer is established it is not possible to cure the ulcer, not even by removing all the fluid in the band. Therefore the need to remove the band itself becomes imperative. I recommend the band be removed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, not because this is an emergency in any way, but because there is a risk of increasing the ulcer’s size. Removing the Lap band can help to decrease the risk of complications such as infection traveling along the hose to the port and to the skin, or stomach bleeding.
How Can Lap Band Erosion be Prevented?
There are several ways to prevent erosion. The first way that I personally recommend is to avoid “large fills” to the Lap Band, in order to prevent vomiting or gastric reflux. The second way that I recommend is to protect the stomach with anti-acids frequently, especially at bed time. The third recommendation is to avoid alcohol, hot or spicy food, vinegar, soy sauce, and coffee. Talk with your Doctor about the medications you are actually taking and ask about exchanging the ones that can hurt your stomach for others with the same effect but less stomach irriation.
Arturo Rodriguez,MD
Bariatric Surgeon
http://www.thebariatric.com
Originally posted 2008-06-12 21:18:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it,
i had the band removed due to erosion in october. what are the chances of reinstalling it and will insurance pay for it? what type of band should i get, the realize or the other, and what is the difference, if any in having one or the other since my 1st eroded 6 years after it was put in.
thanks
lois
Comment by LOIS — July 17, 2008 @ 12:07 am
Hi Lois,
Re-banding is a feasible procedure especially if the band was taken out by Laparoscopy rather than by open surgery. The percentage of having another lap band is close to 98% in experienced surgeons.
Insurance does not cover the Lap band procedure again.
I mostly use the Realize Band but the new Allergan ( Inamed) bands have a softer and bigger balloon then the old models they had and I have used them several times successfully also.
I wait at least 6 months after the Lap band has been taken out before installing a new band.
Dr. Arturo Rodriguez
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 17, 2008 @ 12:29 am
Is is possible to have the Lap Band procedure if you already have a hiatel hernia?
Comment by Ann — July 18, 2008 @ 11:42 am
Hello Ann,
Yes, it is possible to have the lap band Surgery if you have hiatal hernia because the band acts as anti-reflux procedure. (This is what you want to obtain if you have symptomatic hiatal hernia)
Your surgeon has to do an extra work on repairing the hernia at the time of the surgery.
Most of the hiatal hernias are just surgical findings because the patients do not have any complain or any symptom at all.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 18, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
Can I have my lap-band removed and get gastric bypass instead?
Thank you so much!
Comment by Angie — July 21, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
Oh, I have a slip right now in my band and all the fluid has been removed.
Before that I had already gained all my weight back and the band doesn’t seem
to work for me. That’s the reason for my inquiring about Gastric Bypass.
I would need to find a surgeon that can remove the Lap Band and perform Gastric Bypass.
Comment by Angie — July 21, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
I have just discovered by having an endoscopy my band has completely sunken into my small bowel. The photos from the endoscopy reveal large black patches in my stomach. is this an infection would you say or do you think this could be internal bleeding? I am asking this as i have been awaiting surgery to be de-banded for 2weeks as my surgeon is on leave, i am very worried as he has informed me that he has not ever had a patient to which this has happened. Thanks Jo
Comment by Jo — July 25, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Hello,
When a bariatric procedure fails, like in your case Angie, you can have the 4 next options:
To Re-locate the same band, to re-banding you, to have an sleeve gastrectomy or to have a gastric bypass. You have to discuss your best options with your docotr before you do anything.
Jo, your case is different that “normal erosion” because your Lap band has pass through completly the stomach wall. I will say that proper evaluation by the endoscopyst and removing the band endoscopically will be your best choice saving you for a new surgical procedure, this way you will also save some money.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 25, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
Thanks. could you tell me if “normal erosion” is common and what causes the band to pass through the stomach wall and if the small bowel can repaired safely?
Comment by Jo — July 25, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
Hello Jo,
Less than 5 % of lap band patients ends up w/erosion.
When a band is at the small bowell means that the hose or tube is in the stomach and the band went to the duodenum hanging from this tube that is conected to the port. I will first evaluate if your lap band is all inside and if it is I will disconected from the tube at the port and let it go. The patient will evacuate the band without having to repair anything at the stomach or the bowel. Fluoroscopic control needs to be done when the Dr. does it this way…
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 26, 2008 @ 7:01 am
Hi,
Is it possible to get the lap-band if you need to lose 40 lbs and you have high cholestrol? My BMI is 28.3
Comment by Sepi — August 4, 2008 @ 10:03 am
Hello,
I would say that it is possible to have the Lap band if you want lo lose the extra weigth and maintenance in the right weight to lower your cholesterol by increasing also your physical activity.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — August 13, 2008 @ 10:47 am
Hello Dr.
