lizcap

To find out if band is slipped your doc could do an X-ray with fluoroscopy where you are x-rayed and have to drink barium and he/she can see how the band is working. I think that is the only way, besides surgery to determine problems like slippage. Then to correct a problem like that I'm afraid it may mean more surgery. Don't know about the gastric bypass switch, but my sister did gastric bypass about 8 years ago and she did very well. Lost 160 pounds. But life is hard living with the bypass. What I like about the band is that it is not permanent; if you ever wanted it out ( not that I ever would) you could have it taken out. Once you do the bypass, there is no going back. To me, that is a little more intense. Anyway good luck. I hope you feel better soon and get some answers, Liz

AlienBandit, you were exactly right! My band unclipped itself! I am so happy though, I have to say. I'm all fixed up and as soon as I am healed from my surgery, my game is on! Thanks again for your input! And good luck to you!

Hi Ginnys! Do not despair! I had my surgery yesterday and I'll tell you about it, but one of the nurses there told me to look at this as just a bump in the road on your journey to losing your weight. And she is right. Another one said these things are simply mechanical devices and as with mechanical device things can and do go wrong. MY doctor too is about 70 miles away from where I live. And all the while when I knew something was wrong, I was a nut going up there sometimes twice in one week. It is all so stressful. But just try to stay calm. (would you listen to me) I did get an answer yesterday. You are not going to believe what the problem was. Apparently there is a buckle type of thing on the band that secures it around your stomach. Well the buckle came undone. My doc said he has no idea how, he has never seen or heard of anything like this before. He just buckled it back, made sure it was secure and sewed me back up. I was thrilled because it wasn't erosion. During this time of "What the heck!?" I gained 7 pounds. But as soon as I am healed, I am getting back on track and I will continue on my journey. And you will too. Just hang in there; you'll get your answers. Let me know how you make out. I'm girl who believes in prayer and I will pray for you.

Thank you both sp much for your posts. I having surgery this Froday. I'll let you know how it turns put. I'm praying so hard for no erosion, just some other explanation. Thank ypu again, very much!

Has anyone ever heard of having lapband erosion 6 months post op. I am having problems bc I have 0 restriction. Had a flouroscopy xray done and after 10cc of fill, the barium flowed through really fast. so now doc thinks it could be erosion. But how can that happen so soon? From the recent xray, he said its not slipped and there are no leaks. What else could it be? Could the band simply just have malfuntioned. It was working perfectly up until then. I'm so upset. I can't believe it could be erosion so soon. Any experienced bandster out there have an opinion?

I know! CRAZY, He took it all out. He measured the fluid. He check for leaks all around. He sincerely seems miffed as he just stood there watching the stuff flow right through. He filled up to the 10 and said "if you don't feel restriction with this, we could try a little more in the band but I don't want to go much more" but in my opinion, I do not néed to see what any more fills will do. It's obvious after all this, it's not going to work. The thing about it is, it did work before, it had been working great. Did it malfunction. I can't find any info on this. I just know I want what I had. And I want it yesterday. The sooner he puts in a new one the better. Maybe once he gets in there and sees it he'll be able to tell what is wrong. And I have to tell you, I trust this guy completely. He is one of the best in my area. I don 't think it's him. I think it's just a freaky band. Don't even care about the surgery at this point. I just want it right, cause right now, it's like I never had it done. This is not what I signed up for. Thanks everyone for your helpful words. I'm suppose to talk to him soon. I want to set it all up. Got to get insurance on board and all. I will let you all know how it turns out. Thank you again for your help and support, as always! Liz

I had my lapband surgery March 31, 2010. Everything had been going so well. To date I have lost 45 punds and I feel fantastic. About 2 months ago I started to feel absolutly NO restriction. Just woke up one day and it wasn't the same. Thought I just needed a fill. I had about 3 fills in a 6 week period. Each time, feeling no restriction. Long story short: I went for a floroscopy. Doc filled the band up completely, and under the xray the barium flowed right through, very fast. He doesn't know why. He has suggested we replace the band with a new one. Yes, another surgery. Has ANYONE, ever heard of this? I can't believe this is happening to me. I am so scared right now of gaining. Old habits die hard. I have absolutely zero restriciton. I can eat any amount, anything, fast, no chewing. What the heck?! How can this be?!

THanks for replying Brandy. I actually did just that. And everything went really, really well. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. Oct,13. I am so extremely happy. Thanks again!

Wow. One day in between, Very cool. Thanks for th reply.

Thanks for all of that. It was helpful. My sister had it done in July. So I too am familiar with everything. In addition, just being on this forum and reading everything I feel like I already know a lot. I too have no desire to discuss other options; the lapband is what I want. I just wanted to see what other people might have asked. I am just so eager to have it done, I want to make sure I am thorough enough. But, you were very helpful. Thanks again.

Thanks so much Rebecca! I hope my experience goes as smoothly as yours. Wow, you have done really well. That's fantastic. Could you tell me something please; what questions, if any should I be asking at this first consultation? Thanks again. Liz

I promise, when I become fully experienced with all of this lapband stuff, I will be helpful to all the new people, just as all of you are so helpful to me. Okay, so here it is. My first consultation is Monday (YaHOOOO!!) and I know I should ask questions during the appt., but I have found out so much info. here on this site, I don't know what I should ask? Any suggestions? Hold on, one question just came to me: "Can I have it done tomorrow?"

Suzy, I'm sorry you are discouraged! I don't understand why seeing a doctor once a month isn't good enough. Isn't that documentation? Maybe you should call the insurance company again and speak to someone else. In the meantime, maybe it would be a good idea to start WW. Or maybe look at your local hospital; sometimes they have WW-like programs for less money. Or, see if your insurance company would pay for you to see a special doctor for purely just weight loss. (Sometimes I hate these insurance companies) Just don't give up!

Kelly, Don't say *when* and *if*. Say, "I will get that band", "I will get that band", "I will get that band" Positive thinking! Just do what you have to do. Hang in there sweetie! Liz

Congratulations and good luck. It sounds like you are doing so well. I wish I were you right now.