Question:
How to know if nausea and lack of restriction is band slippage?

I had band surgery with extensive hiatail hernia repair 6/17/08 and have had 5 fills since with the total of aprox. 11ccs in a 14cc band. Since my last fill (12/24/08) of 1cc I have had little or no restriction and have also been having constant nausea since. I have seen my primary dr on 12-26-08 and was told without any kind of testing that I must have a bacteria infection in my stomach and to stay on constant fluids and to take an antibiotic along with compazine( for the nausea ). He suggested that I eat toast or crackers, both of which I have not been able to eat due to the band's restriction for the past several months. I tried a piece of toast and was able to eat the whole thing and now I am even more convienced that I must have a leakage or that even something worse must be wrong. I am still feeling miserable and was told by the surgeon to wait til monday ( a whole week from today) to come in to the hospital for an esphogram with a possible adjustment but I am really concerned that something is wrong.I don't have a fever or any "real" pain other than the constant nausea and wrenching which scares me due to the huge hiatail hernia that was repaired at the time of surgery.I am I just over reacting or should I be genuinely concerned? Please help ease my mind and nerves. Thanks    — pamela P. (posted on December 29, 2008)

December 29, 2008
Well, one day earlier this year, I got so sick one day from complications from gallstones after LB surgery. I was taken to the same hosp. ER Where I had the surgery. I was admitted til MY DOCTOR was able to check on me and run test of all kinds because at the time we didn't know I had gallstones. So doc did all the tests needed to find out what was wrong. So I suggest the if you are feeling sick go to the hosp. Or visit your doctor and talk to him about your concerns. If you can't wait because you are feeling so sick, go to the emergency room.
   — soliisoul

December 29, 2008
Umm, Pamela, your primary care doctor isn't the right medical professional to consult with the problems you described. You need t make an appointment with your bariatric surgeon. While you might have band slippage, it could also be something else. You also expressed a lack of confidence in your primary care doctor regarding his diagnosis of the problem. If you don't have confidence in your primary care or any other doctor, you need to find a different one who you feel is actually actively engaged in your health care. Best wishes. Lisa
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 30, 2008
No restriction with 11 cc's in your band doesn't sound right at all. You should not have nausea and wretching either. All of these together tells me that something is very wrong. I would call your surgeon immediately and insist on being seen today and get something done. I know it is the holidays and everything, but, that is no excuse. Your PCP must have assumed that you have H. Pylori by the sounds of his diagnosis and treatment which it very well could be, however, wouldn't you rather know for sure. Please call your surgeon NOW! Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

December 30, 2008
Anastomotic leakage occurs when there is a breakdown at the site where the stomach/intestines have been cut and reconnected. Stomach contents (food, bacteria, and digestive fluids) leak into the abdominal cavity causing severe and life-threatening infection. Symptoms of this type of leakage include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, heart palpitations, severe abdominal pain, rapid pulse, fever, rigors, and hypotension (low blood pressure and/or shock). Placement of the band does not require the stomach or intestines to be cut, so there is no chance of an anastomotic leak. The sterile saline used to fill the band can leak out but it will not hurt you. It sounds like you might have some kind of stomach flu or maybe even food poisoning... YUCK. Wouldn't it be awesome if WLS made us immune to that? I would keep taking the antibiotics and compazine and do your best to stay hydrated. You've been to your primary care doctor and at least talked to your surgeon and I'm sure that they would not want you to wait a week if there was something life-threatening going on. You don't have a fever and aren't having severe pain which is a good thing. I don't think you are overreacting because being sick is scary, especially when you don't know whats going on. If you think it would be helpful, you might want to call the surgeon and see if you can get an appointment with him before your esophogram on Monday. If you start feeling worse or have new symptoms, then you need to call your doctor and surgeon let them know. I hope you feel better!
   — mrsidknee

December 30, 2008
First and foremost, try to relax! And definitely try to stop thinking about this if you can. However, I would definitely advise you to get to your ER if this continues. Something is making you feel this sick; whether or not you have a number of maladies that it could be; waiting can be dangerous. You keep saying you know something is wrong. You don't just keep thinking that for no reason. Have you got support from family or friends that could help you? More than likely if you get help you will feel better. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, Retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 4, 2009
Well, one day earlier this year, I got so sick one day from complications from gallstones after LB surgery. I was taken to the same hosp. ER Where I had the surgery. I was admitted til MY DOCTOR was able to check on me and run test of all kinds because at the time we didn't know I had gallstones. So doc did all the tests needed to find out what was wrong. So I suggest the if you are feeling sick go to the hosp. Or visit your doctor and talk to him about your concerns. If you can't wait because you are feeling so sick, go to the emergency room.
   — soliisoul