I have been overweight for 15 years. Only since having bipolar disorder diagnosed and treated with prescriptions that have caused the weight gain. I must take the meds! We have tried various combos to reduce the weight but to no avail. My BMI is only 27.5 I exercise, eat right (but too much) have high cholesterol and take a statin for that. I have lost the extra weigh via diet pills once, but regained. Would you recommend lap band or sleeve for me? I’m desperate to be at my normal weight again. Many thanks for your reply.
Mia
Comment by Mia — August 19, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
Dr. R You banded me in jan of 08 and i have since had 2 fills one on feb 12th ane the other on march 17th I hav’nt felt like I need another fill as I am still loosing weight I have lost 120 lbs up to this point, i was having some reflux so I had an EGD procedure performed and found out that I have esphogitis my doctor gave me an antiacid perscription but didnt seem to work so I went back to the doctor on fri oct 3rd and got nexium which seems to help but I’m still having problems keeping my food down I have been asperating in my sleep and have chest and back pain when I eat like a vice is clamping them together of course the doctors here immediatly want to remove the band but i want to know if it could be an ulcer (which i’ve in the past before being banded) or errosion and what would you recomend me doing?
KIM
Comment by skiutah — October 7, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Hello Kim,
I recommend you to have 1 cc removed from the band under fluoroscopy and to keep with the meds you are actually taking.
Since you have lost so much weight you don’t need to be very restricted with fluid.
I beleive you will improve from all your reflux.
We are haveing a get together here in Monterrey the first week end in December and I will check the patient’s bands in case you need me.
Dr. R
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — October 7, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Hey, hope this comment works I’m still pretty new to this whole blogging thing.
Thanks for the interesting dieting post! I stumbled on your blog while
searching for other people’s dieting stories. I’ve actually just started blogging about
my diet tips.
I lost over 30 pounds in a month
with a diet I developed! get back to me about it!
Warmest wishes,
-Joan
Comment by Weight Loss Blog — December 21, 2008 @ 12:43 am
i was wondering do u have to be put to sleep for this banding procedure or can u have a spinal or are there other options
Comment by amy — January 7, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
Hi,
General anesthesia is needed when using key hole surgery-Laparoscopy…
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — January 9, 2009 @ 2:39 am
Hello,
I have had the band for one year. Recently I have had sever pain near my port and also have been experiencing a lot of gas build up outside of my stomach. What are the symptoms of erosion?
Comment by Dave — January 13, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
Hello Dave,
30 % of Lapband Erosion starts with symptoms at the port area. Most cases shows lost of all kind of food restriction. A history of repeat vomiting, alcohol, medications as aspirin or other gastric irritants are also present. The need for having a fluoroscopic check of the lapband is imperative in order to rule out lapband erosion with a very high diagnostic accuracy. Some times is needed to have an endoscopic revision to complement the diagnosis.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — January 14, 2009 @ 12:22 am
Hello Dr, I have three questions for you. I have just been banded 4 weeks ago. My doctor never informed me of any possible complications. In fact I only saw him for 3 minutes when he asked me what I wanted, band or bipass. The next time I saw him was right before the surgery 4 months later. I only talked with the nutritionist about diet. I was told I didn’t need a post-op follow-up either. Just a fill once I stop loosing 2 pounds a week. Is this typical? I feel like a piece of meat. Anyway, I suffer from migrains. My normal routien is 800 miligrams of ibuprofine followed by an immitrex shot. Is there such thing as home ibuprofine shots? I don’t have a problem with the big needles expecially when I am suffering with a migraine. Also, when should I feel normal again. I have servere abdominal muscle spasms, intermittent stomach burning sensation, painful hiccups, and it feels like I have bones stuck in my throat. -Melissa
Comment by Melissa — February 8, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Hello Melissa,
The lap band patients need to be in close communication with the doctor to avoid complications and that is part of the post-op follow-up care needed for the lap band procedure.
The Lap band fills are done in case to case bases.
