Question:
has anyone developed gastroparesis after lap band?

i just recently found out that I have a severe case of gastropersis and most likely developed it from my surgery for lap band hernia repair in June '08. I started having nausea and vomitting Dec '08 which caused me to have an esphrogram and get a second opinion. The second surgeon was shocked to see the hernia had reoccurred and my stomach pushed through the band. After he performed an endoscopy himself and found food in my stomach after 14 hours then sent me for a nuclear stomach emptying test. This confirmed that my stomach is indeed paralysed. My prior endoscopy before lap band did not show this. I think my prior surgeon caused nerve damage to my stomach during my operation.Help! Do you think I should see an attorney at this point? Anyone else have similar or same results? This was never mentioned to me as a possibility at the time of surgery. Anyone else ever been warned that this could happen. I am now facing major stomach surgery for there is no "real" cure. I was told my best option is to have open and complete gastric bypass with the remaining stomach having to be removed leaving me with only my pouch. The incision will be about 8-10 inches long with a long recovery. Any suggestions?    — pamela P. (posted on February 21, 2009)

February 21, 2009
I am so sorry for your situation. Quite unusual but it does happen. It does sound like gastric bypass is your only option. I'm not sure about just leaving the pouch. I would have a complete physical workup with labs to rule out a number of things that can cause this besides poor surgery. Please let us know how you do and what you. You will be in my prayers. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 21, 2009
I am so sorry for your situation. I would definitely consider gastric bypass. I am concerned however about leaving you only with your pouch. I would definitely have a complete physical workup with labs to rule out any number of other things that can cause your current condition. Let us know how you are doing. I will keep you in my prayers, Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 21, 2009
Your priority right now is to correct this problem and get healthy. Don't worry about the incision. Recovery time will be longer with open surgery but you can do this. Do find a good attorney and have them review your case. Mistakes do happen; we are all humans. But the reality is that malpractice is a possibility and you should be compensated for it. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

February 22, 2009
I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I AM HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS ALSO AFTER HAVING A HERNIA REPAIRED WITH MY SURGERY. I HAVE JUST HAD AN UPPER AND LOWER GI. I AM VOMITTING AND NAUSA DAILY. UNDIGESTED FOOD COMES UP THROUGH MY NOSE AND MOUTH WHEN I LAY DOWN AT NIGHT AND IT WAKES ME UP IN THE MORNING. I AM SET UP NEXT WEEK FOR A EDG TEST. I AM VERY CONCERNED B. LUNN
   — WWW.LOVEBABBS.COM

February 25, 2009
My understanding of the legal system is that unless you can prove that the surgeon acted negligently and as a result of his negligence caused nerve damage, you don't have much of a case. You would also have to prove that your gastroparesis is caused by nerve damage and that said nerve damage occured during surgery. Gastroparesis can have MANY causes (including diabetes) and it is very difficult to pinpoint the cause. If you decide to see an attorney, make sure that they aren't charging you anything upfront. I would suggest seeking out a motility specialist to work with you before having any kind of surgery... you said "I am now facing major stomach surgery for there is no "real" cure" --- if it's isn't really going to cure you, then why take the risk of more surgery?? The surgery you mention (removing your stomach in particular) is NOT REVERSIBLE. Have you tried medication (antiemetics, prokinetics)? Have you tried Botox? Have you been evaluated as a candidate for Enterra (gastric stimulator that specifically treats gastroparesis)? Please find a specialist before you have any more surgery.
   — mrsidknee