Scared! Need Support 4 yrs post op

I had my Lap Band surgery almost exactly 4 years ago.
Back in August I had some severe pain left side, in the front, high up under my ribs only when I ate or drank. It lasted a couple of days, and then stopped, no other sympotoms.
Fast forward to 6-weeks ago and the blood bank won't take my blood because I am anemic. (Don't know if this is related or not)
Three weeks ago, I developed the left side pain again accompanied by extreme fatigue, and overall abdominal tenderness, with a low grade fever off and on. I finally got into see my GP and she thought it was a kidney stone/infection and sent me straight for a CT scan.
I just got a call from her office and they said the problem is my Lap Band, I have moderate fluid in my abdomen (what the heck does that mean) and that I need to call my surgeon right away.
I have done that and my appointment is on Thursday afternoon.

I have been steadily, albeit very slowly, losing weight for the last four years. I have lost a total of 140 pounds. Since my last adjustment, March 2, my restriction has not changed, more than my normal monthly flucuations. My band looked good at that time (done under flouro). I'm scared they're going to tell me I have an errosion and that my band has to be permentently removed. I am only 15 pounds from no longer being considered obese...I don't want to go back to super morbidly obese again. I'm scared! Any words of encouragement?
Blessings,
Shari

Shari,

I haven't experienced that and I'm not a doctor, so I can't suggest a diagnosis. At the very least, I think your GP owes you an explanation of "moderate flluid" in your abdomen and exactly what characteristics (besides the fluid) did the radiologist seen in your CT scan that suggested the problem was your band.

I'd be scared too, so I'd be extremely persistent until I got a satisfactory answer out of that doc. You shouldn't have to wait several days for your appt. with your surgeon to get an explanation. If the GP doesn't want to answer questions like this, she should instruct her staff not to tell the patient anything at all. Sometimes a little information is worse than no information.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Jean

Thank you!
I pick up the scans tomorrow. I've been waiting three weeks to see a doctor, 48 hours is nothing.

I just don't want to lose my band! It has been a life saver, LITERALLY!!!

I will let you know when I know something.

Shari-
sendng many good thoughts your way...

Nothing really to share (Jean is so wise) -- but want you to know that I am sending prayers and good vibes your way.

Please let us know what the doctor has to say.

I was dianosed with peptic ulcers/silent reflux this summer -- and a daily acid reducer has made a world of difference --- the pain seems similar.

Hoping that they find something and that it is easily treatable for you.

I just wanted to lend you some support. I will be praying for you.

Saw my surgeon today. They did an upper GI.
Band is FINE!!!! No evidence of slip or errosion.
He could clearly see the fluid and inflamation in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen (just to the left of my stomach and band). He wasn't sure what it was, but was sure it was not the band. 
So, I still do not know why I have been sick or why I am in pain. But, I do know it is not a kidney stone or infection and it is not a slipped or erroded band. So, back to the GP to find out what "it" is.

Thank you every one for your support and prayers.
I knew, after all this time, I could find support here.
Shari