Slipped band :(

Have been noticing increased reflux over last 3 weeks, whereas I have not had a bit since surgery 15 months ago. Went last week and had an upper GI and got a call this am that my band has slipped adn we need to schedule surgery to fix it. I though I  had read in the past where a unfill and liquid diet might resolve the slip without surgery?... Has anyone had success with this approach or is surgery the way to go?

Sorry to hear about your slip.  I have heard others mention that they emptied their band and it did fall back into place.  Might ask  your surgeon about it just to see if you can try it..

It depends on how long your band has been slipped (many have slipped bands and don't know until the symptoms are severe), the type of slip and the severity of the slip whether or not a total unfill will fix it. Usually with a mild slip (like pouch dilation) where the pouch is just a bit swollen and inflammed this type of slip usually can be fixed with  emptying the band and about 6-8 weeks of soft foods and liquids and usually the pouch will shrink back down.

But...if you've had regurgitative reflux at night for over 1-12 months, it be may be very difficult for your band to be saved without surgery. When reflux sets in and is chronic from band slippage even unfilling the band does not work, this is why is it EXTREMELY important if you find yourself a bit too tight to remove saline asap before the reflux starts. Reflux is usually an indication either there is a problem with the esophagus or the lap band pouch.

Many have been successful (even myself) with a total unfill and rest period and my band was saved, but I got to my surgeon immediately when I started to have symptoms.

Good luck

Here is a very good article on band slippage from Dr Simpson website.

http://drsimpson.net/fills/lap-band-problems/Lap-band-slip-w hat-is/Lap-band-slip-what-is.html

Thanks for the very informative article NanaB.

If it is a severe slip, an unfill will not correct.

All best.  No matter what, you will be okay.

I am sure that it depends on the severity of the slip.

My surgeon typically tries an unfill and a course of anti inflammatories and a few weeks of soft foods and then checks with another UGI before doing another surgery.

I have not had a slip but we did discuss his protocol before I was banded because I am self pay and wanted to know my options in the case of a problem.

Good,luck.  I hope you get relief from your reflux and that your slip gets resolved.

I have been putting off going, but I have been having problems with heartburn and stuck food.  I had my last fill October 2011.  Have an appointment 10/10/12 to see what is going on and what are my options!