MRI - Lap Band - any of them NOT MRI safe?
I need to have a MRI on my shoulder as soon as possible but I'm trying to find out if the lap band/port are MRI safe. Everything I've read says yes, it is as that topic has been addressed many times here.
I had it placed in Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut (Who I've called and left voice messages, emailed and sent facebook messages with no response) back in 2001. I still have it and really have no issues other than occasionally getting something hung up. I'll be having it taken out as soon as financially possible but right now, my shoulder is my issue.
Does anyone know of ANY lapbands that are NOT MRI safe? I'm overly cautious and very much appreciate your input.
on 7/20/16 1:20 pm
I found the documentation on the standard lap-band produced by the Allergan company. That one is made of stainless steel and titanium, which should be MRI-safe.
The REALIZE band, from a different manufacturer, seems similar. One model of this has a titanium port, and the other model is plastic.
I'd suggest calling the radiologist so they can take a look. If memory serves, they can basically wave a magnetic wand over you, and if there's anything that the MRI would attract-- implants, pins, whatever-- the magnet will activate and they'll know not to stick you in the machine.
Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!
I had MRIs done while banded, no problem.
Are you having referred left shoulder pain? That's what my MRI was for. I wish I could have saved the time and money. It was caused by the band damaging the Vagus nerve system.
Good luck to you! Hope you get answers and feel better.
Avoid kemmerling, Green Bay, WI
If this helps - before I had the MRI for my shoulder, they asked me if I worked around metal and could any pieces have gotten into my eye. i said yes and was given an xray to make sure that no metal pieces would rip my eyes apart. I dont know if a similar analysis could be used for the lap band. A radiologist may know for sure.
i
Sharon