How long to keep the band in after it is deemed ineffective?

by Jennifer Conway
(Bahrain)

I had gastric band fitted over 6 years ago. I've failed to lose more than 10 kgs (22 lbs) total after a year and spending a lot of money and time visiting the surgeon to have my band filled and adjusted. I've finally given up.

My main disappointment was that I never felt full. I was told I would not be able to eat a lot anymore. My meals where the size of a fishcake, but I always felt hungry.

I maintained my weight loss by willpower alone; I didn't really need the band at all. Now 6 years on I am experiencing a burning sensation in my mouth and throat and a slight gurgling sensation in my stomach, not much discomfort really.

I went to the doctor and he gave me a bottle of antacid! I know I don't have an upset stomach.

First, how long do patients typically wait to have the band removed after it has been deemed ineffective?

I'm also afraid that the reason the band isn't working is that the band has grown into my stomach. Is this life threatening?

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How long to keep the band in after it is deemed ineffective?

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Research related to your questions NEW
by: Jeff

Hi Jennifer,

There is a lot of information on this site that should help to answer your questions. The following pages are a good place to start (be sure to follow any links within the following pages to learn even more)...

1) Lap Band Surgery Results - the good and bad outcome possibilities
2) Lap Band Surgery Failure - the main reasons why lap band surgery fails, including lap band erosion (the problem that you asked about)
3) Lap Band Problems & Lap Band Complications - a complete list of potential issues with the band

I hope that helps!

Take care,

Jeff

Mine does not work either NEW
by: Mindy

I had my band about 6 yrs ago as well. After losing 125 Pounds and going in for fills and unfills and slipping it twice I found out I can no longer get fills or my esophagus will get closed off due to excess scar tissue from the slips. My band is still in , and unless i come up with $16,000 to have it removed or it becomes and emergency situation it will stay there ! What kind of concerns me about your situation is your having acid reflux , which you should not be . If your having it all the time and your doctor does not take it seriously I would get a second opinion , it typically means something is too tight some where, you may not be able to feel it but its not "right". The first sign something is going wrong w/ my band was acid reflux.Your band slipping CAN be life threatening if its not treated right away when things go wrong. If i were to throw up a lot over and over again and my stomach get swollen i could have to have it removed in an emergency . So I would get a second opinion for sure ! Hope that helps
Mindy

Could your band have slipped? NEW
by: Lonicera The Bandit

I wonder if your band slipped a long time ago, say after the first year - I'm surprised your surgeon didn't eliminate that option early on. Certainly he doesn't sound as if he's doing the right thing by you. There's only one thing you can do for yourself now, before anything else, and that's to find out what's going on inside. Only then will you know whether to remove the band, or have it adjusted properly.

I think the only way it could become dangerous to you is if it stopped you eating most foods, and (more importantly) it stopped you drinking altogether... and you did nothing about this. But you clearly suspect something's up anyway, so that won't happen.

If it has slipped and they can put it right, then you've lost a few years, but it's not the end of the world. I hope you'll let us know how you got on.

Lonicera The Bandit

Determine the Real Issue NEW
by: Lap BAND GROUPIE (The Sweet Spot)

If you've been having regular ongoing appointments with your Doc for six years and have never had proper restriction, and you've been following all your Doc's instructions/Band rules, then you need a new Doc. If you are following the Band rules, then either you're not at the right fill level (which your Doc should have solved in much less than six years…and I do have to note that you mentioned 'a year' and many Banders take a little more than a year of fills to get to the right restriction depending on their Doc's fill schedule/amounts and their own anatomy), or you have a Band complication that your Doc is not addressing…either way, if you've pressed this issue with your Doc (if not, go back to your Doc with a list of questions and possible tests), then you need a second opinion.

I would have expected by now that at least you would have had: a complete empty and refill (first test for a Band leak to see if the saline is all still all there), then a barium swallow and a fill under fluoro as well, to show exactly how your restriction is and to confirm that there are no complications…no slip, erosion, Band leak, or esophagus problems like enlargement (most likely suspects for no restriction)…they may need more detailed x-rays as well and perhaps a scope/endoscopy/EGD.

Mild reflux is a very common side-effect of Banding and as long as it's completely under control it shouldn't be an issue. The first step for mild reflux is an antacid like your Doc gave you (for the acid burning, not an upset stomach). I will also mention that if your esophagus has enlarged (caused by overfilling the pouch) that can effect how well the flap at the bottom of your esophagus can keep the normal stomach acids from coming up the esophagus and causing reflux.

Yes, erosion can be life-threatening as the opening in your stomach wall can get infected, but it isn't likely that this has happened (much more likely that you just never got to the proper fill level). You need a Doc that will figure out what is going on. The Band can be removed at any time, but whether insurance will pay for the removal and under what circumstances would have to be discussed with your insurance company.

Best Wishes!

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