In your case I would recommend to talk with your doctor about the meds you are actually taking and make some changes to have more specific medication for migraine and to quit the anti-inflamatories.
Sounds like you have severe esophagitis and probably the pouch is swollen also. You need to protect the stomach with Maalox and Prilosec and take some fluid out of the band while you improve and also move to a free irritant diet.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — February 8, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
I have had my lap-band for a year.I recently had a Laproscopic splenectomy by the same surgeon who did my lap-band. I immediately after surgery noticed a difference in my band and asked the doctor if maybe he had to remove the fluid he said no. Three weeks later In gon in for a fill, and find out my tubing has come disconnected. The doctor says its a easy prcedure to correct. How common is it for the tubing to come disconnected and is this something easily repaired.
Comment by Linda S. — February 24, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
I noticed that this is not the first time you write about this topic. Why have you chosen it again?
Comment by Random T. — April 22, 2009 @ 1:59 am
I have been writing about generalities of the Lap-band procedure since long time ago but people seems to be more interested in the complications and I believe is because when the complications shows up like lapband erosion the patient feel devastated and helpless…
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 22, 2009 @ 8:13 am
Hi, courteous posts there
thank’s exchange for the gripping information
Comment by Jousydush — May 24, 2009 @ 11:10 pm
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
Comment by AndrewBoldman — June 4, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Hi, Congratulations to the site owner for this marvelous work you’ve done. It has lots of useful and interesting data.
Comment by reippeplatuig — June 5, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
I’m concerned that I may have a problem with my Lap-Band causing bleeding. I will frequently have reflux problems throughout the night and will wake up with a feeling that there’s something ‘fermenting’ in my stomach – even though I hadn’t eaten for 12 hours. This morning at around 9AM I spit up some of stuff and it looked like watered down chocolate pudding. The last time I’d eaten anything at all was 8PM last night (some popcorn). Is this something I should be concerned about?
Comment by Eric — June 11, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
Hello Eric,
I would recommend to you to have removed all the fluid from the Lapband and also to have an endoscopy done to rule out any chances of bleeding or the presence of agastric ulcer.
You should be taking antacids like Maalox and Acid blockers plus a diet without irritants…
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — June 12, 2009 @ 7:13 am
Hello I just two weeks ago had to have my band removed from an infection of the port and an appendectomy was also performed which had infected as well,my question is my surgeon said I could not get my band replaced but could chose another procedure. I do not know what caused the infection as I had no fills for over 5 months,my question is this do you agree after an infection and removal a new band should be avoided?
Comment by Delores — June 24, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
Hello Delores,
I do re-band many patients from other doctors after they failed the first time for any reason at six to eight months of been de-banded.
Placing a new lapband it is not an easy task because of the adhesions and the scar tissue and many doctors want to bypass this situation by offering other bariatric procedures.
I think that at the end taking proper care to the adjustments and to the diet will make possible to succeed this second time as many patients have shown.
Arturo Rodriguez, MD
http://www.thebariatric.com
http://www.bandstersforum.com
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — June 24, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
Thank You for your reply,I will be looking into rebanding or maybe I will chose the sleeve as a second option.
Comment by Delores — July 10, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
I just found this website because I am trying to find answers. I am not satisfied with the customer service I have been provided by my Dr. I have been banded almost 4 months. Only had one set back, was over filled and had to have some taken out. That was about 6 weeks ago and it has been smooth sailing. Until the last week or so. I am nauseous a lot. I have not changed my diet or added anything new (I am NOT pregnant either!!) I am the most nauseous after I eat for about an hour or two. Just a really crappy feeling in my stomach. I am now worried about erosions or ulcers that I have read about. I was also taking ibuprofen for a few weeks for an unrelated issue (800mg once or maybe 2X a day) and I wasn’t aware that I shouldn’t take NSAIDS. I also drink 1-2cups of coffee a day (again, wasn’t instructed on that either). Is there anything I can do for the nausea? My Dr just told me to eat less!! Although I tried explaining it wasn’t pain from overeating or food getting stuck, but he didn’t care. Just told me to eat less and call back in a week or two. Any advice??
Very frustrated!!
