Slipped Band – How Do You Know?

Question Below Submitted By:  

Sid (a patient from Northern Ireland )

Short arrows show pouch dilatation; Large arrows show small amounts of contrast material passing through gastric band*

Short arrows show pouch dilatation; Large arrows show small amounts of contrast material passing through gastric band*

I am worried that I have a slipped band, but how can I know for sure?

I had lap band surgery in January 2010 and have had really bad reflux lately (as in coming down my nose) and it always occurs at night.

I have also developed a persistent cough that’s not helping with the vomiting.

Is the reflux connected to my band?

How do you know if your band has slipped? What are the symptoms? How does it feel? How can I find out for sure?

What do I do if it has? If it hasn’t, how can I improve the nighttime reflux?

Thanks, Sid

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01.

Expert Responses to the Question Above

Response to: Slipped Band- How do you know

by: Dr. Aceves

Hello Sid,

To know whether your band has slipped, you need to get a barium swallow x-ray to check your band.

Based on the symptoms you describe, which are typical of a slipped band, this may be your issue.It is very important that you get it checked out as soon as possible.

The acid is very damaging and it will not get better on its own; it will only get worse.

If your band has slipped you need to have it totally unfilled and stay on liquids for several weeks.

This should offer relief.

Staying on liquids very often helps the band go back to its original position. After several weeks, you need to have another barium swallow x-ray to see if your band has gone back to its original position.

If it has, you can start having fills very conservatively until you get back to your proper restriction.

Dr. Alberto Aceves

(click here for Dr. Aceves' full bio & contact info)

Dr. Alberto Aceves

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.

Related Pages:
- Lap Band Problems & Lap Band Complications
- Lap Band Surgery Failure - 2 Types & How to Avoid Them

Image Source & More Examples: The “O” Sign, a Simple and Helpful Tool in the Diagnosis of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Slippage

02.

Patient Responses to the Question Above

Chest X-ray show slippage?

by: Anonymous

Can a chest X-ray show band slippage?

Slipped Band

by: Jessica

The way I knew something was wrong was I was throwing up while asleep it running out of my nose when lying down Terrible stomach pain where my port is. Throwing up whole chunks of food. No feelings of restriction when I was tightened. The main thing is the pain at my port site. My doctor did a barium swallow test and it showed the slip. But anytime you feel pain tell your doctor right away.

Slipped band

by: Sid

Thankyou all for your comments , my band had slipped, it had eroded into my stomach . I had been doing so well , I had 5 stone off in 18 mys , unfortunately I am struggling now, to stay at a healthy weight . I have 21/2 stone on again .

Slipped band

by: Anonymous

Your symptoms sound just like my daughter's.

She is currently in the hospital on life support.

This is very serious.

She had seen her primary care for heartburn, a pulmonologist for the cough, was a month on prednisone for the cough and went through allergy testing.

She went to the ER feeling something was wrong.

She was admitted because her electrolytes were so low.

An upper GI the following day showed the problem to be the slipped band.

They were working to get her electrolytes back where they should before surgery to remove the band when she (still in the hospital mind you) aspirated while vomiting.

The stomach acid caused chemical burns to her lungs.

She has been on a ventilator for 9 days now.

I hope you can avoid what she has been through.

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[ Last editorial review/modification of this page : 05/24/2021 ]

* Disclaimers: Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Read More

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