Need advice on failed band

I posted this on another board, but it doesn't seem as busy as this one, so I'm helping to get a few replies.

I'm so frustrated and angry right now. I'll start by saying that I'm a self pay.

I was banded 3/04 in Mexico and everything was fine. I had 110 lbs. to lose.  Had my first fill down there, and then was able to find a somewhat close doctor in the States for subsequent fills. I never really reached that "sweet" spot and noticed in '08 that I had almost no restriction, but I chose to ignore it because it was so inconvenient getting fills. I lost about 45 lbs. total in 6 years.   Last summer, after gaining back 30 pounds, I decided enough was enough and started calling local doctors. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that US doctors are now open to seeing people banded in Mexico.

Well, after getting 2 fills, turns out I had a leak. Prior to the surgery to take care of it, the doctor discussed that it was probably the port, but that he would do a procedure (can't remember the name) and check out the band while I was on the table. I told him to do whatever he had to do, including replacing the band if necessary. Well, for reasons unknown to me, he only replaced the port, which did have a definite hole in it and didn't do that procedure to check out the rest of the band.

I had to wait 6 weeks for the first fill and did notice restriction. A month later, in October, I had my second post-replacement fill and had good restriction. However, it didn't seem to last long and I went in for my 3rd fill a little over a week ago. I received 3 ccs and the doctor wanted to know if I lived close, because it was a large fill. I should note that I always seem to see different doctors for each fill. So, it's been almost 2 weeks and I have absolutely no restriction. I'm going back this week for another fill and will definitely discuss my lack of restriction at that time.

So, my greatest fear is that my band has a leak or the port has a leak. I've spent about $7,000 in the last 6 months and for nothing.

Also, my husband told me that the doctor explained the sleeve to him the day of my surgery. As I was sort of out of it due to medication at the time, I don't remember if it was pre or post surgery. If he had even discussed that with me prior to scheduling the surgery, I may have gone that route. Wouldn't have cost all that much more considering the cost of fills and other visits.

If it turns out that I have a leak, do I have any recourse with the doctor to take care of it for free or give me a drastically reduced revision to the sleeve? I think he should have checked out the entire system while he was replacing the port as I did tell him to do it and that I would consent to total band replacement if necessary. Of course, if this wasn't noted in my chart, it's my word against theirs.

So any suggestions on what I should do?

First of all, let me say that I am so sorry that you have had such a bad experience. When I went into this, I originally wanted the band. But then did more research and talked to two different surgeons and realized that the band has a pretty high failure rate. It does work for some people, but not most. You should not have had to go through everything you have and I'm sorry. I don't think you have any way to force free services or reduced rates from a surgeon. Otherwise, people all over the country would be doing it. There are failures and complications with every WLS. Most of us are told that up front. You may not have been. If you have the means to get the band taken out, I would. If you can have a revision to the sleeve or RNY, you probably should do it. But do your research on all of the WLS types first and then make an informed decision. Good luck to you!

Sorry to hear about the problems you are having. I also never felt real restriction with my band, but unlike you, I also never lost any weight. Hopefully, you just haven't found the right amount of restriction and there is no leak. If you do have a leak and you need another procedure, I would urge you to look into other options. The band is difficult, especially if you cannot get fills locally or get the follow up you need with support groups and such. But before going into another procedure for the band, it might be worth looking at other options. I had a revision to the sleeve almost 6 months ago and it is an entirely different experience. Good luck either way, and hopefully you won't need to have another procedure.

Lori H.

I am in the same boat.  I had my surgery 11/23/10 and nothing. No weight loss, no feeling of being restricted.  I have my 3rd fill appt tomorrow and plan on discussing possible the Sleeve with my Dr.

I AM SO DISCOURAGED and bummed.  I am getting married 1/28/12 and wanted to lose weight by then.  And i refuse to get pregnant at the weight I am, and we are wanting to start a family almost right away.  I thought the band would help, but not so far.

:(

When you go in for the fill, they should be able to pull 3 cc of fluid out if that is what they put in and it is not leaking. If they cannot pull any fluid out, then you definitely have a leak. I hope it works out for you!

My experience is very similair.  I went to Mexico in 07 and had the band.  I got a leak and the band never worked right.  I didn't have it fixed because I had already put 10,000 dollars into it and my insurance excluded anything to do with WLS.  Last September I started having so much pain I could barely walk.  Went to the ER and my band had broken apart, slipped, and had to come out.  I got the sleeve and I love it.  I am not sure about what recourse you would have with the doctor.  He should have checked it.  I would advise you to get the sleeve over fixing your band.  It is the best decision I have ever made.  No more fills and I have lost 56 pounds in four months.  Good luck and please let me know if you need anything!

Thanks for all the replies.  Pretty much looks like it is leaking.  Of course, the doctor says we can work out a solution, but I've already invested between $17-$18 in original band, fills, and replacement port out of pocket.

I just don't have any more money to do anything more.  It's even going to kill me to have to spend more money to have it removed.

Not to mention I'm still angry that he didn't thoroughly check it out when he replaced the port or even suggest reverting to the other procedure instead.  I've had only minimal restriction since port replacement, so I'm pretty sure the band itself was bad when he replaced the port.

 I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time with your band.

I did have WLS 9.5 years ago but if was in that same situation today I wouldn't do it. I have found a company that makes products that are amazing. I would have been able to lose all my weight without WLS! Check out Visalus.com and 473849.bodybyvi.com

I am now using the products for proper nutrition and to help get off the last 25lbs I need to lose since I had my son. You should check it out though, might be a great option for you.