Scorpio Girl

Is your port on the left? Could be tubing that is causing the pain. There have been a few reports of tubing wrapped around intestines causing severe pain.

Is your port on the left? Could be tubing that is causing the pain. There have been a few reports of tubing wrapped around intestines causing severe pain.

But the purpose of my post is to let anyone know that scar tissue ALONE DOES not cause lap band complications, there has to be some "other underlying issues such as a too short esophagus, achalasia (which is a complication of the esophagus without any lap band) being banded will make it worse.
I don't have a short esophagus, didn't have any signs of achalasia pre-band.
Scar tissue forms around the lap band anyway because it helps hold it in place long term along with the sutures.
Yes, but the scar tissue isn't under the band, it's usually at the site of the tissue that is used to suture the band in place.
Glad you're enjoying life with your second band.
You seem to consider yourself an expert in Lapband.

Posted Today, 4:42 AM
Scorpio Girl, on July 16, 2013 - 10:31 AM, said:
I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing. I only had 2 cc in my band, so never kept it tight. Emptied it, things got worse and fast. I've been on soft diet to rest my esophagus, but the doctors think the band has grown scar tissue under it and its going to come out. I'm very upset about this. I've been super vigilant about my diet, eating habits to make sure I wouldn't fail. Didn't make a difference. Doctors say they are seeing more and more like me and there's a chance I will have damage that won't heal, so prolly no revision surgery. I'm so close to goal. Not a happy camper right now and questioning why damage to the esophagus wasn't specifically mentioned in the pre op time.
Sorry you had to get your band removed that must have been devastating.
However, two things caught my eye, the things that other vets used to warn me about over 8 years ago, and sadly MANY newbies are not listening or being educated on warning signs with the lap band, many ignore the warnings especially if they are losing weight, so it's extremely hard to convince someone to get a small unfill if the scale are moving.
When you first mentioned:
I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing
That ruff couple of months really meant your band was way too tight, I have seen others refuse to get saline removed from the band, you decided to do something when the reflux started, which is often times TOO LATE, and the band has slipped and permanent lap band damage has occurred.
No, my band wasn't "too tight". The scar tissue UNDER the band was constricting my stoma. Maybe you didn't see I only had 2cc in a 10cc band. I also DIDN'T have a slip.
Time is of essence to prevent permanent damage to the lap band, my pouch got dilated with my old band in less than 6 weeks, so damage can occur pretty quickly if someone is too tight and don't get saline removed immediately, this is the part where AFTERCARE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT WITH THE LAP BAND, because if someone can't get to their surgeon in time before damage is done, they risk losing the band or living a horrible banded life filled with vomiting and horrible reflux, pain and burning.
You also mentioned you only had 2ccs in your band, this has NOTHING to do with it, it's NEVER how much saline is in your band, it's how you feel, some people are too tight at 1cc, sometimes the surgeon places a too small band for someone's anatomy which can cause issues too, if your band was too tight at 2cc, you should have immediately got some saline taken out, banded life should never be rough.
Perhaps you should read my profile to see that I've been diligent with follow up. I had mild reflux earlier and had 1cc removed. When the reflux returned I got the rest removed. I'm very close to goal. I didn't get there over night, it took over 2.5 years of utilizing my tool properly to get there.
I've had a band almost 8 years and I've read NUMEROUS studies, how lap band complication, occur, I even had a complication myself 6 years ago with my first band mild pouch dilation, my first surgeon filled me too tight, (and I traveled, which caused additional swelling) which was treated immediately when I got home, with completely emptying the band, and medication, before too much damage was done) plus I had a hiatal hernia last year that also caused some pain, and every time I would fill the band optimally I would get reflux.
My new surgeon told me that my first band was never placed properly, also it was damaged from being too tight in the first year, But I never had band slippage, or difficulty eating unless my band was too tight, but, I decided to get my hernia repaired, and my surgeon removed my old band, port and tubing, and replaced it with a new AP small band all in one surgery, and my second band surgery was a WHOLE LOT EASIER than my first band surgery
Why was my second band replacement recovery was easier? Could be that my new surgeon has more experience placing bands, I was my first surgeons 10th band placement over 8 years ago, and my second surgeon had done over 500 bands and had much more experience
I had a LOT of scar tissue/adhesion's too when my surgeon went in to replace my new band, and SCAR tissue is very common after band revision, some people have more scar tissue than others, and too much scar tissue will make it very difficult to revise to any weight loss surgery band or not. But some surgeons are very skilled to clean up the scar tissue to make it possible for weight loss surgery and revisions. My surgeon told me it took an extra hour during my band replacement to clean up all the scar tissue before placing the second band.
Also you are correct everyone is not a candidate to get rebanded, some people have too much damage to the esophagus and band slipped too bad, this is why it is VERY important for lap banders to know the warning signs of being too tight, and THERE ARE WARNINGS, such as not able to eat solids after a fill adjustment, many people will NOT go back to get saline removed in fear that it will cost too much money, or they think they can lose weight more quickly, also frequent vomiting are warnings, coughing and reflux are lap band killers, and when the reflux starts this often indicate that the band has already slipped to some degree.
I didn't have problems eating solids after a fill EVER. I never had a slip.
Can reflux be treated with a mild damaged band? Yes, I lived with a mild pouch dilation with my old band for over 7 years, plus I had a un diagnosed hiatal hernia which also contributed to reflux, and I was still able to get good restriction, but I had to take PPi's to control it, and be mindful of not eating too close to bedtime and use pillows to prop my head.
Thank god, and lessons learned with my new band I have no refux -- yet because my new surgeon repaired the hiatal hernia before he placed my new band and I am almost 1 year post op with my new band.
I had a hiatal hernia repair with my band placement.
Again, I had scar tissue too, but I was able to have a successful band revision ALL IN ONE SURGERY, I have never read any studies to support scar tissue that cause lap band complications, however the symptoms you mentioned are WELL DOCUMENTED as band slippage and pouch dilation from being too tight.
Just because you never read studies that scar tissue can cause complications doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
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Banded 9/30/05 - Dr. Moazzez, Fairfax, Va
4cc 10m Lap Band, lost 130 pounds.
Rebanded 11/13/2012 - Dr. James Ku, Lancaster, PA
AP small lap band
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I really am insulted by your assumptions. I have my surgical report that states clearly that I had scar tissue in "remarkable quantities under the band position and around the lower esophagus preventing the lower esophageal sphincter from opening in response to swallowing. This caused food to remain in the esophagus causing profound esophageal dilation. Patient was compliant with dietary plan throughout the course of treatment and kept all follow up appointments. Pre operative manometry testing might have shown that the patient was not a candidate for AGB, since this is a high pressure system that has the potential to cause damage to nerves in the gastro-esophageal junction, causing achalasia like symptoms. Tissues are compromised in the esophagus and gastric fundus making further bariatric surgery risk excessive and contraindicated."
You make it sound like I should have been aware of the scar tissue forming before I had symptoms....exactly how does that work?
Who are you, I haven't seen you post until very recently?

