What happen to my band!

redrn4god
on 5/21/11 3:22 am - bakersfield, CA

Adjustable Gastric Band on 05/12/11

I'm not one to post, but love to read everyone's post. I feel the need to share my recent experience and give some much needed credit to my new "favorite" person.About 9 months ago I started having problems with getting too much restriction and not beig able to eating anything but clear liquids. The surgeon did and 1cc unfill and Voila! all better for several months, this happened every 2-3 months I finally agreed to the EGD and upper GI study to find my band was "in good position" no ulcers, but would need to repeat the upper GI when in crisis! Well "crisis" happened while on vacation visiting my parents for a week, 8hrs from the surgeon. In the ER of a local small hospital if found I was completely obstructed the barium clearly sitting above my band, no water or anything getting by! At this time I was given 3 choices, 1) fly to Marina Del Rey (from Po-dunk no where, No. Cali), Go to a hospital (Sacramento) 70 miles away or 3) find a Surgeon that would help. Earlier in the day when I knew I was in trouble I attempted to contact Dr. Laura Machado with Sacramento Bariatrics. I asked the ER Dr. to contact her and see if she would be willing to accept me as a patient. She was more than accommodating at 12 midnight, and I earned an ambulance ride to Mercy San Juan Hospital in No. Sac. At 630 the next morning I met Dr. Machado, she was pleasant and a realist, gave me her interpretation of the situation. Once again I had three scenarios 1) reposition the band 2) replace the band or 3) remove the band (if ulceration and/or erosions seen and not safe to replace the band)I was prepared for the worst (band removal) but hoping for the best!To make a long story a little shorter....my band was replaced the old band had was being held by only one stitch, which allowed it to slip back and forth allowing me relief when unfilled and then "crisis" every several months.I have a second chance and except for a couple of new "holes" and new band I'm going to make the best of this second chance!!!Big THANK YOU to my family for their support during this "vacation" and to Dr. Machado for fixing me!!!

RED
"I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me." Phil 4:13

(deactivated member)
on 5/21/11 4:02 am - San Diego, CA

Revision on 05/28/09

What a crazy situation you dealt with! Murphy's Law in full effect when the emergency "finally" happened AWAY from your surgeon. Well, it sounds like that worked out better for you anyway since you found an excellent surgeon to identify the problem and replace the band for you right away. I'm so glad it's all taken care of and you are back in the swing of things.

:)

Jean M.
on 5/21/11 4:43 am

Revision on 08/16/12

Red,

I am soooo glad you were able to connect with Dr. Machado, and I thank you for sharing with us a band complication story with a happy ending!

Jean

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

-Mari-
on 5/21/11 5:05 am

OMG, all that must have just made your band even tighter!!! Like the other girls, I'm so happy that it turned out well in the end. What a story. Good luck with your new band!

Mari Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!

sunny44
on 5/21/11 5:15 am - brooklyn, NY

Wow, so happy to hear that you are ok. I am going on vacation to another country. I am thinking about have 1cc removed as i am so so afraid that I might have some complication. Whenever i travel within the country, i look for band specialist and gather info should I have a situation. Tammy, NYC.

Lifebeauty
on 5/21/11 5:42 am

Lap Band on 11/16/07

Congrats on the successful replacement band. You were so fortunate to find a knowledgeable doctor willing to help you.
Take care,
Z

With I will succeed.
HW: 280 - LW: 190 - GW - 180
Unfilled 8/15/11 - WT: 209
1st Fill 11/29/11 - WT: 215.5 - 3cc
2/20/12 - New Goal - Get n Onederland
2nd Fill 4/26/12 - WT: 224.0 - 3cc
Z

redrn4god
on 5/21/11 7:36 am - bakersfield, CA

Adjustable Gastric Band on 05/12/11

Thank you, for the encouragement,

Since my band and I have been having a love/ hate relationship one might think it would be easy for me to bash my band. But I wouldn't be down 60 lbs without it! I am looking forward to a second chance and continued weight loss!

RED
"I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me." Phil 4:13

Modest_ Goddess
on 5/21/11 8:40 am - Canada

RNY on 08/14/17

Hi Red,

My band and I also have a love/hate relationship. Today is a hate day. I'm on day 2 of MediTrim (same as opti-fast) to get ready to have my band reinserted after a 2 year (and 1 baby) absence.

Back in March of 2009 I had complications very similar to yours where I would be ok for a while and then end up in the ER for a "crisis". Unfortunately, at a dinner party I was hosting, my band did a complete slip. All the dinner I had eaten was STUCK. It wouldn't go down and it wouldn't come up. It was torture. I've never been in so much pain. I called my surgeon and he scheduled the band removal for first thing in the morning. When the time came to be sedated for surgery I was so relieved to be put out of my misery.

My relief lasted only as long as the sedative because when I woke up I had a tube down my throat and was told I was on a ventilator. Apparently, when I started to relax with the anaethetic, the food that had been stuck travelled back up my esophagus and down into my lungs. Now I had to rely on the machine to breath for me while my lungs healed.

After my stay in ICU, respiratory therapy and much discussion with my hubby (who thought I was going to die) I am going back under the knife. My band is to be re-inserted on June 3rd.

I don't know if I'm doing the right thing but I don't feel like I have any other options. I can't be fat forever.

mary101678
on 5/21/11 10:27 am - RI

VSG on 07/10/12

Wow, I am surprised that no one thought to check your esophogus for that stuck food!
I hope all goes well with you and congrats for being a trooper!
Cheers!
Mary