Ask Dr. Curry

Dr. Curry,

I have 9 ccs in a 10cc VG band. I have only moderate restriction. Most days I can eat more than I should be eating and I can eat bread too. The last time I was at the clinic the NP took the fluid she could extract from the band to see if it was leaking. She was able to get 7ccs. Now I know that all the fluid isn't removeable, but I would think that maybe I don't have 9 ccs in the band. I know there was some fluid put in during surgery. Then I had two fills of 3 ccs each and two of 1.5, so that should make 9. What do you think?

Thanks.

Connie 

Connie, With the VG it is common to be "missing" two or three cc's that are really in there but you can't get them out.

Hi Dr. Curry, I'm curious how leaks work. My doc just told me he thinks I have a leak (last fill about a month ago I had 9cc-he measured and put it back and some is still there so I'm pretty sure it didn't just go into my body cavity) and now I'm down to 5. To check he put me back up to 8 and I'm going back in a week and a half to see if it's still there. But I'm curious when one has a leak does the saline come out right after the port has been touched or slowly afterwards, because I know that I didn't have any restriction since my last fill when I had 9cc supposedly. Also, what causes a leak? Does too many fills/unfills have anything to do with it? Thanks!

I can really be either slow or fast depending on the type of leak, and many fills/unfills can cause a slow one due to a very slow drip from the surface of the port where it has been stuck so many times.

I am waiting for an approval from Tri-west for Lap-band surgery and I have one question that I forgot to ask my surgeon.  I have a latex allergy and am wondering if there is latex in the lapband that may cause a problem.  Thanks in advance for you help!  Angela

No Latex in either the Lap Band or Realize Band.

Dr. Curry, I was banded in August last year.  I had my third fill on June 1.   Monday, I drank half of a shake too fast or something and got stuck.  My stomach became swollen and I was unable to keep down fluids all day.  At 4 that afternoon, my doctor unfilled my band.  Since then, after I eat or even drink a shake, my stomach area hurts.  It feels hard.  Eating is fine, but afterwards it feels like a rock. Is this usual after a swollen stomach?  How long should it last?  My surgeon did not tell me to do soft foods except for the one day.  Should I be doing anything specific? Thanks for taking the time to answer these boards.  it is very kind of you.

It can take a little while after an unfill for things to go back to normal and for the irritated pouch to heal.  I recommend soft foods for a few days typically, but I would follow up with your surgeon to make sure things are on the mend.

Hello! I am in need of some serious help! I had my lap band surgery on 5/16/08 and had to complications. During recovery, I lost about 15 pounds. I have and continue to follow all diet and exercise instructions to a T. Between my post-op appointment (6/3/08) and my first fill (6/30/08) I gained 2 pounds! I have an AP large (14cc) band, and was told 1cc was put in during surgery. My first fill (on 6/30) was 6cc, for a total of 7cc's. I have very little or no restriction. Is this normal? I'm getting seriously discouraged, as I am following the nutrition requirements and exercise daily. Does something seem wrong? WHAT CAN I DO?