The link to the research studies which validate the: " It's just jealousy! The lap band is the most hated (due to jealousy) of all the weight loss surgeries, don't know why" can be located where?
Inquiring minds want to know...

No link provided...I guess that invalidates your previous statement that paraphrased "everything I post can be supported with research online".
Another incredible broad generalization posted...not intending to start anything, but I seriously did want to know the origin of the research which indicates bands are most hated because of jealousy.
I had never read that before...just curious. I believe that is your opinion. I never read/heard anything to that effect.
Best wishes...

Again, saying that your truth is the only truth is just not reasonable. Suggesting that ppl who post about their complications or disagree with your opinion, are lying is very disrespectful. I'm appalled that since I now have a known complication I'm considered full of BS or just outright lying about it. I'm pretty disappointed in this. I guess there's no room on LBT for those who aren't so called "cheerleaders".

Again, saying that your truth is the only truth is just not reasonable. Suggesting that ppl who post about their complications or disagree with your opinion, are lying is very disrespectful. I'm appalled that since I now have a known complication I'm considered full of BS or just outright lying about it. I'm pretty disappointed in this. I guess there's no room on LBT for those who aren't so called "cheerleaders".

Again, saying that your truth is the only truth is just not reasonable. Suggesting that ppl who post about their complications or disagree with your opinion, are lying is very disrespectful. I'm appalled that since I now have a known complication I'm considered full of BS or just outright lying about it. I'm pretty disappointed in this. I guess there's no room on LBT for those who aren't so called "cheerleaders".

I was part of a study and had to go to the surgeon's office every month for the first year, every quarter for the second year and third year. I saw a dietician 18 times in this period. I had blood drawn at every visit. I had to diary everything.
I'm sorry you are frightened by my posts and feel the need to be defensive and question my motives. I don't blame you. I have been through so much with my band that if I can prevent one person from having to go through what I did, I will take the anger. Again, I am sorry that you are scared.
I was not on the forums for a long time because I was out enjoying life. When I started to gain weight, I thought that I was doing something wrong and I was ashamed. I have since learned from my surgeon that I did everything right, but the band is just not the tool we hoped it would be. This is my story, and if you do not like it because it does not align with what you think you know, then I can not do anything about that.
I do know how scary it is to face WLS and to place all of your hopes and dreams in this device. I have done it. And I'm sorry to say that it broke my heart in a million pieces.

