I was banded in 2007 and recently became concerned because the weight was gradually creeping up.  Thinking I needed a fill, I went to a new doctor, since I moved to a new state in 2008.  He did a barium swallow test (unpleasant), and then an endoscopy.  He said the band has grown into my stomach! So it must be removed.  I had never heard of such a thing.  And he said if I was banded again it would probably happen again.

Said gastric bypass was a better bet for me, but have heard it has more unpleasant side effects.

Comments welcome from others with same experience.  Thanks.  Dianne

We are so sorry to hear all you are going through.  This forum and it's members will be glad to help share their experinces.  You may want to post this on the Revision Forum as well.

Thanks - I read about on the revision board, so I guess I will hang out there.

So Sorry that you've experienced an Erosion with your Band.

It is my Opinion, but I believe Erosions  occur MORE OFTEN than the 1% reported by the band manufacturers. The Actual Studies now show that Lap Band Complications are higher than  initially reported, Current Failure rate is 50%  with bands alone, I don't have recent stats on erosion tho.

Let me tell you your NOT alone,  Other ppl that have been banded and had erosion have suffered because of their bands.They have experienced, Necrosis of the stomach causing them to have a large portion of the stomach removed, some have feeding tubes, and some are unable to ever have a revision to any other WLS due to the damage.

Something NOT surprising to me is that so many times ppl say EXACTLY what you said that they didn't know about the complications, when the Doctors that band us are supposed to provide us with ALL that information!!!!

But I'm Happy that your new Doctor didn't blame you for the problems that your having because that is what appears to be the NORM in the research that I have done and the ppl that I have talked to 

Your Doctor is 100% correct in the advise about re-banding, the studies show that 2 nd bands do not work, and in the case of erosion  I  won't even speculate on the damage done 

 I DO HOPE that your able to revise and a bypass is a good choice, I WISH you well and you might also want to check out the information on the Failed Lap Band board here on OH. A Link is provided in my signature line.

Complications associated with adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity: a surgeon’s guide

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

Annie:  Wow, I had no idea!  When I got my band, NOTHING was said about future failures.  Probably my fault - so pumped up about losing weight.  I did not do due diligence.  Can't wait to get rid of it - but have to say I have not had any adverse symptoms.  Seeing Dr. Thursday.  Not sure I want to have any further bariatric surgery.   65 yrs old.  Time to get serious about diet/exercise (BOO).

Erosion can be a serious complication of banding.  Some doctors are reporting as much as 1/3 of patients erode.  It is something that has been listed on the manufacturers site since day #1.  It's just one of many complications.

How did you do with restriction alone?  Did you do well?  If so you might want to take a look at a sleeve.  If you did not do well with a band then bypass or DS might be better options.

Sorry you are going thru this.  Have they set a date for your removal yet?  Erosion isn't as uncommon as you might think.  I had my band removed and after healing for 4.5 months was sleeved and am doing better than I though I could.  Good luck and as said, check out the failed band Group.

My wife had Fobi Pouch surgery 12 years ago.  Erosion was diagnosed and the lower band was removed about 5 weeks ago.  She is still having pain and vomiting.  The surgeon that removed the band did not report major damage or holes.  Is your healing time of 4.5 months typical?

You should ask this as a new thread to get more people to see it and respond.  For me, my surgeon requires 4-6 months for healing and the surgeon I was suppose to have only required 2-4.

That said, I didn't have ANY vomiting  after not alone 5 weeks out and I only had pain a few days.  I don't know anything about taking a Fobi Pouch down, even though I talked to his daughter at and OH convention about it. I hadn't heard of one till than.

Please call your surgeon about you wife right away.  I know erosion makes a big difference and I didn't have erosion.

What you're talking about is a lot more serious than it sounds. When the band blends into the stomach it can, and many times does, lead to creating a hole in the stomach. A hold that lets feces into the stomach and becomes deadly. Seriously. You are lucky a doctor caught it in time. Do take it out if that is the case.