Luna Koi

People who wait until they're at the Snacks counter at a movie theater before deciding what they want make me insane. We're all waiting and reading the same giant popcorn menu on the wall, but they act like it's a big surprise when they actually get to the counter. People who say "up" as in I'm going up to California, when they already live in Oregon, for example, drive me nuts too. Look at a map, people. North is Up, South is Down. It's not that complicated. Okay, I feel better now.

This is a scream!

I'm very sorry you're losing your band. I lost mine to erosion too. Doctors will rarely reband after erosion, because of problems with scar tissue. Also, no one knows what causes erosion, so most doctors fear the same thing will happen again. Many people switch to VSG, and that's my plan. The downside is that permanently reducing the stomach seems more drastic, but the upside is no more fills, no more port, no more raging hunger. Good luck with your decision.

:clap2: It's so good to hear of someone who has been able to keep the weight off so far. Please keep posting so we know how it goes for you next year.

I think your statistics about the European experience with banding and re-banding are really valuable. It would be so helpful to Americans if we could know the statistics in Australia, for example, where banding is much more common than here.

They both have excellent reputations and a long list of satisfied patients. I had surgery with Dr. Huacuz, and couldn't speak more highly of him. He and his associate Dr. Romero are first class, but you honestly can't go wrong with either Huacuz or Aceves.

I need advice please. I had a lapband which was removed due to erosion. My doctor recommends vertical gastrectomy. I'm concerned about the recovery time because VG seems like a more invasive procedure. Has anyone had both procedures and can compare their recovery experiences?

Drs. Huacuz and Romero have experience with this procedure, and an excellent reputation. I think they charge about $8500. They're located in Tijuana. I had a lapband which had to be removed due to erosion, so I'm looking closely at the VG.

From what I've seen in the literature, replacing a leaking band is generally a safe and successful procedure. I wish I shared your problem, instead erosion. The big area of mystery is the cause of erosion (which of course is nothing to do with your situation), and the outcome of re-banding. I've found several more studies in various medical journals that indicate re-banding is successful in Australia, Belgium and Israel. I haven't found any definitive studies one way or the other in the U.S. so far. It may be that the American doctors are cautious because it's a newer procedure in the U.S.

As far as I can tell, nobody really knows what causes erosion. Some doctors think it's random luck, some think it's caused by overfilling the band, some have other ideas. I haven't been able to find a definitive reason, and my doctor doesn't know. I've found only one study, published June 2005 in Obes. Surg. In it 10 erosion patients were rebanded, and all were still successful 4 years later. Have never found a study of rebanded erosion patients losing the second band to erosion, but would really like to. It's hard making a decision this serious without complete factual information. The only reason I've heard to avoid rebanding is the possibility of thick scar tissue from the first band removal. If anybody can get more information, it would help a lot of us who are trying to decide what to do.

I'd like to hear from 2nd time bandsters too. I lost my band due to erosion, and have been slowly but steadily regaining weight ever since. I'd have to self-pay for another band, but I'm thinking it might be worth it despite the risks. Can anyone share their experiences the second time around?

You mean if you have esophogeal erosion you don't have to have your band taken out so you can heal? That's great news. Does this mean there are various kinds of erosion related to banding?

Nope, no more Pepcid. My doctor took out half the fill and I've had no reflux problems since. Too bad it's too late.

I've lost about 50 pounds. My symptoms were reflux every single night. I tried sleeping sitting up, I tried taking Pepcid AC, I tried everything I could think of. Finally I had an endoscopy and my doctor saw some erosion. He took out half my fill and I haven't had any more symptoms, but it's too late. The band has to come out. I'm going to have it out ASAP, but it may take a few weeks because I'm a single parent and I have to arrange childcare, etc.

Thanks for your responses. I've had my band 14.5 months and I'm very sad to be losing it. Possibly I can get another after six months or so, but it depends on the extent of scarring. I'll let you know what I decide to do.