Hi everyone! I'm a newbie to this site and so glad I found it! To make a long story short, I was banded in 2009, very successful, lost 100 lbs, never any problems until about 9 months ago. Port turned, I was told it would be a simple 20 minute "fix". After ALL necessary tests, everything came back great....no slippage, leaking etc. went in this morning, woke up & was told they removed the band due to a puss pocket behind the stomach and the tubing was beginning to erode. Needless to say, I was shocked and began to cry. This was such a fight for me since day one between fighting my ins company, sleep apnea tests, counseling, dietician etc...and I know we have all been there as it is part of the process but I just feel robbed. I know that may come across as shallow but trust me, I am the last person to put looks or weight above health. I'm confused, my doctor did mention that it could be a possibility, could be. Why did all my tests come back good if they had to take it out? It is a total mind f*** and I'm afraid now that I will gain back the weight and who knows if insurance will pay for another band/bypass with a low BMI. Doc said 6 weeks and trust me, I have a list of questions for my follow up in a few days. Doctor never went out to speak to my mother, who was waiting for 8 hours total! I'm just having thoughts as to if this band even needed to be removed. Any thoughts or stories please share...I feel robbed

I can understand your confusion and anger. I would assume he had no other choice but to remove the band due to the erosion and risk of infection? Erosion into the stomach is one of those health concerns that can take your life.

There are many options available now that don't include removing your stomach or rearranging your plumbing.

Plication

Endoscopic Plication is something new I'd look into(non invasive)

Keep us posted on how this turns out? It's definitely one of the more unusual band complications I've read about.

tmf

Ty for that suggestion....I looked into that plication and it sounds great but not too many ins companies are approving it. I'm just so concerned that since he did not convert me right then and there that my window of opportunity is closed with the ins company. Have you heard of others having this done, waiting, and the ins paying for a replacement?

I am sorry you are going through this. I don't think you're being shallow at all. I would feel the same way if I were in your situation. In fact, I am constantly in fear that something will happen to my band and it will have to be removed. I have no advice for you. Just wanted to offer my support. I hope you get some answers soon.

Peachee, I got nothing for ya except you might find some support on this forum: http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/394-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/