Band removed this week
Just to let everyone know that I went down to Monterrey, MX this week, and Dr. Rodriguez ended up having to remove my band. After only having it for 2 1/2 months! I had no slipped band, no hiatal hernia. My problem was with the sphinctor at the base of the esophagus. It was really swollen and wouldn't work correctly. It wouldn't let hardly anything pass, although when he did the fluoroscopy on Tues night, the barium went through, then when I drank water, it just closed off completely. No wonder I had such a hard time drinking water!
Tues night, he couldn't figure out where the restriction was, so he had to do an endoscopy the next morning. That's when he found the swelling, but still didn't know the reason. So he went in with the laproscope and made the decision to take out the band, because he said the swelling might go down with medication, but it could always come back later, and I might get an eroded stomach. He said that my body just might produce too much acid and that may have been causing the problem but he really wasn't sure. It could have been that the band was causing too much stress on my stomach and causing even more acid. I just don't know and neither does Dr. R. He just didn't want to take the chance with my esophagus and stomach.
He put me on steroids for a couple of days after the surgery and I was able to drink water and other liquids with no problem. I have to stay on liquids and mushies for about 2 to 3 more weeks. I'm just relieved to not have the reflux or the pain in my back or chest anymore and to be able to guzzle water again!! I am more sore than when I was first banded, but I kind of expected that. And I can't wait to be able to eat regular food again! But..... I have figured out a plan and will stick to it.
Cathy
Cathy, I am so sorry you had to have it removed but glad that you are ok now. That is exactly why I decided to go with RNY. I had it Monday and got home yesterday. I have no pain at all and am tolerating liquids well. I read too many horror stories about eroded and slipped bands plus I didn't know if I could tolerate a foreign object in me. I am so glad I made the decision that I made but everyone has to make their own.
Hi Sharon,
I'm so glad that you came through the surgery fine and that you're feeling great! That's wonderful! :D
As for my band, I never had a slipped band or any erosion (Thank God!) nor did I have a hiatal hernia. My problem was all from acid backing up into the esophagus and irritating the sphinctor. Everyone is different and I just happened to have a problem that no one else has had, (that I've heard of anyway!) Figures! ;) If it had to happen to someone, it would have to be me! :P
I never even considered the RNY because I didn't want anything cut out of me or re-routed. I'm glad that it is working for you though. Good luck!
Cathy
Hi Deana,
No, I didn't know that there was a problem until a couple of months after banding. The problem was not with the band...... I think it all started when I started coughing 4 days after my surgery. I ended up with bronchitis, and was taking antibiotics for about a month. I had bronchitis (bad) for 5 weeks. Deep coughs and taking antibiotics for about a month. I believe this irritated my stomach, and started causing the problems with the acid and the swelling and irritation of the esophagus and sphinctor. It makes me wonder if I hadn't have gotten bronchitis, would I have had the same problems? I really don't think so, but I'm not going to get banded again. I'm just not going to take that chance again.
You will do fine! So many people have no problems. Just be sure to not eat too much, because that can cause irritation problems.
Good luck......... Cathy
Hi Kathy,
Thanks so much for your kind wishes! I am doing so much better, as far as health goes, but I'm fighting trying to keep my weight down. I gained back 6 lbs that I had lost AGAIN after I had gained 11 lbs after this last surgery. I'm holding right now though. I'm trying to limit my starches and do fine with he portions in the morning and lunch, but evenings are tough for me. I am tired and have no willpower. Have o figure ou something else!
Cathy