Comment by Julie — September 30, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Hello,
Sorry to hear you are not getting a proper follow up by your doctor…Need to protect the stomach with antacids and acid blockers also (Maalox and Pepcid complete) and quit the irritants…
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — October 3, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
My son who is now 23, had a lap banding 2 years ago. He has lost about 60# and has done well until recently. He has developed flank pain that doesn’t seem musculoskeletal and over the past week hymptomis and bright red blood in his stool (about 3 T). He denies feeling sick, does admit to drinking alcohol (3 glasses wine per week), doesn’t take NSAID, but does eat some spicy food. The blood is now not associated with back pain. He is waiting to see his doctor. I found this site as a fluke thing, just googling in his symptoms of Blood in Stool AND hymptosis AND back pain…..didn’t realize the band could erode. Does his symptoms sound like erosion to you. AT first he had delayed weight loss so I know his doctor did fill him quite often. If he has erosion then my understanding is that the band has to be removed?
Comment by pattyvickland — October 7, 2009 @ 11:48 am
Hello Patti,
Blood coming out anywhere requires prompt attention…
Symptoms associated with blood in the stools can be cause by many diseases but one of them could be Lap band erosion.
Removing all the fluid in the lap band as a first step is needed plus H2 blockers and antacids when lap band erosion is suspected.
Need also to have an endoscopic check up and in many cases that the bleeding source is not found a colonoscopic revision is required.
Some of the patients had the band been removed under this circumstances
Dr. Arturo Rodriguez
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — October 15, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
Hi Dr-
I had the Realize band put in on Sept 1, 2009. It was band over gastric bypass. From the beginning, I had nausea and vomiting. They kept taking fluid out of the band (they said I had a stressful job and that’s why it kept tightening) and finally it got to the point last week where they emptied it. After an upper GI (showing nothing), a CT (showing nothing) and finally an egd, they diagnosed me with the band being eroded. I was told it was probably because of the gastric bypass (the scar tissues, etc.) and even after I healed for 6 months, I could not have another band. Does any of this sound familiar to you? How would you advise me?
Elena
Comment by Elena — March 13, 2010 @ 6:55 pm
Hello Elena,
I have 103 revisional surgeries done in Gastric Bypass patients where weight re-gain was considered for placing a Lapband over the gastric pouch. In three of them it was impossible for me to place a Lapband because of the scar tissue.
Open Gastric Bypass leaves much more scar tissue than when is done Laparoscopic and the time when the Gastric Bypass was performed plays a big role in founding scar tissue easier to dissect.
When was your Gastric Bypass done? How long ago? What type of Lapband did you have? Was any of these procedures done open?
Let me know.
Dr. R
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — March 14, 2010 @ 11:58 am
Hi Dr R-
I had open gastric bypass done in 10/2003. I had the realize band put in (laprascopically) on 9/1/2009. It was determined through endoscope that there was erosion and my band had to be removed. This was last week. I am recovering from that surgery (which is a pretty tough recovery). This surgery was laprascopic as well. I know that once my stomach heals, I will need another tool. Even though I was sick all the time with the band, it controlled my hunger.
My surgeon informed me (before he removed the band) that another band was not an option. Once you experienced erosion, you don’t risk it a second time with another band. So am at a loss at what to do.
Elena
Comment by Elena — March 15, 2010 @ 9:51 am
Hi Elena,
You will need a Barium Swallow in 6 months and then we will see if you have an enlarged gastric pouch to do something in there. There is a couple options you could have depending on how is the healing of the stomach after the removal…
Dr. R
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — March 15, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
Hi Dr.,
My doctor told me that my band might be eroded. I am getting an upper GI (Barium Swallow) done this coming week and if they do find that it is eroded, do I have to have surgery to remove it right away or is there a possibility for me to wait about a month? Is it dire to have it removed asap?
I’ve been having ongoing problems with it for the past three years and now and would want to know if I waited an extra month to get it removed (if that is the case) would be a problem. My doctor told me if it was eroded, he would remove the old one and put a new one in.
I don’t have pain but my port area does get red every now and then.
Thank you for all your help,
Heather
Comment by Heather — March 16, 2010 @ 10:57 am
Hello Heather,
Lapband erosion is not an emergency, so you can weight a couple months to be de-banded.
Your doctor can’t put a Lapband back at the same day you have the lapband removed because will eroded very fast again so you have to wait at least 6 months before having a new one.
Dr. R
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — March 17, 2010 @ 6:45 am
Hi Dr R-
My dr won’t reband and frankly I don’t want to go through this type of surgery again (the removal). I know the Rose procedure is an option (although the surgeon who did my band says that the Rose procedure is still rudimentary), but I am not aware of other options. Could you please clue me in.
