Hello, I was self pay (about 4 years ago) and unfortunately I feel like my doctor really wants nothing to do with me at this point, since it was so long ago AND I have to admit that I just flat out don't trust him at this point (he was sued for loosing a patient during a procedure and actually only ever contacted me to suggest we "take the band out, since the weight has been lost".

Anyhow, I did an endoscopy and fluoroscopy and was told that I have a "small gastric pouch, which is stable" with a "stable tilted appearance compared to the 2012 fluoroscopy exam". Does anyone know anything about this? I feel like no physicians want to talk to me since they did not do my procedure. On, follow up for the endoscopy/fluoroscopy..that dr. said its okay but that its basically like the band has moved into a tilted position but "THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING AS A SLIP". I'ts just something to watch? I don't want to gamble with my health yet I cant bear the thought of trying to re-do or correct this (which he did not suggest by the way) , but I'm just wondering if anyone else has information on this .

THANK YOU!!!

wow,

noone?

Trouble is, I am not sure what he means! If the band is not in the originsl position, then it IS a slip. May not be serious but I would be concerned to know there was any change as the band should be firmly sutured into position.

A slip is actually not band movement but stomach movement! The band remains static, being stitched on to the tissue, but stomach tissue moves through the band.

If there is now "a small gastric pouch", that presumably means there is slight dilation at the base of the Oesophagus? Or is he saying that due to the "non-slip" the area above the band is smaller than expected?

In your place, I would be trying to find out what he actually meant!

You didn't mention any symptomatic issues you're having, so I'm assuming you're not experiencing any. If that's the case then it doesn't seem to me (based on what you've written) like there's a problem you need to address right now. If your band slipped, like mine did, you'd be having issues like not being able to hardly eat or drink or having food and liquids constantly coming back up, etc.

That said, it sounds like it might be a good idea to see if you can find a different surgeon to use for follow up care. I haven't heard of people getting the band removed after they've lost weight if they aren't having a problem with it. That doesn't make any sense at all because the band, when working correctly, continues to help control your appetite and eating, and most people regain after having to have it removed. So that alone makes me question him.

Not sure where you are, but maybe you could make a post asking for help finding another surgeon in your area to see for follow up care.