Just wanted to say Thanks very much to those that have recently had to have their band removed due to erosion and are still sticking around here for us to get information from. I think I speak for more than myself, but we are sooo blessed to have you guys still around. Things could have been alot worse and we are glad that ya'll are willing to share the experience with us and educate us. I wish you all the best in the journey's that you will decide to take and I know that each and everyone of you will Succeed!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again and Stick around, we would be lost without you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, I couldn't agree more. You have ALL helped me out on more than one occassion, and I wouldn't be where I am without all of you.

I love you girls!

Regular endoscopies? First I have heard of this !!! What does it entail?

This place wouldn't be the same without you guys! I'm glad your sticking with us too!!

Sue, Thanks to you too. I know that you did not erode, but had to have your band removed and are sticking around for us...Thanks

Didi, don't freak me out! Part of good, healthy band maintenance is for doctors to look at the band from the inside. That means you go under anesthesia and the doc slides a little camera (on the end of a tube) down your throat to take pics of the inside of your belly.

Most docs don't require regular endoscopies (endo for short.) Most doctors get a look at your band when they do fills through the x-ray machine known as fluoroscopy. When you get a fill, they'll have you stand in front of the x-ray machine while drinking barium so they can see that the liquid flows correctly through your band. If the liquid flows over the side, that's usually a sign of erosion. Most doctors that I know don't recommend an endo unless something in the barium swallow doesn't look right.

My band surgeon has been placing bands since 2001 with no cases of erosion. However, after removing my band he became worried (since he's seeing erosion over and over from the same 3 surgeons.) He told me & my hubby that he might consider doing endos on all his patients every 3 months or so, just to make sure everything's okay.

Thanks for posting this great info Lisa!

It is great info that you are sharing and we all appreciate it and we are thinking about you and praying for you in your struggle.

I feel bad these things have happened to you guys and I know the fear I would feel if I was facing this crazy fight alone - like before.

You guys need to stick around so that we can be your sounding board - it must be a hard road to wander down. I really feel for you guys and I would like to know how you do.

Take care - and thanks again for the valuable info. Nancy

Hi, my name is Donna and I'm very new to the board. I'm scheduled for surgery on March 7, 2006 in Monterrey, Mexico. Before reading these threads - particularly this thread - I would have walked into surgery blind. I've been 'researching' but without this board I would never have thought of some of the questions you've made me aware of. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your input. I'm so very grateful. I'm scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut and he sounds like the right surgeon for me but now I'm questioning the wisdom of having surgery in Mexico. Dr. Rumbaut performs surgery in the hospital designated by the President of the U.S. for emergency services when he's in that region so I'm not too concerned about the facility. After reading this thread I AM concerned about being so far from my surgeon and what to do about follow-up care in case of complications. I guess I better do some soul-searching (along with some physician-searching) and come to a decision about something I thought I'd already decided. :-) Wish me luck, and thank you all again for your insight. I'm sorry that my 'education' comes as the result of your misfortunes. Sincerely, DonnaB