I had barium swallow before the lapband but it did not show the results of pouch dilation, but an ensuing endoscopy did. So I am assuming that I will need an endoscope at 6 months to determine the status of my stomach health and the size of my pouch.
Thanks-
Elena
Comment by Elena — March 18, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
The lapband has to come out anyway because you have a erosion and is going to erode more and more until is the hole band inside the stomach.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — March 18, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM EROSION. I AM HAVING THE LAP BAND AND I AM SO SCARED OF DEATH FROM COMPLACATIONS. WHAT DO MOST LAP BAND PATIENTS DIE FROM AND HOW MANY
Comment by miriam — March 31, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Very few reports of death world wide during the de-banding procedure, I believe they were done by groups with poor laparoscopic experience.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — March 31, 2010 @ 10:31 pm
I had lapband surgery 2 years ago and have only lost 40pounds and a year ago my port was turned over and needed replacing and now a year later and since Jan. my hunger has increased alot and not losing weight except gained what I lost over Nov and Dec. and now I gained weight can lose a pound here and there and I have always been able to eat larger quantities till I get feeling full or when I start to hiccup. But, after the port repair my fill person did up me .5 and I became to tight and developed a hiatus hernia and now from Jan my appetite has increased alot and gaining some weight although last nite lost a pound and a half and have some tenderness at port site no reddness or any signs of infection but a sort of tugging feeling on the right and I have contacted my family doctor and she will order a barium swallow but I am also a diabetic on insulin and I really hate to see my band go but I really don’t want this to happen but I am hearing of this gastric sleeve plication versus gastric sleeve and I am really scared of the complications of the gastrectomy versus the plication but with the lapband problems and low weight loss I just don’t know what would be better with less problems because I seem to have complications with everything I try and I don’t want to gain the weight back because of my health. How is the lapband removal surgery done and is it possible to have it removed and then have sleeve surgery right away but I am afraid of my healing power because of my diabetes. I want your opinion as to what to do and does it sound like my band is eroded?
Comment by Pat — April 19, 2010 @ 10:35 pm
Hello Pat,
How log have you been on Insulin…Gastric sleeve helps better to diabetic patients than the plication of the stomach. Also the time you have been diabetic with insulin also plays a role for the Gastric Sleeve to cure diabetes but will help any way. You have to be check first to know your lapband status and work from them to see your best options.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 20, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
Does SMOKING cause EROSION????
Thanks Devery
Comment by devery dwyer — April 26, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
Hello Devery,
Smoking alone does not causes Lapband erosion….Smoking, plus stomach irritants (food, alcohol, coffee) yes it does..
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 26, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
I have a four questions. I’m three weeks out, my first apointment is next week. So far so good. If the band fill to tite causes erosion I think I want to wait to be filled. It’s slow but working. I eat my 2oz.x 3 daily. Sometimes I’m really hungry but get throught it. Can I wait to be fill when I stop losing??? You mentioned to also protect the stomach. Before surgery I have a small ihiatel hernia and felt presser (GAS) but without acid reflex. I was taking Prilosec/Omeprazole. I don’t feel any gas presser in my chest anymore.
Should I continue to take the Prilosec??? I am probably taking what you adviced to others out of context. But I paid cash and won’t be able to afford any problems. So its good to be informed. Should I take Rolaids
at bedtime for good measure??? I also take Acidophilus a probiotic blend. What does that do??? Is Acidophilus helpful??? Thank you so much, Devery
Comment by devery dwyer — April 26, 2010 @ 8:09 pm
Hello again,
I think you are eating very little so is no rush for having a Lapband Fill done. As long as you are losing weight there is not a time frame for having a fill for more restriction of food. In case that you are not able to pass liquids and soft food you need moer of fluid to be taken out.
Prilosec helps but also at night I like my patients to take Pepcid complete (chewable) or liquid Maalox.
Acidophilus is OK…
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 26, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Thank you for your speedy help. I have not yet had a fill. My Dr. doesnt fill untill one month after surgery.
And has his patients on 3 Tbsp protein and 1 Tbsp vegetable x 3 daily No fruit No snacking! 64oz.water and more. This diet is untill I meet my goal weight. I’m 55yrs. at 210lb.5″1 shorty.I would like to be 115-120lb I have lose 21 lb. and 4inches in waist size. The past three weeks. Awesome! I do feel unable to “think” and remember what I’m doing,also tired. I take a chewable Multivitamin, B-6, B-12, B-complex and Calcium with D.
