Fainting And Spasms After Lapband Surgery

[Living My Dream 0]

I had revision surgery for a slipped band in November. A month later, I started having fainting spells and spasms that originate mostly in my stomach and diaphram. I have been to hospitals and doctors, had lots of tests and no one can get to the bottom of it. My lapband surgeon says it is not related to my band. All my friends and family think I should have my lapband taken out. I don't want to lose my lapband. It is my $16, 000 investment that did help me lose 85 lbs and feel super. Now I can't exercise or do much because exertion brings on these spells. I am on three medications to control the seizures but an EEG did not show they were seizures. One doctor thinks it is some kind of problem being caused by the placement of my band in proximity to the vegas nerve and is irritating the vegas nerve. I am in limbo, waiting for the medications to stop the fainting and seizures, and wanting to get back to my sweet spot and my exercise program. I also am waiting for surgery for a mass in my sinus. Has anyone ever heard of the band or the tubing irritating the vegas nerve and causing this? I am really down because my activities have been seriously cut back and I am gaining weight. Thanks for any suggestions or information you have.

Lynda

[adorkbl 156]

Yes. I have read about people having issues with the vagus nerve and the Lapband. I really hope that is not what is happening. I would be concerned about long term damage if it is the vagus nerve. Did you ask your Lapband surgeon specifically his thoughts on whether or not it might be related to pressure the band is putting on the vagus nerve?

Google "vagus nerve Lapband".

I hope the medications help. Listen to your body. If it feels off.. get someone to listen to you!!

[elcee 3,343]

Have they checked your:-

blood pressure

Iron levels

sugar levels

potassium levels

It could be one of these things causing it.

[Living My Dream 0]

I have been to see my lapband surgeon twice and he denies that the band will cause this. I even fainted in his office the first time and he had to call an ambulance. I have had the same problem for another 5 months since then. My lapband surgeon does not seem to care and has done nothing to help solve this. I have been tested for everything they can think of including heart problems, cancer, blood clots, low levels of blood sugar, potassium, etc. I have had blood tests, catscans, MRI's, xrays, endoscopes, you name it.

I am kept groggy with all the meds they have me on to calm my body from this. I can't push myself physically or I faint and have these spasms.

I am very frustrated.

[Living My Dream 0]

Yes, Elcee, I have had all those things tested. I have been taken to the emergency 10 times, 8 of those by ambulance, 2 from places in the hospital where I was having testing (lung study and tilt test, I fainted at both and they took me to the emergency). I have been admitted to four hospitals. We have a handicap sticker now and carry a wheel chair. If I feel tired and dizzy, or there will be too much walking, my husband pushes me in the wheelchair because we know I will faint.

Lynda

[Living My Dream 0]

I would appreciate anything you have heard about this. I will google it again.

Lynda

[PandorasBox92264 61]

Are your spasms in the area near/below your port?

I get something periodically in that vicinity and it sill spasm and feel like a charlie horse, the same type you get in a calf muscle. If this is what you have then it is similar to what I get.

I figured out when i get this and have checked my skin that I have not taken in enough Water. (dehydrated)

I usually eat a banana, drink a bunch of Water and it usually occurs if I have been somewhere and not drinking sufficient water or been out in the heat. It can also occur when there has been alot of physical movement exercise/sex/ or other things like that and not staying properly hydrated.

I haven't fainted but it makes you feel pretty crappy. A heating pad helps too!

[adorkbl 156]

Have you considered consulting with a different bariatric surgeon. If your surgeon refuses to believe it could be band related, and you feel it is, find someone who will listen.

I am so sorry you are going through this!! I hope someone can figure out what it is and that uou feel better soon!!

[elcee 3,343]

Most fainting is triggered by the vagus nerve. It connects the digestive system to the brain, and it's job is to manage blood flow to the gut. When food enters the system, the vagus nerve directs blood to the stomach and intestines, pulling it from other body tissues, including the brain. Unfortunately, the vagus nerve can get a little too excited and pull too much blood from the brain. Some things make it work harder, such as bearing down to have a bowel movement, or vomiting. Conditions that drop blood pressure amplify the effects of the vagus nerve.

[elcee 3,343]

Is it happening at any particular time? E.G When you eat, go to the toilet etc?

[elcee 3,343]

Other possibilities include

Heart problems - arrythmias or cardiomyopathy

Dehydration - are you drinking enough

Hyperventilation - which may be linked to anxiety

This article seems to give a lot of information and possibilities.

