Still Suffering after Traumatic Band Removal

[Mariposa Bella 3]

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted, I think.. The site has changed so much. Wonder how many of the oldies are here and if anyone remembers me?

I'm sad to say that I lost my band in April 2009 and in a very taumatic way. I had some leakage at the port site and pinched the little sore that was there, it burst open and puss started coming out. It took a couple of days for me to be able to travel to my dr's so when I went that little hole was deep enough that I could see in my belly. The Dr said my port was infected and that I probably needed to have my port removed until the infection cleared. Because I did not have ins. I asked that a gi not be done and the port removed, well we scheduled removal for the next morning. I came home and was quite upset I called my bf and she told me to not wait and head to the ER (since I had been a little feavered) I decided to go to the ER where I know they have a lapband dr who has a very good reputation.. I called ahead and Dr. Shieh my savior, was waiting for me in the ER and admitted me right away. The next morning they did a GI and he determined that my band had eroded into my stomach. The stomach had then started to grow over the band and there was a lot of infection there. The doctor said this was very serious and scheduled me to have my band removed.

If I had gone to have my port removed as I was scheduled the next day, the unfilled band would have released all the infection into my body and possible infect my vital organs. Dr. Shieh said someone must be looking out for me cause this was extremely life threatening. After the removal, I had to stay in the hospital and fight the infection. There was so much damage to my stomach, I think he said it took over 100 stitches to fix it. I stayed in the hospital for 16 days, with a tube down my nose to my stomach so that the acid could be absorbed. Not comfortable at all. I was fed through a pic line as the stomach cannot be used after such trauma. The port site was also a large open hole that had to be packed and cleaned twice a day.

It was very hard for me to have gone through this as I have three beautiful kids that need their mommy around. I am so grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be here with my kids.

My troubles continued, I came home and could not get to feeling better, I kept having pain and had to go back in the hospital, I had 3 large gall stones and had to have my gall bladder removed.

Well, after the surgeries, I started getting these horrible, drop me to my knees pains in my stomach. My intestines cramp and spasm into a hard ball. It feels like my stomach is trying to turn, soooo extremely painful. Nothing eases it, it comes and goes out of no where. I try to massage it but that does not seem to help. I returned to Dr. Shieh and he has never had any return patients that have lost the band have this, so its a mystery to him. We did a battery of tests, incl. CAT scan, and nothing was found. He said I had a lot of scar tissue and maybe that was causing the pain. So a year later to surgery I go again, he removed some scar tissue and hoped that would solve the problem.

It has been about 4 or 5 months and the spasms still come. After they come, my stomach stays sore for days, so baffled by it. I have done tons of research on the computer and cannot find any information on what might be causing this. I have been back to the dr but without being able to show him he has no clue. Praying that someday soon I will find the cause and cure or that they go away. Yesterday, I slipped and fell and twisted my abs when I caught myself and that brought a whole slough of these spasms. Still sore from them and when I move I feel them coming on. My stomach gets rock hard and stays like that until it decides to stop on its own.. Sorry I'm rambling, but trying to give my symptoms so that maybe one of you can help. :smile2:

As for my life after band removal, I miss it everyday. And because there was so much damage I can not ever get re-banded. Dr. Shieh offered to do a vertical sleeve free of charge, I'd only have to pay for hospital bills, but that is $12000 I do not have to spend on that. I have gained 20 lbs and am so unhappy about it. My stomach does not digest properly anymore, my food stays in my stomach for days. When I take medicine sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. I can't even take my sleeping pills anymore because they won't work at night and kick in the next afternoon. It is crazy.

And increasing physical activity is impossible, anything strenous brings the painful spasms on. Very frustrating, to say the least. Ready to be my normal self.

All other aspects of my life are wonderful. My kids are doing awesome and I'm still in love with my adorable husband. Have a fabulous new job and trying to live life to the fullest.. But I think I will always miss my band. Tummy is still flat from tt but ass is getting bigger, that's were the fat ran.

Well, ur caught up if your an oldie or if your new you now know me.

[Mariposa Bella 3]

Wow, this site has changed, not one person has shared any encouragement or concern.:thumbup:

[Leifysmom 0]

Wow, I am SO sorry to hear that this happened to you, but VERY happy that you have a wonderful doctor and that you are still here to be with your beautiful children.

Good luck,

Crystal

[Mariposa Bella 3]

thank you...this board got me through some really tough times, need to be here right now and get focused on achieving my goals. :biggrin:

[Trazola 2]

Wow, what an awful experience! Were you feeling bad before this all started? Had you reached goal weight? You say you had a Tummy Tuck, how long before all this happened did you get it?

I really hope you will be able to get this last problem sorted out, and so happy that you have the support of a loving husband. Don't give up the fight, it sounds like you have a good Dr who cares about you and wants to help you.

Good luck to you,

Tracy

[ICUnurserachel 17]

Sorry this all haoppened to you. I hope you are on the road to recovery. I will keep you in my prayers for a fast recovery.

