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Lap Band Problem - Considering removal



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I just created a bio with all my issues but can't find it so here goes ... I had my sur. Nov,2004. I have had only one unfill in that whole time. I had a thyroidectomy May 27th, 2008. I am a cancer survivor and now cancer free but in the three months post op that surgery, I gained 30# and am having problems getting it off and I have abnormal CBC lab values low hemoglobin and hematocrit and elevated white count and more than doubled platelets. I have subsequently had an upper GI and lower last month resulting in (from biopsy) a lot of undigested food above the band, a bacterial infection of the stomach lining, and diverticulitis. I am on Tetracycline, Biaxin, and Previced for 14 days. I am in pain and my abdomin looks like an eight month pregnacy. I have had much pain in my life as I have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes and few lesser issues. Those are the heavy hitters. I think I am going to have the band removed because if there is undigested food above the band the infection will reoccur. Has anyone had theirs removed????

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If you scroll through the forums you'll find topics that address lap band complications and removal.

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divorced......,

There are plenty of folks around who have had them removed, I being one of them although our circumstances are much different. In fact this is the first I've heard of undigested food collecting above the band and causing an infection. I know a weight gain is traumatic but it seems like you have more important issues on the table right now and doing whatever you can do to make yourself healthier is what is important right now. Good luck to you, Nancy.

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Hi there Divorced.. Im sorry that i do not have alot of positive helpful things to tell u.. i just wanted to offer you my support, and i am so sorry that you have so many medical conditions that make your life complicated..

I suffer from a few but nowhere near as many as yourself and i know that they fully affect my life.. so i can only imagine..

I hope that everything will work out great for you, as much of a struggle that it is.

I wish you the greatest luck on your journey, and as hard as it is keep your chin up, because you will work through this!!

Love and best wishes..

Sammy..

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