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart_and_blood_vessel_disorders/low_blood_pressure/fainting.html

I would start keeping a diary. Date, time, where, what, what you were doing beforehand, if you were hungry, thirsty etc. This may then help to highlight a pattern which the Dr could use to decide what sort of further investigations may be necessary.

Good luck with figuring it out

[Cynthia E.C. 0]

I had my lap band surgery 4 years ago. It hasn't been a walk in the park. I don't regret having it done and despite my friends and some family members wanting me to have it removed I never want to be without my band. However, I will say I have had my band flip (not sure of the correct medical term) and had to have it repaired. I had lost 80 plus pounds but have since gained 20 pounds back. I use food as my drug of choice, I abuse myself with it, pleasure myself with it and never really know when I am hungry or full. It is horrible!!! I still throw up often. This seems to come in cycles - I will do well for a while and can eat anything and then I start throwing up and have a difficult time getting anything down. I work out hard and often (3-4 times a week for 90 minutes) and I now am struggling with low blood sugar. This makes me have severe weak spells, break out into a sweat, my hands start shaking and I feel like I could pass out. I am suppose to eat more often but I still struggle with putting this change into practice. I WANT TO BE THIN AND HEALTHY BUT I AM ALMOST KILLING MYSELF TO GET THAT WAY AND THEN I REWARD MYSELF WITH FOOD FOR ALL MY HARDWORK. I am like a hamster on a wheel. I also have had a problem with the vegas nerve. The first time it happened I was driving down an interstate 75 mph. Thank the Lord my friend grabbed the wheel. I was drinking a slurpee type drink. It was very cold and I was very hot. I became "detached" the doctor said. It only lasted a few seconds but for that moment I was mentally out of it. When I came back around I thought I had passed out but couldn't understand how I was still driving. My friend demanded I immediately pull over and she took over. It was scary!!!! I also have a problem with low blood pressure. I have never had high blood pressure but now it will bottom out - 91 over 63. It makes you feel miserably weak and tired. Does anyone have any words of encouragement.

[adorkbl 156]

I am sorry you are having such a rough time right now. That sounds scary... the issues with the vagus nerve. I hope things turn around for you. Have you tried counseling for the food issues? Perhaps some counseling paired with the band will be a good combination for you.

[Cynthia E.C. 0]

Thank you so much for your concern and taking the time to shoot me an email. It means a lot to know that there are some people who really know, understand and care. I am in counseling now. The doctor that I see is wonderful!! She sees other band and gastric patients. She has offers me encouragement and support but once I am out of her office I have a terrible time implementing the changes. Please continue to be successful on your journey. I applaud your accountability and commitment to change. I have considered joining Wt. Watchers just to hold me accountable. My MD said it may help with my low blood sugar too as the Wt. Watchers diet is very healthy. Yesterday, I threw up several times. The only thing I ate was ice cream and soft cookies!!! Oh did I mention for Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. I eat - throw up and eat again. What a vicious cycle. In all honesty yesterday was a terrible day and I can't really remember eating like that ever before. However, I do have a real fetish for ice cream and sweets. My blood sugar issue plays a huge part in my cravings but sweets are the WORST things to eat. I believe I have become so depressed about my current situation that I am using sweets as an "antidepressant" of sorts. Ice cream is truly a comfort food for me. This AM I fixed a double Protein smoothie. Maybe today will be better. I just started taking some medication as well. Prayerfully, something will kick in soon.

Nevertheless, may there be joy in your journey and may success find you! God Bless.

[Living My Dream 0]

Have you considered consulting with a different bariatric surgeon. If your surgeon refuses to believe it could be band related, and you feel it is, find someone who will listen.

I am so sorry you are going through this!! I hope someone can figure out what it is and that uou feel better soon!!

Sorry I haven't been on this site to read your message. I am still having fainting spells and seizure like spasms from exertion. I tried calling another lapband clinic and they would not do anything unless I paid them $5000 dollars. Since I paid for my own surgery, $16,000, I don't want to pay out any more money. Especially when I am covered for everything under my own lapband surgery for life. I am now taking neurofeedback to calm my central nervous system and resting as much as possible. The doctor at the neurofeedback clinic thinks the vegal nerve was damaged during surgery and has to heal which means very little exertion. My husband pushes me in a wheelchair when we go out. Even talking or socializing brings on the fainting/spasms. I am very frustrated.

Lynda