Ask Dr. Curry?

Not uncommon, due to swelling of at the surgery site.  Usually resolves in a couple of weeks.

Dr. Curry,

Have you had any patients have issues with adhesions?  I have had a total of 6 abdominal surgeries. 2 C-sects, cholecystectomy, removal of uterus, removal of ovaries, (2 separate surg.) and removal of cysts(where ovaries were) .  The last 3 also included lysis of adhesions.  Will this cause a problem with the Lap Band? 
Oh, and what is the difference between the Realize and Lap Bands?
Congrats on your banding!  I am currently waiting for insurance approval.

We have operated on many patients with adhesions, in fact two patients who had prior liver resections.  Surgery may take a little longer but shouldn't be a problem in experienced hands.

Realize vs. Lap Band, that's a complicated issue as the differences are subtle.  They are both good bands, I would choose the one your surgeon is most comfortable with.

     Dr. Curry
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable time.  This was really a concern for me and I needed an unbiased opinion.

Thank you again!
MaryAnn

Hi,

I had my last fill about 6 weeks ago everything went great.  I went for my 1 month follow up 2 weeks ago and the Dr. thought I was doing very well.   Then about 1 1/2 week ago I stated having pain in my back after I eat.  I am fine as long as I eat less than 1/2 cup of well chewed food, anything more hurts.  In addition to that last week I started waking up within 15 minutes of going to sleep vomiting, this will usually last about 1 hour.  I am not quite sure what the problem can be I was fine when I went to the Dr. 2 weeks ago.  Can you band get tighter over the course of 6 weeks?  What causes the night vomiting? Can I prevent it?  What causes the back pain?  Can I prevent it?  

Thank you,
Jeanette

Absolutely the band can tighten over a period of time.  I think you need an unfill, that may resolve all your problems.

Dr. Curry,

Thank you for your reply!

Amy Benton

Doctor,
I am almost two years out with the band. I've gone from 287lbs to 150lbs successfully losing all of my weight, however now I have encountered a huge problem. My band is causing acid reflux so severe that I can barely eat, and sometimes that includes liquids. I've taken antacids and prescription strength acid reducers, and I also stay away from a huge number of acidic foods. Still I can not digest a lot of foods. I want to take the band out, but when I got it put it, it was out of pocket pay because my insurance has no bariatric coverage. I'm afraid of what is going to happen if I can not afford to get this band taken back out, to get it in was twenty thousand dollars. I have no more money and feel like I am running out of options and don't know what to do. I've spoken to my surgeon but am still waiting for a response. Please help.

Sincerely,
Jillian

Jillian,
Sometimes insurance will cover removal, even if you were self pay to begin with.  If not and you can make it to Cincy, we can take it out for about $9500.  $20 grand is a bit steep. 

Before I jumped to that I would at least get an upper GI to see what is going on.

Going to an informational meeting tomorrow, but I have a quick question.

I know that you can't answer for ALL situations however, I'm curious as to what your experience has been.

If for some reason a band needs to be removed or needs a revision ( due to some sort of medical complication... ) --- typically, does insurance cover these procedures, or do you find, in general, people are forced to pay out of pocket?

I know that everyone's insurance is different, but as a general rule, what has been your experience?

Thanks in advance.