Hi All

I had lap-band surgery in June 2006. This was done after I had a shield removed from stomach stapling surgery that was done 25 years ago. (I lost a lot of weight with the stapling, but slowly, over the years, put a lot of the weight back on again - although not the full amount.) The shield had grown into my stomach and I was vomiting up to 15 times a day. I lost 54kg from that problem. Since having the shield removed and eating normally again, I have gained back 30 kg. The lap-band had not been filled as I thought I might be able to keep the weight off by myself. Since gaining the weight I have had the band filled 5 times. In the beginning it seemed as though it might be leaking, but that is now resolved. I am up to 6 & half mls of fluid but still seem to be able to eat whatever I want. I go back to my doctor next week for another 2 mls but I believe that the total amount I can have is 10 mls and I am worried that even if I go that far, nothing will change.

Has anyone else had a problem like this? If so, what did you do about it.

Gday 2nd time, Man have you been through the ringer! I was banded only a month ago, and will be getting my first fill next week. I can't say as I know what you are going through, I just wanted to say hi, and wish you all the best.

Susannah

It's been about 12 months since I joined this website and I haven't been back since because my surgery has been a total failure. There seems to be a leak somewhere and I've had refills so many times I've lost count. I'm now heavier than when I started and am very depressed. What options do I have?

I've recently had my first fill and it appears to have no effect on the amount of food I consume. I guess it comes down to a lifestyle choice that has to be made.

Have you been to have your chest x-rayed to ensure that the band has not slipped?

It's been about 12 months since I joined this website and I haven't back since because my surgery has been a total failure. There seems to be a leak somewhere and I've had refills so many times I've lost count. I'm now heavier than when I started and am very depressed. What options do I have?

You need to tell your doctor of your concern about a leak. He can check easily as all he has to do is withdraw the Fluid from your band and see how much there is - if less comes out than what should be there then it needs to be investigated.

The other thing removing the fill from your band may do is that when he replaces it, the tubing may fill differently - when a band isn't filled to capacity it creases and folds around the stomach, when fluid is taken out and then put back in the tube may crease and fold in different positions - this might actually result in tighter restriction.

You said that the max your band takes is 10ml, so I am guessing you have a 10ml band - I know of someone who actually has 12ml in a 10ml band, so it is possible to go higher.

I really do think you should contact your doctor about having no restriction, although some people do need more fill than others.

Let us know how you get on.

Danna