I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/9, and I'm trying to get a handle on what kinds of complications people have been seeing. I know for the most part everyone is happy with their results even if they've had complications; I'm just wondering what minor and major issues are potentially on the horizon -- and if, in the long run, virtually everyone has some issues. Those of you who have had the band for years, please post too!

Thanks much :eek:

I've been banded two years and two months. I'm a slow loser- the only complication I've had is managing my expectations and celebrating how far I've come.

Other than that, I get a little heartburn once in a while but like Alexandra said, it's all behavior related.

If I'm a good bandster, my band is good to me.

Megan

My band slipped. I followed the instructions given to me, which included having all of my fill removed, a completel liquid diet for a week, and then a week of mushy foods. After the week of liquids, I went in for another flouroscopy, and it showed that the band had returned to the correct position. They did a partial fill. I went back 2 weeks later and got a little more of a fill, and the band was still in perfect position. So far, all's well.

My only mild complication was a potential incision infection which the surgeon gave me antibiotics for at my post op check, the infection was questionable.

And some pbs and slimings- behavior induced.

Susan

Banded 7/25/05

3 ccs - 3 fills - 9.75 cm band

237/189/125 - 5' 4"

Hi, I've had my band since Sept 25, 2003. My port flipped within a few weeks until it ended up totally twisted. I kept it this way up until August of this year. I had a tummy tuck done so he just turned the port back around for me. Other than that, there really hasn't been any major complications. I did have a too tight fill at one time. It got so tight that I couldn't get water in. I had lost quite a bit of weight (99lbs total from my start weight). I was so head strong that I was refusing to get an unfill...until I couldnt' get water in. Then I really had no choice. Within six days of getting the unfill, I had gained 19lbs. How that is possible, I don't know. Except the doctor said that I was severely dehydrated. I've been slowly trying to get restriction again since then. My last fill was in April up to 2.8 cc's in a 4 cc band. I'm finally going in for another fill in a few weeks. I was a very bad bandster after my unfill. I went three months living on milk and chicken broth (not good) then got the unfill and went crazy eating everything. I think i'm back now...I hope.

I had some minor infection around my incisions, but that cleared up after using Dial soap and triple antibiotic cream and clean bandages. I also believe my liver was bruised or banged around during my procedure, (it is slightly larger than normal size), lots of tenderness in that area. Other than that so far so great! Best of luck!

6 months & 42 lbs. later - I have had absolutely NO PROBLEMS!!

No complication here! (I'm on my knees praying for it to stay that way)

I had my band placed in August of 2002. My port flipped soon after surgery, so I had a port replacement in August of 2003.

I developed scar tissue blocking the tubing to the band rendering it useless (no fill in, no fill out, blocked up like a cork!) so my band was removed 11/17/05 and I had a revision to the DS. So far I am 37 pounds down in a bit over 5 (almost 6) weeks.

Sometimes complications happen no matter what kind of surgery you have. I think most people do OK, with minor or no complications with banding. Well Wishes!

I had my surgery on 9-19-05, got my first fill in Nov. but still had no restriction. Then I got my second fill on 12-21-05 and boy do I have restriction now. There is a big difference in having a fill, I have lost about 8 lbs. in 9 days and I feel good. Luckily, I haven't had any complications with my band and am ever so glad I had this surgery done. ;-) ;-)

I had my band placed in August of 2002. My port flipped soon after surgery, so I had a port replacement in August of 2003.

I developed scar tissue blocking the tubing to the band rendering it useless (no fill in, no fill out, blocked up like a cork!) so my band was removed 11/17/05 and I had a revision to the DS. So far I am 37 pounds down in a bit over 5 (almost 6) weeks.

Sometimes complications happen no matter what kind of surgery you have. I think most people do OK, with minor or no complications with banding. Well Wishes!

Hi Rachele, I find your post very interesting because I can't decide between the lap band and the DS. Since you have had both, I would really appreciate any info you could give me. Please e-mail me at "theracines@3web.com". Congrats on your weight loss so far and I can't wait until I can join in your success. Marlene

Hi, Marlene. I emailed you!

I discovered that one of the few games, air hockey, that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE to participate with my children and anybody who wants to take me on, in an arcade causes some serious brusing for me. I am black and blue around my port area and it has been over 2 weeks since I last played.

I am wondering if one of those "back support" braces, turned around to cover my front might work - what do you think?

LaMadam, was there any connection between your bowel obstruction and being banded?

It was related weight loss. After losing so much weight my intestines had more room to wrap around my scar tissue and adhesions I had from my 3 c- sections. Had I not had my band I would of not lost all this weight so to me it seems the answer would be Yes, my Dr. says no

I was banded on Dec 1st so I've just started on solids. The last 2 evenings I have had intense pain in my chest and had a sensation like I had to burp. I knew something was going to come up so I went to the restroom and after a couple of "burps" stuff came up. Some of it was like slimey and some of it was food. I think it happened because I ate too fast and didn't chew enough. What scares me is the possibility of causing slippage from the PBs.

Guile, that's not a "complication," that's a normal bandster learning event. You're not going to cause slippage from a few PBs, believe me. If that were the case there simply wouldn't be any successful bandsters.

You're doing fine, healing up, and this transition to solid food will take a little learning. EAT SLOW, chew thoroughly, and keep your chin up!