Am I missing anything??? What do you suggest???
Again Thank You so much for your help. I have Pepcid complete on my shopping list for hour of sleep.
Comment by devery dwyer — April 26, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
This will be my last question for tonight. You have been so very helpful. If I dont drink alcohol and coffee
vinegar,soy sauce and limited hot chili,salas (I love hot and spicy food) will I be ok to smoke one or two at most cigarettes daily. That has been the hardest. Not eating has been easier than not smoking. What are the foods irrantants so I can avoid then all.
Comment by devery dwyer — April 26, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
The one you mentioned are good to avoid. Smoking is OK.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 27, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
I do fill 6 weeks after surgery if the patient has stopped loosing weight.
My diet has been the same since we started 15 years ago to place Lapbands and just the first week is to be on liquids, second and third week is soft food and at the fouth week you start with beef.
Bread, tortilla, pasta and sometimes rice are difficult to pass so avoid them aqs much as you can.
I dont like my patientients taking any vitamin because are irritants and causes more restriction than should be.
Caklcium with D is OK
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 27, 2010 @ 7:02 pm
On vitamins if they are chewable, sublingual, and liquid does that still cause irritation??? Should I take them at different times instead of at the same time??? Should I take liq. Maalox first or at bed time only?? I take Acidophlus out of the cap and pore the power on a spoon of cottage cheese is that an irritant???
What is the calories count after the fourth week to life??? What I understand is 4tablespoons=2oz.x3daily No carbs. Untill goal weight is reached.
Comment by devery dwyer — April 28, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
Lapband surgery is not like Gastric Bypass surgery were treating with vitamins are part of the procedure.
Vitamins irritate the stomach when taken orally. You can have shots of B12 if you need it.
You should be eating almost regular food by the fourth week but less amount than beforer the lapband.
I don’t count calories after a lapband but recommend to choose your food carefully and increase you daly activity in a way you lose weight. When you dont lose any weight then you go for a lapband fill.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 28, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
OK! I get it absolutly NO vitamins or food that cause irritation to the stomach/pouch. Which later causes erosion. I’m sorry I wasnt informed early. I have been taking vitamins after the first week. And I believe the information given to me was based on G-bypass. The pre surgery video was on G-bypass. My surgon apologized but what good was it, I have had to do the research and to late at that. To late is to late and I’m Angry. Looking over the food list given to me that I can eat after 4 wks, are the ones you mention will irritate the stomach. Vinegar,soy sauce and chili peppers. I’m guessing there are many more foods that will irritate. Where can I get a list of “food”, and drugs. What about liquid extra strength tylenol??? I take no narcotics or drink alcohol. Do you have a list of foods that irritate the stomach I can follow??? Thank you for all your needed information!!
Comment by devery dwyer — April 28, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
I have also a message board at:
http://www.bandstersforum.com that is very informative and will help you. It is open to everyone having a Lapband or that have been my patient…There is not such a list but acidic food, aspirin plus anti-inflamatories are also not recomended without protecting the stomach.
Tylenol is OK
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 28, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
Did I tell you, I love you! You have been a huge help. I’m now a bandster. Thanks
Comment by devery dwyer — April 28, 2010 @ 10:45 pm
Hope you get all the help you need.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — April 29, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
I had lap band almost 5 years ago. I initially lost 50 pounds within aobut 9 months. I started gaining weight back (mostly my fault). I was having family problems and did not return for fills and started eating the “wrong” things. I have now gained the 50 pounds back. When I started going back for fills it was put some in, take some out. Never a comfortable middle. I was recently diagnosed with a large Hiatal Hernia. I’ve been miserable. I am always sick to my stomach, severe reflux, pain. I’ve been to my doctor who said switching to the bypass is good option for me. He can then fix the hernia. We are working the my insurance comp, but would just like to know how successful is bypass after the lap band and hiatal surgery. Thanks so much. Joan
Comment by Joan — May 1, 2010 @ 3:44 am
Hi Joan,
It is OK to have a GB after de-banding but your doctor when he placed the lap band should notice the hernia was there and repaired at the same time.
