I've just returned home after 2 days in hosp. I started to have severe abdominal pain, felt like my intestines were filled up like balloons with no way to let the gas out. I had fever, chills, headache etc... I had blood work done, x-rays, CT scan etc... The surgeon told me that I had an infection in my bowel that was caused by an infection around the banded part of the stomach, up the tube and to the port. He said that these infections can cause damage to the stomach etc... Now I knew that this Dr. was not a real fan of lap bands, you could tell when he told me about this stomach damage. He didn't remove it but advised me that if the symptoms come back, I should present to the ER and he would re-assess.

Has anyone out there had this happen to them? What was the outcome? I'm not really feeling very positive right now and after a year with this band and successfully at near goal, I am scared! I am on oral antibiotics for a week and we'll see after that.

I was banded in Mexico. Any words of wisdom out there, prayers etc... I could use them all.

I'd go to my banding physician. Since you can't do that (not to be nasty but another reason not to get banded away from home...whether next state or country...)

anyway that was for "newbies" and researchers. For you...I'd find a lap band surgeon, pay his fee, and go to him (or her). You may need it removed or revised, or there may be something else going on.

Good luck and what happened to you is a potential threat to ANYONE, not just people banded in Mexico (or whereever!)...just that if you are banded away from home and then have medical issues, it's hard to find help!

I hope you feel better really fast and can find a sympathetic lap band surgeon near you who can help you find a better solution than just having the band removed. You don't need judgment from an ER physician who doesn't know you or your struggles.

Mica, I have no words of wisdom, but I do want to offer you my prayers. I'm very sorry you're having these complications, and I hope your antibiotics clear up the infection and that you have no further problems.

Gosh, I feel horrible that this happened to you. I give you all the praise in the world for, after only a year, be so near goal. I have not heard about this before! My prayers are with you! I guess I wanted to make sure that you were heard! God's Blessings to you as you get this all figured out!!!

I have read about this, but my sergeon said he hasn't seen it with the new style bands. This is a growing concern to me as I am sceduled for surgery 3/03. I read one article that suggests 1/4 to 1/3 of all bands may need to be removed sooner or later. Get better, Mica.

I had never heard of this, and would question why an infection started 1 yr post op. Call your Band Surgeon... even though he/she is in Mexico, you should still be entitled to telephone support and possibly follow up support. If that doesn't help, go to a band surgeon in your area and get their input.

I hope all works out for you!

I also would suggest finding a new band doctor. If this ER guy is so anti band (whether because you did it out of country or just bands in general) I would not trust that he would know enough about bands to work with any other alternatives other than taking it out. I have a feeling a band surgeon would be able to offer other suggestions.

Good luck, keep us posted!

Christy

I wondered too, how an infection would start 1yr post-op, the surgeon did not seem to know either. I feel okay today but still have pain in abdomen and can feel some pressure there as well. last night it was quite alot.

I have spoken to my medical coordinator, and at this point it is a wait and see situation. Wait for these antibiotics to finish then reassess. I always have the option as well of returning to TJ to see the surgeon there. The issue there is cost of flight and time, but I'll do it if I have to.

My band is my very close friend and assistant and the thought of losing it is so scary to me as I have never had much luck keeping the weight off on my own. I am about 10 lbs or so away from goal, so at least I wasn't say just started or halfway but the maintaining has always been the bitch.

Wish me luck.

Hi Mica,

Just a thought--quite possibly this infection didn't just now begin but rather has been festering for many months. Infections can wall themselves off and until you start to have symptoms like you did, you don't even know you have one. It started around the band, up the tubing, etc. Now it's putting pressure on your intestines that you now know it's there. Make sense? In any case, please finish all your antibiotic medicaton and even if you do start to feel better, it's best to get another evaluation to be sure it is completely gone. May need to extend the time you are on the antibiotic or even change to one that completely wipes it out. Take care of yourself and keep us posted. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cathy

I'm feeling a bit better now but still have many questions and fears. I appreciate all of your advice and kind words.

It's called erosion. Google it.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/lap-band-erosion-46721/