I received a letter today, 8/4/12 from Allergan, Inc. regarding a welcome letter for getting banded. In it, it specifically states verbatim " Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of BAND EROSION".

So many people, including myself, think that it is our stomach that erodes, when in fact it is the band.

This info came directly from Allergan, Inc.

Hope this information is helpful, I know it was for me.

Have a great day!

I think you misunderstood the letter. Band erosion isn't literally the band, it's the stomach. Here is the clinical definition:

Erosion is a long-term complication of lap band surgery, and occurs when the Gastric Band is fastened around the upper stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall and extends into the gastric lumen. Intragastric Lap Band Erosions have been reported at rates that vary from 0.6% to 10% depending of the operative technique, the doctor’s experience, the device used and the most important factor: the patient's followup.

The use of NSAIDS, alcohol and smoking have been proposed as three of the main factors contributing to hyperacidity and irritation of the mucosal layer of the stomach. This important layer prevents us from acquiring ulcers in normal conditions. When the irritation is persistent, it can cause erosion of the wall layers of the stomach, which may allow the lap band to migrate into the stomach (“inside out” erosion theory). Repeated vomiting has also been suggested as a possible accelerant, especially when a high degree of obstruction is present (For example, an over-filling of the lap band). Due to the erosion, saliva or food leaks through the hole or ulcer in the stomach and flows along the Lap Band tubing, causing the tissue under the skin of the Lap Band Port to become infected.

What about sodas? Thought i read

Somewhere that can contribute too.

What about sodas? Thought i read

Somewhere that can contribute too.

Yes, they can. The reason being is while they do pass through the band immediately, the carbonation expands in the stomach below the band. This can press upward causing a slip or stomach to even prolapse through the band.

Yes, they can. The reason being is while they do pass through the band immediately, the carbonation expands in the stomach below the band. This can press upward causing a slip or stomach to even prolapse through the band.

Lol, you're quite the expert Lap-Bander. Sounds like you researched like heck before you were banded!

Lol, you're quite the expert Lap-Bander. Sounds like you researched like heck before you were banded!

LOL yes I did, for many months. I was originally supposed to have Gastric Bypass but I canceled and went for the band instead after learning about both.

It is the actual stomach tissue that erode..... come on.... think about it. I'll see if I can find an actual picture or something......

The use of NSAIDS, alcohol and smoking are proposed as three of the main factors contributing to hyperacidity and irritation of the mucosa layer of the stomach. This important layer prevent us from acquiring an ulcer and when the irritation is persistent causes its erosion and then the erosion of all the wall layers of the stomach favoring the lap band to migrate into the stomach (”inside out” erosion theory).

just found this at "thinner times"

Lap-Band erosion is migration of the band through the stomach wall into the stomach. This complication occurs in less than 2% of patients when surgeons use present day technique (pars flacidatechnique). It was significantly more common early on when the band was placed tightly against the stomach (peri-gastric technique).

I don't know if anyone will find this interesting but my Dr told me that inflammatory diseases like lupus can cause an increase rate if band erosion.

I don't know if anyone will find this interesting but my Dr told me that inflammatory diseases like lupus can cause an increase rate if band erosion.

I was told and read the same thing. It's because Lupus is an autoimmune disease and the body attacks the band, rejecting it.

What I am unclear on is why that happens with Lupus but not RA or Multiple Sclerosis, both autoimmune diseases as well.

The only reason my Dr pointed it out was because at the time I had active lupus. He said the same thing that they didn't understand why it has this effect, when other similar diseases don't. He just said that the medical community doesn't understand lupus well, which is something I heard from almost every Dr other than the specialist, but the more they do they may be able to explain it.

What a fascinating discussion! Thank you all for the information.