I got my band in Mexico on Sept 6 2007. I am 39 years old and weighed 215 at time of lap band placement and I am now 155 lbs. The weight loss is rapid. I can't eat much. I have been in constant pain off and on. I noticed the port began pushing through my stomach. My family doctor here in California told me to go back to Mexico because he does not know how to treat me and my HMO will take to long to find a specialist. I went to Mexico and the surgeon who put in the lap band performed an endoscopy and said my body was rejected it and said I should check into the ER room here in the states. The Mexico surgeon gave me the DVD and pictures of my endoscopy. The doctors here said the band was placed on me too tight and penetrated into my stomach and cut it in half. My stomach built scar tissues walls to protect the food from spilling into my body cavity. However I was told by a non gastric specialist that I would not be able to work for 6 months to a year and I will have a feeding tube for months while my stomach heals once they find a surgeon experienced and willing to take the liability of a Mexico patient. My family doctor said this surgery seriousness is on the scale of 1 to 10 is considered a 10. I have been placed on bed rest to avoid the rupture of the scar tissue walls which is called a phister (spelling ?) if it ruptures. Loma Linda hospital is searching for a surgeon while I wait here bed ridden. Does anyone have this problem and is it true that I will be in the hospital for weeks or months and have a feeding tube and cant work for a year? Please help me I am so scared and can't stop crying.

Wow! Some story. And thank you so much for posting it.

Keeps us bandsters in check that pain besides normal healing...is NOT normal and could be indicative of a problem with serious consequences.

Not being able to eat much... as long as it's normal is fine...but when it goes against the grain...it's not normal.

You know, I may be walking in your very shoes. I've been well resrticted for a few months and am 4 pounds away from my goal. IF I eat a bite and come back an hour later for another...things are fine. But more than a bite or two and I slime.

I go for an adjustment in a week or so...and then after that I plan on following up w/ a GI doc within a month or so after the adjustment. I want to ensure I didn't do any damage, either.

'Dying to be thin' should only be a saying...not reality.

Wow, that is a hard situation to be in. I hope and pray that you are able to recover from this soon. I am sure that your HMO will be able to find you a surgeon soon. The first thought I had was that you are so lucky that your stomach scarred over, rather than just leaking stomach contents into your abdomen. That would have been much worse. Please keep us posted. My hubby ( who also had the band ) and I will be praying for you.

Good luck. I believe this would qualify for emergency surgery, and with insurance it shouldn't matter where the initial injury occurred, you are entitled. Even an HMO can get someone in an emergency. Besides, if they would have approved you in the first place, you wouldn't have had to go somewhere and self pay. Keep us posted, and keep your chin up.

So Sorry to hear this. I am schedule for January banding, so I am paying attention! However the best physician for this procedure is Felix Speigle in Houston. (713) 790-0003

Praying for you and hope this helps

I'm so sorry to hear of your dilemma. I'm sure there will be a doctor who can help you through this. My thoughts are with you. Please keep us posted.

Oh how scary for you, I am so sorry to hear you have had such an ordeal. I will pray for a speedy recovery and do keep us posted.

search for a member named DrWatkins. he posts on several threads. his information appears to be good - and its free. he has a web site - he only does lap band according to his site. its worth a try. like he always ends - i hope this helps....

OMG!

I am so sorry to hear what has happened to you. I will add you to my daily prayers right beside me. I am hoping to be banded in January 2008.

Please keep us updated on your health.

Wow! I am so sorry, this has happened. I know it all seems so overwhelming right now.. Try to take a deep breath and focus on it step by step...

I know you came on here for more info, but maybe you would find better info if you did a google search on Lap Band complications or Lap Band Erosion complications. You may stumble across some medical paper write ups that could guid you with more info then we have...

Hang in there. You are in my thoughts & prayers. You didn't deserve this at all. Life has a crappy way of inserting itself into our plans....

DrWatson posts on fills thread.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f13/how-lap-band-actually-works-fills-refills

He is a wonderful resource. What were you able to get down. Only water?

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f13/how-lap-band-actually-works-fills-refills-41738-new/

this should work the last one was goofed.