In case he didn’t suspect of any hernia at that time while placining the lapband you need to have doble check the diagnosis because sometimes slippage is the problem.
I would do a de-banding + a gastric sleeve.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — May 2, 2010 @ 4:20 pm
I had an allergan lap band put in Dec 2007. I had lost close to 50 pounds and had no complications until Sept 2009. At that time I developed severe acid reflux, vomiting, etc. It was determined that I had strictures. I had the procedure done where they put a balloon down and expand it. I didn’t have a fill until Dec 2009. However, ever since I’ve never felt any restriction since the procedure. I’ve been going for fills every month since Dec 2009. And never felt any restriction. I have gained all my weight back plus some. This past month my dr. said I should be at 14cc (I think he said the band holds 16cc??). So he withdrew all the fluid to see how much was in there. He only got 4cc and it was discolored fluid. He said he would call me about having an upper GI. What do you think is going on?
Comment by SandyP. — May 7, 2010 @ 11:25 am
You probably have a leak some where in the Lapband system.
You need to be check with iopamiro through the port to detect at what level is the lapband leaking at.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — May 7, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
Hello Dr. Rodriguez,
I recently found out that I have erosion in my band, and the doctor will be removing it ASAP. I had an upper Endoscopy done and this is how they found out I have erosion; they also found that I have an Ulcer. The Erosion has caused my port area to swell and become irritated.
Since I am removing the lap band, will this help with my ulcer? Also, how long, more or less, is the recovery time after de-banding? Is it a feasible option for me to get a new lap-band after 6 months of de-banding or is the gastric sleeve a better idea?
Your prompt response is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
A
Comment by Alyssa — May 25, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Hello Alyssa,
The recover from de-banding after a lapband erosion is about 3-4 days. The ulcer will cure after 1 week.
You can have either the lapband or the sleeve depending on how you were doing in handeling your first lapband.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — May 25, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
I had my lap band removed a week ago because of erosion and infection. I am a smoker and wanted to know when I could start smoking again. I know it’s a bad habit and I should stop, but I’m wondering when I can have one since my surgery was a little over a week ago.
Thanks.
Comment by Carlos — June 4, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
Wait another week and in case you can then quit at all.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — June 4, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Hello Dr. Rodriguez,
I was banded Dec 2009. Have been doing well until 6 weeks ago.I have a sharp pinching sensation sometimes above the port, below it and to the left of it when I sit for a long time (eg on an airplane, at my desk etc) and also when I bend at the waist. The sensation resolves when I stand upright. I had one or two episodes of dry heaves before this symptom started due to a vertigo problem. Any idea what this is?
Comment by Andrea — June 14, 2010 @ 10:34 pm
Hello Andrea,
What kind of Lapband do you have?
How may cc’s do you have?
Some of the Lapband ports as the Realize band port has hooks instead of sutures and you can feel a pinching sometimes.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — June 15, 2010 @ 9:11 am
Dr Rodriguez,
Thanks for your prompt reply. I was afraid I had loosened or disrupted the band by vomiting. I currently have 8 cc in my Realize band.
Comment by Andrea — June 15, 2010 @ 10:50 am
Hello Andrea,
I think is too soon to have 8 cc’s if you had the Realize band in just 5 months so probably that is why you are vomiting.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — June 15, 2010 @ 11:23 am
Hello Dr. I just had my lap band removed after having a bad abdominal pain, and bad temperatures they discover my band was eroded and I had a bad infection,the band made a hole I was in the hospital for 8 long days I just want to know, how long will take my recovery…thank you
Comment by yeni ardon — July 7, 2010 @ 10:12 am
Hello Yeni,
I am very surprised you were in the hospital for 8 days. Was the de-banding done laparoscopically or open surgery?
I do it laparoscopically and is an overnight surgery because patients recover from surgery very fast.
You should be doing normal life by now.
Let me know
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 7, 2010 @ 7:02 pm
Has anyone expierinced migrian headaches post lap band surgery?
Comment by lori — July 9, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
Hello Dr. Rodriguez
Well my Dr. Told me I had a very bad infection and it was neccesary to be in the hospital for 8 days because I needed the antibiotics “IV” I was on npo for 6 days and started the clear liquids after that, he also told me to watch what I eat because he don’t think is possible to do a bypass or any other kind of bariatric sergery, because of the damage the the band made. I had a laparoscopically sergery, I’m now 20 days from sergery and still at home not working because of gas pain and still not feeling normal I been feeling weak. Just hope I get to normal soon.