Oh, and there is a current study underway of the clinical trial folks like me as to the long-term results. This will be concluded in another year. However, early indicators show that most have revised or had the band removed after ten years.
Also, in the March 2013 edition of Bariatric News, there is an article called 'Prepare for revisional band operations, says surgeon." In the article, it notes that "every single band implated at the hospital in 2000 has now been removed, half of the bands implanted in 2005 have been removed, and 10% of the bands placed in 2010-2012 have been removed."
I don't wish this on anyone, Missy. It looks like you have fought hard and that your band has worked for you to lose a lot of weight and I am very happy for you.
I started at 306.5, lowest weight was 220, and after the band had to be completely unfilled due to extreme GERD, I am now at 316.
Here is what bothers me: we should not be shaming people who have had complications with their band and come here to talk about it, or to tell their opinion/experience. Shame is not helpful and tells me that the person doing the shaming most likely feels intense shame themselves and they are trying to pass it around. Everyone here has worth and deserves patience and the oportunity to tell their side of the story.

It should concern anyone with a band. My situation isn't unique. I'm just starting to really understand what is happening to my stomach/esophagus due to the band. These issues weren't included in my informed consent.

It should concern anyone with a band. My situation isn't unique. I'm just starting to really understand what is happening to my stomach/esophagus due to the band. These issues weren't included in my informed consent.

I've used it and its amazing to see documents that our ancestors signed. I paid $161 inc tax for 6 months. You can go month to month also. I documented my paternal granmother's lineage back to the 13th century!

Look up Molina Band. It was before the adjustable gastric band, was mesh and has caused a lot of problems. I found Dana on Facebook and she's for real, was considering revising to a new band, which is why she was here. Me thinks the "troll antennae" are on hyper-vigilant setting...geesh!

Hi more WLS is the last thing on my mind now, I have 3 children one only 6 weeks old so I will not risk anything like this again. I decided last year to address the reasons why I over eat and started having CBT which has helped me to identify my reasons for over eating and I feel this knowledge and understanding will finally help me to address my food issues. I have also contacted a dietician and hopefully with her help I can start making healthier choices for my whole family.

Or her...just sayin...

An experienced revision surgeon will have the skill, knowledge and resources to help you make a decision about what to do. Implanting a band around a virgin stomach is much different than putting a new band on a damaged and surgically altered stomach. Best of luck to you!

I'm a bit offended by your comments, to be honest. The fact remains that Lapband and Realize Band were developed in Europe. As for everyone going back where they came from, if you're not 100% Native American, see ya later...

Bands were developed, implanted and studied in Europe long before they were approved here. Europe isn't a backwards place, just different than here. I have lots of family there and the medical care in most countries is excellent.

I haven't replied to your claim that "affluent Europeans always come to the U.S. when they need specialized medical care" because it is your opinion (and rather prejudiced) and that's all, unless you have a link to back it up. I'm pretty busy living my life, approaching my goal weight. I don't have a whole lot of time to spend here.

I haven't replied to your claim that "affluent Europeans always come to the U.S. when they need specialized medical care" because it is your opinion (and rather prejudiced) and that's all, unless you have a link to back it up. I'm pretty busy living my life, approaching my goal weight. I don't have a whole lot of time to spend here.

I lived in Italy for 13 years. They are top notch doctors in university hospitals ( teaching hospitals) with ZERO bedside manner.
They are using lapband at a greater rate than ever before. As a whole they are not as obese a country as the US and they are twice the population of California but just half the size. So they may not have the upper hand on quantity but I'd trust any of them with my life.
Sitting on a couch in America globalizing statements with no backing is not conducive to a productive group discussion. We all must hold our own trial, be our own jury, make our own decisions. It's just nice to get others opinions once I a while. This is my opinion of course.
If my device must be removed down the road, so be it. Today, I am using this tool to make myself healthier and a whole lot happier!

Liz, if your Lapband doctor isn't finding you an answer, you need a second or even third opinion. Find a gastric specialist (surgeon or gastroenterologist) who can guide you to a solution. Universities with a medical center are excellent resources for symptoms that are unusual or don't have a clear origin. The worst thing you can do is the same thing, without results, just runnin' in circles.

I was originally banded in 2008 right after my insurance started covering it. The sleeve was still experimental. This summer my band was replaced due to a leak. My doc recommended changing to a sleeve and I was supportive, but insurance would would not cover a different type of weight loss surgery "one type per lifetime". Heck, I had to fight them for four months to even replace the defect. Originally they only agree to take out the defect.
I originally picked the band over bypass for the same reasons as most--reversible, to rerouting, etc. However, if I was starting new today, I would choose the sleeve over band because of the lack of follow-up fills, unfills, 40%+ failure or replacement rate over time. The sleeve is a compromise between the band and bypass and gets a weight loss rate close to the bypass.