Sorry about the long post, I was banded on jan 7,2010 and have had problems ever since vomiting, can sleep from the pain , cant eat many trips to the ER, and finally yesterday my LB doc had me scoped AGAIN and i have a fistula by or near the band. What the hec is that and how the heck did it develop but what i am freaking out about is when he told me the bad has to come out I just started crying and have not stopped so i didnt exactly hear what he said after that my LB doc is sapposed to call me today i do have a list of questions for him as why what and now what but i got so many good responses from all of you before i hope someone out there can help me again. has anyone had this happen? how was the issue resolved? i tried to google but just got more confused. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRICIATED!!!!!:(

Wish I could offer you some help but I know nothing about this. I hope you manage to sort this out and hopefully things are not as bad as they sound.

All the best

A fistula is a place where pus is being released from infection. It is an abcess. Did they put you on antibiotics?

A fistula is not an abscess. It's an abnormal passage between an organ and another organ or site. It's kind of like a tunnel--and may form a hole. It may or may not involve infection. I would venture to guess that, in this case, it's the result of erosion or ulceration--but I'd want my doctor to explain this further, if I were in your shoes. I'm glad you'll be getting your questions answered today.

I'm really sorry you're going through this!

Edited March 4, 201016 yr by BetsyB
clarity

Thaks guys for your response, the way the GI doc explained it, its simalar to an absess with a hole in it "gastric fistula" i didnt get antibiotic, he did say the band needs to come out they think the band is just to small for my stomach and thats why that happened im soooo emotionally drained I tought this was gonna be it for me if i didnt have kids I really wouldnt care and deal wth the pain just to lose the weight but I have to think of my children, I'll have to see what the surgeon says today. Thanks Guys for all your help throughout this.

I guess I should have been a little more clear with my response. I get my information from my education and many years of experience in the dental field.

I see fistulas from abcesses often. The hole or tunnel is caused by the infection/pus choosing the easiest route of release. It can even go through bone. These types of infection can be very painful and are usually treated with antibiotics along with whatever treatment is needed to resolve the original cause.

Yes, a fistula is a "hole" or "opening" or "communication" between to areas. So a gastric fistula is unfortunately a hole in your stomach. That is why the band has to come out, to allow the area to heal, and the hole to close up.

I am facing the same situation. Can you share you outcome with me please