Thanks you for time Dr. rodriguez and I’m sorry for my spelling spanish is my first lenguage and english my second. God bless you and thanks again.
Comment by yeni ardon — July 10, 2010 @ 10:38 am
Hello Yeni,
Spanish it is also my mothers tongue.
I think you could have a Gastric Sleeve after 6-8 months and I agreed with your doctor that the Bypass would be a very high risk procedure since leaking increases 30%.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 10, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
Hello Lori,
Weight loss help in many ways and one could be that migraine attacks disappear.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 10, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
I had the lap band place back in October 2006, I was losing the weight as expected by my doctor everything was going well I thought this is the best decision ever. Then the enevitable happened I started having acid reflux symptoms which lead to extreme vomiting causing band slippage in May 2008 my band had to be replace and from there on I started gaining weight gradually, I would go in for fills but I would only have restriction for that day. Soon it because to expensive to pay for every office visit and stop going. I recently had to change doctors due to my insurance, and had an upper gi and was told that it was abnormal however I feel fine. I was advise that it was very tight, however I have very minimal restriction and from time to time I vomit. I don’t eat junk food, i don’t drink soda, I eat healthy but I feel no success and its causing me to be depress from time to time. I save one outfit when I was at my heaviest and vowed to never go back, and what started as a success is now making me feel as a failure.
What can I do? I am schedule to see a new specialist in August what should I expect from this visit?
Comment by Vie — July 10, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
Hello Violeta,
I would like to know what kind of a lapaband do you have and what they meant by abnormal upper GI?
You should expected to have another upper GI with this new bariatric surgeon to have a proper diagnosed.
How is the esophageal motility?
Let us know
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 11, 2010 @ 6:20 am
Hello Dr. Rodriguez,
Well what they meant by abnormal upper gi was that it showed to be extremely tight. So they were concern that I would be feeling ill, or experiencing symptoms like vomiting or acid reflux, unable to even drink any water. However, on the contrary I can eat anything I want if I wanted to, except for chicken that always seems to get stuck so I avoid it, but in addition, I don’t feel any restriction what so ever. I’m not sure what you mean by esophageal motility, ??
Comment by Vie — July 11, 2010 @ 10:06 pm
Hello violeta,
Esophageal motility is the normal contraction movement we have after swallowing any food or any liquid in order to move it downwards.
You can have the lapband very tight and don’t feel the restriction as you should because the food haven’t gotten to the neck of the lapband because of a delay of the esophageal movement. That means that you are holding the food in the pouch but also in the esophagus.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 12, 2010 @ 7:40 am
Hello Dr. Rodriguez,
I see, and is this dangerous?
How can this be identified and how can it be fix?
Can it be possible for me to have this problem and not feel uncomfortable when I eat?
Comment by Vie — July 12, 2010 @ 8:25 pm
Hello Violeta,
You can either be checked again with fluoro or have a pressure and motility test done by endoscopist.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — July 13, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Hello Dr.Rodriguez,
Okay so I guess I won’t know until I have my doctors appointment in august.
I will let you know how that went, and would like to hear your opinion.
Thank You, I really appreciate your time and knowledge in this its been very useful.
Thank You again.
Comment by Vie — July 16, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
I had my lap band placed Feb. 11, 2010 and I also had a hiatal hernia repair. I have had problems with the band being to tight since day one. I only have 2cc’s in the band and I feel a lot of restriction. My problems is when I have a social weekend in which I drink alcohol, smoke cigareettes, and maybe eat spicy foods; I can’t even get water down the next day.It is the worst feeling in the world. I am currently experiencing this, I am taking Nexium and Malox, it has been 4 days and I have only drank water and chicken broth. I have to take small sips if not I get stuck and have to vomit. I have lost a total of 50lbs. since surgery day. I know of others who have the lap band and also ingest irritants from time to time and don’t have this feeling. Any thoughts? Could the band have eroded into my stomach? I also have a lot of pain when I drink or try to eat anything while I am going through this.
Comment by Linda — August 19, 2010 @ 9:40 pm
Hello Linda,
You probably have a severe inflammatory reaction to the irritants and alcohol. The amount of cc’s you have makes me conclude that you have a small lapband version and by removing 1 cc you will be much better.
Comment by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez — August 20, 2010 @ 8:56 am