[Spouse of T 0]

Baby Girl.....you are here. Here with your children, here with your husband, here with your life. I know the band was something that you desired...but thankfully it is not the end of the road. I am praying for your healing and continued strength. I hope you begin to turn around immediately!!!! You stay encouraged and keep pressing forward!!!!:smile::biggrin:

[wishingtorun 0]

wow I'm so happy you are recovering, but this is scary I mean it could happen to any of us, did you find out what started this, or was it just the leak in the port? And how does a leak happen?

[Mariposa Bella 3]

Thank you all for your concerns. I did reach my goal and stayed there the whole time my band was in, about 5 yrs. I so do miss it, but I do value that I am still here w/ my family.

Trazola, I had my tt a yr after I got my band, and I continue to love the results, even though I've gained weight my stomach remains flat and nice.

Wishingtorun, that did not happen because the port was leaking, maybe because the skin there was thinner with the port rubbing on it, the infection spewed out from there. I don't know what caused my band to erode. I had a lot of reflux when I had the band maybe that contributed. I don't know. :confused::thumbup:

[SummerMoon 0]

Wow, im planning to get my Band in 2011 January and this just scared me to death. are there any statistics on how many years after you get the band that theres a possiability of band erosion

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted, I think.. The site has changed so much. Wonder how many of the oldies are here and if anyone remembers me?

I'm sad to say that I lost my band in April 2009 and in a very taumatic way. I had some leakage at the port site and pinched the little sore that was there, it burst open and puss started coming out. It took a couple of days for me to be able to travel to my dr's so when I went that little hole was deep enough that I could see in my belly. The Dr said my port was infected and that I probably needed to have my port removed until the infection cleared. Because I did not have ins. I asked that a gi not be done and the port removed, well we scheduled removal for the next morning. I came home and was quite upset I called my bf and she told me to not wait and head to the ER (since I had been a little feavered) I decided to go to the ER where I know they have a LAP-BAND® dr who has a very good reputation.. I called ahead and Dr. Shieh my savior, was waiting for me in the ER and admitted me right away. The next morning they did a GI and he determined that my band had eroded into my stomach. The stomach had then started to grow over the band and there was a lot of infection there. The doctor said this was very serious and scheduled me to have my band removed.

If I had gone to have my port removed as I was scheduled the next day, the unfilled band would have released all the infection into my body and possible infect my vital organs. Dr. Shieh said someone must be looking out for me cause this was extremely life threatening. After the removal, I had to stay in the hospital and fight the infection. There was so much damage to my stomach, I think he said it took over 100 stitches to fix it. I stayed in the hospital for 16 days, with a tube down my nose to my stomach so that the acid could be absorbed. Not comfortable at all. I was fed through a pic line as the stomach cannot be used after such trauma. The port site was also a large open hole that had to be packed and cleaned twice a day.

It was very hard for me to have gone through this as I have three beautiful kids that need their mommy around. I am so grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be here with my kids.

My troubles continued, I came home and could not get to feeling better, I kept having pain and had to go back in the hospital, I had 3 large gall stones and had to have my gall bladder removed.

Well, after the surgeries, I started getting these horrible, drop me to my knees pains in my stomach. My intestines cramp and spasm into a hard ball. It feels like my stomach is trying to turn, soooo extremely painful. Nothing eases it, it comes and goes out of no where. I try to massage it but that does not seem to help. I returned to Dr. Shieh and he has never had any return patients that have lost the band have this, so its a mystery to him. We did a battery of tests, incl. CAT scan, and nothing was found. He said I had a lot of scar tissue and maybe that was causing the pain. So a year later to surgery I go again, he removed some scar tissue and hoped that would solve the problem.

It has been about 4 or 5 months and the spasms still come. After they come, my stomach stays sore for days, so baffled by it. I have done tons of research on the computer and cannot find any information on what might be causing this. I have been back to the dr but without being able to show him he has no clue. Praying that someday soon I will find the cause and cure or that they go away. Yesterday, I slipped and fell and twisted my abs when I caught myself and that brought a whole slough of these spasms. Still sore from them and when I move I feel them coming on. My stomach gets rock hard and stays like that until it decides to stop on its own.. Sorry I'm rambling, but trying to give my symptoms so that maybe one of you can help.

As for my life after band removal, I miss it everyday. And because there was so much damage I can not ever get re-banded. Dr. Shieh offered to do a vertical sleeve free of charge, I'd only have to pay for hospital bills, but that is $12000 I do not have to spend on that. I have gained 20 lbs and am so unhappy about it. My stomach does not digest properly anymore, my food stays in my stomach for days. When I take medicine sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. I can't even take my sleeping pills anymore because they won't work at night and kick in the next afternoon. It is crazy.

And increasing physical activity is impossible, anything strenous brings the painful spasms on. Very frustrating, to say the least. Ready to be my normal self.

All other aspects of my life are wonderful. My kids are doing awesome and I'm still in love with my adorable husband. Have a fabulous new job and trying to live life to the fullest.. But I think I will always miss my band. Tummy is still flat from tt but ass is getting bigger, that's were the fat ran.

