Question:
How can you tell if the lap-band has a leak or has slipped?

My Friend had the lap band in July 07, at first she was having chest pains and throwing up and thought maybe she was eating too fast, then she had a fill and it only seemed to work for about 2 weeks now she is eating more than she should be able too and does not have any discomfort or pain.    — jaxjennings (posted on January 12, 2008)

January 13, 2008
Why doesn't she just contact her surgeon to check the band?
   — obeseforever

January 13, 2008
I agree with the last answer, if she is concerned. First let me tell you what we tell our Lapbanders. When you are obese, there is fat everywhere. As you lose that fat, you are going to lose it around the stomach, also. That is why you need to continue to get fills as you lose weight. As you lose the fat, the opening of the band seems larger and you can eat more, or faster as you pouch empties faster. Go get another fill and see if that isn't it. It is nothing to panic about. If it slipped, they can fix it, but it doesn't slip often. I would say that there has been some fat lose. Good luck to your friend - Judy
   — jk_harris

January 13, 2008
She needs to contact her surgeon. S/he can check the integrity of the band and confirm its placement. One very important thing about the lap-band and weight loss surgery in general is that it isn't a quick fix. After weight loss surgery, a person still has to make healthy food choices, eat appropriate amounts, and exercise. Being able to eat more does not mean you should. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

January 17, 2008
If the lap band slips, then your stomach is completly restricted and you will throw everything up. If she was having chest pains that aren't cardiac related it was probably gas. I have found it's very important to allow yourself to burp between bites and make sure everything is chewed very well otherwise it won't settle right and will come back up. also my surgeon told me its possible after losing weight the band may loosen up so she may need another fill if she's feeling less restricted. it happened to me.
   — lisalpn