Advice please regarding possible erosion?

jowoolcott · February 22, 2006

First of all I am new to your group so Hello to everybody. I live in the UK and I had my band fitted in April of last year. To date have lost over 4 stone. Each time I had an adjustment the doctor missed the port and it therefore aggravated the area which made the port area flare up a bit. This has at last healed and there is no pain in the area, but I was a bit concerned last week when I thought the restriction was not as much as it had been. I contacted my surgeon and he has said there is a possibility of the band being eroded. Looking at all various bits of information on web sites, if it was eroded I would be in pain or at least discomfort? I really do not want to have my band removed if I can really help it. Is there anybody out there that can offer me some advice please?

I'llsucceed · February 22, 2006

Well you say the area is healed & no pain. If there is no inflamation & no redness & your main complaint is that your restriction is lost I would say the following.

Sounds like the doctor hit your tubing w/a needle & sprung a small leak. He missed it(the port) several times you said. The tubing can be replaced w/another operation but I would see maybe if you wish to return to this particular Doctor. My doctor has never once missed my port & I have had more than 6 fills/unfills. If you do go to this Doc - I say he should cover the cost since he more than likely pierced the tubing.

Have them do an Flora Test on you & see if they can find the leak. Also look up "leak" under search here on LBT for better advice than I have & people who have actually gone through it. Good luck

Alexandra · February 22, 2006

Erosion doesn't necessarily cause any pain or discomfort. But I agree there's no real reason to leap to the conclusion of erosion just because there is a lessening of restriction. There are many reasons that might be happening.

An endoscopy can confirm or rule out erosion, and if there's any reason to be concerned it's a good test to have. But the first step should be a fluoroscopy to see if there are other obvious reasons for a loss of restriction.

donali · February 22, 2006

I agree that it is more likely your needle-happy doc punctured your tubing when he missed the port, and you have a slow leak.

It seems as though many people with erosion have NO symptoms at all - not even loss of restriction, so I would start with the fill theory.

Have the doc pull all the fill out to see how much is in there, and then give you a regular fill. When you feel the loss of restriction again, see how much of the last fill they can pull out.

Keep us posted!

goochone · February 22, 2006

I am a week banded and I have some major difficulty drinking. I thought the my NEW stomach or pouch would be just like my old stomach but much smaller. Does this get better? please help !!!!! I am here because it seems like u guys have all been through the early stages. I am still on liquids only, w/ the exception of yogurt. I tried oatmeal the second day by mistake and boy did that SUCK. I am deff a bit scared to try any kind of mushy foods can u guys give me some insight into the first foods u guys tried.

Thanks soooo much Tom

donali · February 22, 2006

Tom, you are undoubtedly still swollen from surgery. Take very small sips, and try warm liquids.

Once the swelling goes away you'll be able to drink more normally.

jowoolcott · February 23, 2006

Thankyou to everybody for your replies. I am going to see my surgeon this evening and will ask him about the possibility of the tube being punctured. As it could well be his fault he might not like my suggestion but hey!!! I will keep you all posted.

Thankyou again

the best me · February 23, 2006

Thankyou to everybody for your replies. I am going to see my surgeon this evening and will ask him about the possibility of the tube being punctured. As it could well be his fault he might not like my suggestion but hey!!! I will keep you all posted.
Thankyou again

Looking forward to an update...keep us posted!

Hey Tom, how ya feeling?

jowoolcott · February 24, 2006

I saw my surgeon last night and he said he was sure there is no erosion. He adjusted my band by one more ml. and this is really noticable today. I am sticking with fluids ony for a few days as solids will not go down (as tried some oatmeal and gave up). He has said that in a while he would like to have a look with an endoscope but he was happy to wait a while and see how things go. Thankyou for all your help.

klynn · March 14, 2006

I felt the same way you do and the best advice I got just liquids and Jello for 1 or 2 weeks it will get better at about 3 weeks you will be very happy just wait and see!