Serious lap band infection

CheriLynn
on 5/12/11 3:44 am - Paynesville, MN

Hey all - I have had RNY - but my mother did the lap band 4 years ago- she is now in the hospital with a very serious infection in her abdomen due to the lap band eroding her stomach - her surgery to remove it is Friday-

Has anyone heard of this happening and what do you know- She is in Ohio and I am in Minnesota so I am so scared for her!

Thanks!
Cheri Lynn

5'2" - High Weight=224 / Current=145 / My Goal= 130

Believe in Miracles...

(deactivated member)
on 5/12/11 4:01 am - ~Somewhere in~, PA

Band erosion is very rare but it do happen to about 1-2 percent of lap band patients. The usual culprit and causes band migration is a port infection (which can be caused by unsterilized needles during a fill and bacteria can enter the port this way) and it travels up the tubing and this usually will cause the stomach tissues to weaken and the band will migrate inside the stomach and it must be removed, usually with band erosion there are no symptoms except that the patient will lose total restriction since the band is no longer around the stomach, but sometimes it can cause complications, in all cases the band must be removed.

There have been several people that healed and got a new band replaced and some people will opt for the Sleeve or RNY and some people just do not want another wls, that is one good thing about the band if anything bad goes wrong it can be removed and you can go on to lead a normal life.

(deactivated member)
on 5/12/11 4:16 am - Califreakinfornia , CA

On May 12, 2011 at 10:44 AM Pacific Time, CheriLynn wrote:

Hey all - I have had RNY - but my mother did the lap band 4 years ago- she is now in the hospital with a very serious infection in her abdomen due to the lap band eroding her stomach - her surgery to remove it is Friday-

Has anyone heard of this happening and what do you know- She is in Ohio and I am in Minnesota so I am so scared for her!

Thanks!
Cheri Lynn

I'll see if I can dig someone up who can offer advice for you. Meanwhile check out the link in my siggy and repost this on the failed bands forum.

Lisaizme
on 5/12/11 4:19 am - TX

I only know of one person who's had an erosion. They had to have their band removed and eventually, after not being able to keep the weight off on their own, has moved to a sleeve.

Hope your momma feels better very soon.

Lisa
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr

Nic M
on 5/12/11 4:55 am

I'm sorry to hear this, I really am. I would imagine that if they can stop the infection early, they will probably remove the areas that are most affected, as well as the band itself. Then it's just a matter of healing up, so make sure she doesn't overdo it.

Wishing your mom the best with her surgery.

Avoid kemmerling, Green Bay, WI

shellqueen
on 5/12/11 4:55 am - New Brighton, MN

Lap Band on 09/24/07

I'm sorry this is happening. Hang in there! K

(deactivated member)
on 5/12/11 5:23 am

Hi Cheri Lynn,

I'm so sorry your mom is going through this. You must be worried sick. I hope everything turns out okay.

Trixie

michele1
on 5/12/11 8:51 am

Revision on 07/07/15

So sorry your Mom is going through this........I know what it is like to not be in the same state as Mom......... I hope Pumpkin can find you someone that has experienced it first hand so they can assist in the meantime will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers......

Michele