Lap band removal/replace

[Kerolin 0]

Hi everyone,

I had my Gastric Lap Band done 17 years ago.
I lost 60kilos over the first 2 years. I fluctuated between putting on 6 kilos and losing it again over the 17 years. ATM I am under my goal weight.
I’ve been quite ill for some months. Severe reflux, stomach pain, nausea, back pain, no appetite, night vomiting, (into my airway) night coughing and general feeling unwell.

I underwent an endoscopy yesterday, it was suggested my band has slipped? And the band is very tight. I have not had an adjustment or seen a surgeon about my banding in over 8 years.

Th Dr performing the Endoscopy is recommending my Dr refer me to to a Gatric banding specialist ASAP. His suggestion was, they may have to remove the band? I don’t see the Dr for a week, then there is the wait to see a specialist, and then????? That’s all a long wait while I feel so ill.

Anyway my question is. If I have to have my lap band removed. IF THERE IS NO FURTHER DAMAGE. Can they replace it immediately with mother Lap Band. I m 68 years old and don’t want a Major surgery of Gastric Sleeve.

[catwoman7 10,973]

there aren't many surgeons who are placing lapbands these days because there were so many complications with them. A lot of people have had them removed and have had the sleeve or bypass done instead. I suppose there are some still out there who might place a lapband, but it might be hard to find one who does. The lapband has largely been replaced by the sleeve as the non-RNY option. You might want to chat with a bariatric surgeon - let him/her know your concerns and see what they recommend. If the person you talk to doesn't work with lapbands anymore and that's what you really want, they may know of someone who still works with those. Or they may reassure you about your revision options. At any rate, it'd be good to talk to a specialist about all of this.

Edited January 18, 2023 by catwoman7

[Kerolin 0]

Thanks so much for your reply.

I’m currently waiting to see my GP and then waiting for the referral.

I’ve been reading a lot and yes it seems the lap band is fast being replaced.

I guess I have to wait to talk to the bariatric surgeon, firstly to find out what’s the issue with mine currently & what they suggest.

again Thanks for your reply

CHEERS

[seeme1954 32]

pancreas and lapband
i have having pancreas problems and wondering if any of this was caused by lapband. The duct has atrophied and it is not making enough enzymes

[BayougirlMrsS 3,933]

On 1/18/2023 at 2:34 AM, Kerolin said:

Hi everyone,

I had my Gastric Lap Band done 17 years ago.
I lost 60kilos over the first 2 years. I fluctuated between putting on 6 kilos and losing it again over the 17 years. ATM I am under my goal weight.
I’ve been quite ill for some months. Severe reflux, stomach pain, nausea, back pain, no appetite, night vomiting, (into my airway) night coughing and general feeling unwell.

I underwent an endoscopy yesterday, it was suggested my band has slipped? And the band is very tight. I have not had an adjustment or seen a surgeon about my banding in over 8 years.

Th Dr performing the Endoscopy is recommending my Dr refer me to to a Gatric banding specialist ASAP. His suggestion was, they may have to remove the band? I don’t see the Dr for a week, then there is the wait to see a specialist, and then????? That’s all a long wait while I feel so ill.

Anyway my question is. If I have to have my lap band removed. IF THERE IS NO FURTHER DAMAGE. Can they replace it immediately with mother Lap Band. I m 68 years old and don’t want a Major surgery of Gastric Sleeve.

as a former band-er..... I would suggest that you remove the fill and see if it gets better. I wish I had done that. Maybe I would still have my band. But, my band had slipped and I couldn't even swallow spit. So, how do they know it slipped? Are you having trouble eating? Drinking?......... Mine was removed 2017 ... went 2.5 years and then I gave in and did the sleeve. I don't regret it, but not one day goes by that I don't miss my band and the control I lost when I lost her...... I listened to everyone but me when I got sleeved. I wish I had went with my gut.