Well, ur caught up if your an oldie or if your new you now know me. :wub:

[renniemommie 8]

To me this sounds like you need to see a specialitst in bands, maybe not even one in your city. A second or third opinion. As good as your Dr. is, it could fall under a insurance settlement. I don't see why you should get a sleeve, until this is cleared up. Don't live this way until you have exhausted all options.

[kellyodoran 12]

Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted, I think.. The site has changed so much. Wonder how many of the oldies are here and if anyone remembers me?

I'm sad to say that I lost my band in April 2009 and in a very taumatic way. I had some leakage at the port site and pinched the little sore that was there, it burst open and puss started coming out. It took a couple of days for me to be able to travel to my dr's so when I went that little hole was deep enough that I could see in my belly. The Dr said my port was infected and that I probably needed to have my port removed until the infection cleared. Because I did not have ins. I asked that a gi not be done and the port removed, well we scheduled removal for the next morning. I came home and was quite upset I called my bf and she told me to not wait and head to the ER (since I had been a little feavered) I decided to go to the ER where I know they have a lapband dr who has a very good reputation.. I called ahead and Dr. Shieh my savior, was waiting for me in the ER and admitted me right away. The next morning they did a GI and he determined that my band had eroded into my stomach. The stomach had then started to grow over the band and there was a lot of infection there. The doctor said this was very serious and scheduled me to have my band removed.

If I had gone to have my port removed as I was scheduled the next day, the unfilled band would have released all the infection into my body and possible infect my vital organs. Dr. Shieh said someone must be looking out for me cause this was extremely life threatening. After the removal, I had to stay in the hospital and fight the infection. There was so much damage to my stomach, I think he said it took over 100 stitches to fix it. I stayed in the hospital for 16 days, with a tube down my nose to my stomach so that the acid could be absorbed. Not comfortable at all. I was fed through a pic line as the stomach cannot be used after such trauma. The port site was also a large open hole that had to be packed and cleaned twice a day.

It was very hard for me to have gone through this as I have three beautiful kids that need their mommy around. I am so grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be here with my kids.

My troubles continued, I came home and could not get to feeling better, I kept having pain and had to go back in the hospital, I had 3 large gall stones and had to have my gall bladder removed.

Well, after the surgeries, I started getting these horrible, drop me to my knees pains in my stomach. My intestines cramp and spasm into a hard ball. It feels like my stomach is trying to turn, soooo extremely painful. Nothing eases it, it comes and goes out of no where. I try to massage it but that does not seem to help. I returned to Dr. Shieh and he has never had any return patients that have lost the band have this, so its a mystery to him. We did a battery of tests, incl. CAT scan, and nothing was found. He said I had a lot of scar tissue and maybe that was causing the pain. So a year later to surgery I go again, he removed some scar tissue and hoped that would solve the problem.

It has been about 4 or 5 months and the spasms still come. After they come, my stomach stays sore for days, so baffled by it. I have done tons of research on the computer and cannot find any information on what might be causing this. I have been back to the dr but without being able to show him he has no clue. Praying that someday soon I will find the cause and cure or that they go away. Yesterday, I slipped and fell and twisted my abs when I caught myself and that brought a whole slough of these spasms. Still sore from them and when I move I feel them coming on. My stomach gets rock hard and stays like that until it decides to stop on its own.. Sorry I'm rambling, but trying to give my symptoms so that maybe one of you can help. :smile2:

As for my life after band removal, I miss it everyday. And because there was so much damage I can not ever get re-banded. Dr. Shieh offered to do a vertical sleeve free of charge, I'd only have to pay for hospital bills, but that is $12000 I do not have to spend on that. I have gained 20 lbs and am so unhappy about it. My stomach does not digest properly anymore, my food stays in my stomach for days. When I take medicine sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. I can't even take my sleeping pills anymore because they won't work at night and kick in the next afternoon. It is crazy.

And increasing physical activity is impossible, anything strenous brings the painful spasms on. Very frustrating, to say the least. Ready to be my normal self.

All other aspects of my life are wonderful. My kids are doing awesome and I'm still in love with my adorable husband. Have a fabulous new job and trying to live life to the fullest.. But I think I will always miss my band. Tummy is still flat from tt but ass is getting bigger, that's were the fat ran.

Well, ur caught up if your an oldie or if your new you now know me.

Wow that is some story, I really don't know what to say except that maybe by getting the verticle sleeve your spasms would stop.....I know it seems like a lot of money, but if you think about quality of life, I think it would be worth it!

So sorry for your pain!

[Cocoabean 430]

wow I'm so happy you are recovering, but this is scary I mean it could happen to any of us, did you find out what started this, or was it just the leak in the port? And how does a leak happen?

My doctor has said that infection at the port site is a sign of erosion. The pus from the infection at the band/stomach follows the tubing and gathers at the port for some reason.

Whenever I see my PCP he checks my port over.

[Mimilou2004 13]

Good post, Denise, I have read about that, too, and worry about every poster who says they are allowed to drain or get the port removed with no mention of having the stomach scoped.

Mimi