Greetings, I had my original band placed 12/8/04. All has gone well (weight loss 142lbs) until this past Spring. I thought I had allergies, maybe a cold, maybe I had become too run down (working 55 hours a week). Seems I had a slip, at that time nothing major, I was still able to eat 3-4 times a week and drink. Eventually, I wasn't able to eat but I was able to drink. That, too, came to an end. By the time I was able to get to an urgent care facility I was so run down my potassium was 2. Low potassium levels can cause cardic problems. My surgeon told me I was a direct admit to the hospital dispite my protests as I had finals this week. He even called the hospital to make sure I had arrived. I was sitting at the admitting desk. My surgery had to be postponed due to my potassium levels. The corrective surgery was done and I'm recovering much slower than I anticipated. He told me had I waited until the 27th like I'd planned, my heart would have given out by the 25th.

The point to my story is that the slip was not noticable on a flat x-ray, it had happened less than a week before and there was NO PAIN whatsoever. Don't let this happen to you. At the first sign of nausea, dry heaves, excessive mucus- GO TO YOUR DOCTOR!! The first time is elective, you're psyched, and ready. This time is life threatening!

Thanks for listening. Cheryl

Cheryl,

Sorry to butt in here, I usually just hang out on the complications forum. Unfortunately, you were probably banded before surgeons made the change in technique from perigastric to pars flaccida. Posterior slips where very common with perigastric technique. With the advent of the newer placement technique, they are rare now. You are right, they can be hard to diagnose.

Good luck!

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!