Six Months Later

[keith1675 0]

Well six months ago I went to St. Luke Hospital here in Northern Kentucky, to have my lap band installed by Dr. Dwaine Smith. My band was installed on one day and removed the next. It was removed because I had developed a fever during the night after my surgery. The next morning, tests revealed a potential hole in my stomach where the band had been placed. Later that afternoon I was taken back to surgery and the band was removed. Cultures were taken and I spent the next seven days on IV antibiotics in the hospital.

Before I could go home a PIC line was inserted into my arm and I had to continue giving myself IV antibiotics for another seven days at home. As a result of the pre-op diet, and the problems with surgery, I lost thirty pounds. Now six months later I have gained back everything I lost. I know I need to do something, but I don't know what that something will be. Anyway, I just thought I should share my experience with all of you who are considering the Lap Band approach. The odds of something going wrong are advertised as being very low, but if the odds happen to fall against you...

Regards,

Keith

[kcorbin 0]

Keith-Sorry for your terrible experience w/ the band. Mine has been wonderful and I thank God for that. But I just wanted to wish you well and to let pre-bandsters know that you are right, it can happen. Kelli

[KtKt 0]

Keith! So sorry to hear of your experience. Sounds like maybe it was a staph infection? That has to be the ultimate disappointment... Hugs and wishes for a healthy weight loss for you!!!

katie

[keith1675 0]

Keith! So sorry to hear of your experience. Sounds like maybe it was a staph infection? That has to be the ultimate disappointment... Hugs and wishes for a healthy weight loss for you!!!

katie

It is my understanding that I was infected with staff, strep, and possibly something called c-dif, although I never received a definitive answer on that one.

Regards,

Keith

[Band Chick 3]

Staph infection is the fifth leading cause of death in the US. It can happen with any surgery, even without surgery. It's nasty stuff! And hospitals are a factory for it! I signed a petition just yesterday for stricter laws in our state concerning hospital proticol and Staphylococcus.

I'm sorry to hear you had such an awful experience. It's good that you shared this for those that don't know-- everyone should go into this with all the facts.

For me, I've done the research, studied the statistics, interviewed surgeons and am ready for surgery. I know the risks and I'm ready to take the chances. However, I doubt I will feel the same about plastic surgery.

[Band Chick 3]

May I ask, where you were banded and by whom? Or even just the state?

[Big As Life 0]

Keith,

So sorry to hear about your problem with the band...I know this must be very frustrating for you...I wish you well...

[Sybaritic01 0]

Silly question maybe.....but could you try the surgery again? I know this might sound silly with such an awful experience.......but i would assume your ordeal is very unusual.

All the best

[SD Chick 0]

Keith so sorry to hear of your bad experience, I too wondered if you would try the Lap Band again. I am lucky to have not had any problems but you always worry that you could be an unlucky one.

I am truly thankful that I had mine and pray that it will stay that way.

Good luck to you and I hope you find something that works for you.

Keep us posted.

[RN2be2008 0]

<p>Staff, Strep and C-Diff? WOW that is a terrible combo. You should look into that because if you caught it from the hospital then there are some serious problems with their infection control. Then again if you started the pre-op diet and your immune system was probably low then I could see how you could become prey to an opportunistic bacteria like staff. </p> <p>I thought that it (staff) took a few days for it to be considered hospital acquired but if its sooner then it was community acquired based, I think I need to review before school starts again..shame on me, but its been a fun summer.</p>

I guess I forgot how to spell as well...Staph not Staff..