Question:
How does a band become eroded?

I am concerned about band erosion. If the band is located on the outside of the stomach, how does it become eroded by things going down on the inside of the stomach? I have a lot of knee & shoulder pain so I've been taken a liquid Rx pain killer and sometimes I take Advil. The advil was great but I was told not to take it because it causes erosion. I am wondering have I already caused damage to my band. I've also had my share of cocktails. It's been one year since my surgery. Is there a test that will show if any damage has been done?    — Cookie1257 (posted on February 6, 2010)

February 6, 2010
I'm not a bandster but as an RNY patient I know we can't take Advil, Aleve or any other anti-inflammatory type meds because of the potential for developing ulcers. We have a blind stomach (not accessible by scope). Those drugs have a systemic effect and therefore don't require direct contact to cause bleeding ulcers. Irregardless of WLS type, anyone can suffer this effect from those type medications. I'm sure someone with more medical understanding about the band will chime in here but it seems that erosion would be enhanced if you have erosions going on the inside. A thinning of the stomach wall by ulceration seems it would make it more likely that the compression and slight shifting the band makes against the outer wall could erode or rub thru. If you feel you have this situation (pain, nausea, etc), contact your surgeon or PCP right away. They can do an EGD scope to see if anything is happening inside and a fluroscopy (sp?) can be done to detect slippages. PS...check with your pharmacist on your Rx pain meds to see if it's classified as an NSAID. If so ask your doc & try a different type to reduce your chances of ulcers, etc.
   — Arkin10

February 6, 2010
It is not the band that erodes, it is your stomach. This is usually caused by the band being too tight. Too much pressure is put on the stomach wall, and the band erodes through. This is a very serious condition. Advil, or any of the NASAD's can irritate the inside of the stomach and cause a tissue breakdown that erodes through the wall of the stomach. Alcohol will cause further irritation and possibly bleeding. Your doc can do an EGD with a scope and check for any erosion or other problems. This should really be done once a year to be safe. Try to go easy on the coctails, besides not being good for your stomach, they are a lot of empty calories that slow your weight loss. Irritation or erosion would cause severe burning and/or reflux. Your doc can put your mind at ease.
   — Bonnie H.

February 7, 2010

   — obesitysurgeonsmexico