Band Errosion

[Steph1236 0]

I went in on 9/11 to have my band of 2 years removed and a sleeve done. The DR said there was a lot of scar tissue & that the band had erroded a hole in my stomach. I had to have about 10 stitches to close the hole. He did not do the sleeve. I had a tube down my throat for 2 days and still have a drain in my side. I'm still in the hospital (4 days later) so I guess it was pretty serious. Anyway, he said he does not recomend the sleeve for me, ever. Because the risks outweigh the benifits. He said there are probably some doctors out there who would do it, but he feels the stomach is never going to be strong enough for the sleeve. Needless to say, I'm depressed. Has anyone had something similar? And what did you do?

[cristytwins 3]

I went in on 9/11 to have my band of 2 years removed and a sleeve done. The DR said there was a lot of scar tissue & that the band had erroded a hole in my stomach. I had to have about 10 stitches to close the hole. He did not do the sleeve. I had a tube down my throat for 2 days and still have a drain in my side. I'm still in the hospital (4 days later) so I guess it was pretty serious. Anyway' date=' he said he does not recomend the sleeve for me, ever. Because the risks outweigh the benifits. He said there are probably some doctors out there who would do it, but he feels the stomach is never going to be strong enough for the sleeve. Needless to say, I'm depressed. Has anyone had something similar? And what did you do?[/quote']

I'm having my revision on sept 26. I had a hike also and erosion with my band. We will see how it goes.

[Steph1236 0]

Let me know how it goes for you. Does your dr think he can do a revision on you? How bad was your erosion?

[cristytwins 3]

Let me know how it goes for you. Does your dr think he can do a revision on you? How bad was your erosion?

You can call me at 5038517950 I have alot of info.

[mich 74]

Steph, I'm so sorry to hear this. I am almost 4 weeks out from a band to sleeve revision. One of the surgeon said my band was encapsulated in the stomach, but I don't believe it was eroded through the stomach. He also said they had to do a lot of heavy stitching. Honestly I didn't want to know anymore at the time. I spent the first two/three weeks post-op terrified of a leak. I have a 6 week follow up with my surgeon and I may ask more detailed question then.

Hopefully you will find some good info about erosion healing. It must be so hard to wrap your head around this new development. But for now just focus on healing your stomach. I'm glad they got the band out now, it would have only done more damage.

Take care

[Steph1236 0]

Oh, I know. I'm thankful that I'm here for my kids and husband. It could be a lot worse. I could have ignored my symptoms and not went in for a revision. I can't imagine how much damage would have been done 4 months down the road. Two years ago when I got the band, I researched and never saw any of the horror stories I see today. Does it make you wonder about the Sleeve though? Do you think that there will be horror stories years from now about the damage cutting 85% of your stomach out will do? I hope not, since my sister elected to have the sleeve a year ago and has been very sucesful so far. I'm am grateful the band is out, but also a little depressed. For now, I will concentrate on healing and maybe down the road I will be a canidate for the sleeve?

[mich 74]

I agree. When I had the band in 2008 I was told it was in for life, like a hip implant. No worries, it was safe and could stay until I wanted it out. In April of this year, 5 years out, I started vomiting even more than usual. I started researching again and I found so much information about 5 year life span, 10 years tops. It was such a hard decision to revise to sleeve. Those were my husbands exact words, "So what are they going to say about the sleeve in 5 years? "

My choices were band out and go it alone, or revise to sleeve. I kept changing my mind. Who knows what kind of procedures are comming in the future? Lose the band, work hard to maintain, and see what the future holds. The thing that pushed me to revise was insurance. We are going to be losing out good insurance next year for a self employed plan. Most likely a plan that will not cover any bariatric surgery.

The first two weeks after revision I want to tell everyone pre op to run, don't do it, this is terrible, no one should have this surgery. I am 4 weeks out today and I'm adjusting. The funny thing is there is a question I never asked pre op. I never even thought of it till after. I guess I assumed that after my stomach heals it is a strong as before. But now I think not. Now I have read stuff that makes me think my stomach will always be weaker that my stomach pre op. Sounds silly. But it is just something I never thought about. And again I don't know for sure, I will ask at my 6 week follow up. And I read about sleeve constantly for months leading up to my revision.

I am a strong believer in everything happens for a reason. I think if you had erosion after only two years, and could not revise to sleeve. Then there must be something even better in your future. Or if you do get the sleeve, then it must be happening later for a reason.

Best wishes to you. For all of us on this roller coaster. Life is one wild and crazy ride!