I had lap-band to sleeve surgery April 9, 2018. My original lap band was successful for about 2 years, then it broke somehow and needed to be replaced. Before the replacement, I began vomiting and having daily reflux. I also felt a constant poking pain in my rib cage whenever I exercised. I had gotten down to 145 lbs from a start weight of 235 lbs, but vomited daily. The band was replaced, but never worked for me again. I began gaining weight immediately after surgery and got back up to 225 lbs before having sleeve revision surgery.

The day after surgery I had a barium swallow X-Ray done and learned a part from the first band that was replaced nearly 3 years ago had broken off, and floated through my abdomen and is now lodged in my left rib cage (explaining the poking feeling the doctor told me was all in my head when I brought it up 3 years ago!)

I was told by my sleeve doctor (who is a different doctor from the lap band doctor- but a partner in the medical practice) he could remove it during an office visit or just leave it if it didn't start to bug me. I am not sure about all this. Any suggestions?

I'd want it out. No telling what kind of damage it could or would cause.

But I would question the removal in an office visit!

I would consult a lawyer. 1st doc says it in "YOUR" head, and 2nd says he could remove it during an office visit? That does not sound safe at all to me. Wouldn't cutting you open digging into your ribs to remove something be considered surgery? It's not a splinter in your finger.... Good luck whatever you do, hope everything is positive from here on!!!

1 hour ago, pattys1096 said:

remove during office visit

@pattys1096

I agree with my "colleagues"

question the procedure being done at office!!

you and all of us should always be pro-active

hope your early sleeve days are going well

good luck

kathy

Thanks all. I just thought it sounded fishy that he would want to remove it in an office visit. Makes me wonder if they are just trying to quietly make a dangerous mistake go away without anyone knowing, which kind of scares me a little.

I dunno, but if you "choose" to just wait-and-see, then it's "on you" and not on them from leaving the danged piece inside you in the first place.