Dr. C - ?'s for you

Dr. C: I was diagnosed (sp?) with a small slip and band that had moved. I went into surgery to have the band repositioned ,but rather it was removed; band, port and tubing. My dr said that there was too much scar tissue around my stomach. He told me he tried a few different positions and even different stitching,but feared the band would not stay in place and may end up causing septic. Why would there be scar tissue? What would have caused it? Why would scar tissue make it difficult for a band to work? What really is scar tissue? Would a different size band have been better to begin with or could a different size band have worked rather than removing my band which was a 4cc band. I was banded 5/31/05 and never hit my sweet spot. I was continually be filled and unfilled. I think I was unfilled longer than ever really having any fill. The highest I was filled was 2.5cc and that was for a very short time. I was still very out of it when the dr talked to me after surgery. I will be going in tomorrow for a follow up visit and will ask him these questions also, but I would appreciate your point of view. Thank you, Barb - I want my band back

Barb, It's really hard to say without being there. You might be able to be re-banded down the road but without knowing more it's hard to speculate. A vertical sleeve gastrectomy might be an good option for you as a salvage operation if you don't want to look at bypass. Dr. C Cincinnati, Ohio www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

Dr. C: Thank you for your response. I know it is difficult for you to say without being there. It is a comfort to be able to ask a second opionion when you do not fully understand. It was very difficult to remember the conversation with him from recovery. My appointment Friday gave me a much better understanding. He said there was actually what he would describe at "2 ruts" around my stomach that the band was moving to and from. He was concerned about erosion and would not take any chances with leaving the band in or placing another band. Thank you, Barb