what to do...

Hey everyone. I was banded 7/28/10.  Lost about 20 lbs initially, and then the problems began about 6 months post-op.  I have had too many fills and unfills to count and have been hospitalized several times.  Since being banded, I have developed severe GERD and a hiatal hernia.  I am in constant pain due to the reflux no matter what I eat, if I can even eat.  I am afraid to go back to my surgeon because I have never been able to see her since being banded (always an associate).  Although they are fully aware of the problems I've had, they continue to try to give me fills.  The past three times I have had fills I have been hospitalized days after.  I really don't know where to turn since my surgeon is MIA and no one else has offered any other options.  I am now almost 30 lbs heavier than I was before surgery.  I am not here to bash the band or offend anyone, just truly looking for advice.  What would you do?  I want the band removed.  Don't know if my insurance will cover this.  My health has suffered since being banded and I now take 3 medications for GERD at 25 yo.  Any advice would be a great help.  Thank you for reading.

-Brooke

Go to a different Dr. Get that POS out!!!!!!!!!!

Try and find a doctor who's main focus is  the band!! sorry you are having so many problems and i do believe insurance should cover the removal if it has been giving u so many issues :)
go to ur surgeons office and request to speak to him hes the one responsible for you!!!! i work with a doctor and i treat my patients with respect so when i go see my surgeon or other doc i expect the best, if not they will be hearing my mouth!!!!

 

 perhaps a mention of the lawyer you are getting might move things along

Hi Brooke,

I'm so sorry you're experiencing chronic pain. I know what it's like.  You need to find a doctor who will take your complications seriously. You need to do it very soon and you really need to get the band removed before you incur even more damage. I know you said you wanted to have it removed and I really believe you have a medical necessity, so your insurance will pay.  You might have to reiterate a few times just how much pain you're in so they understand. You might want to consult with an attorney, as well. Sometimes that's all it takes to get the help you need... quickly.

 I waited to have mine removed (on the advice of my horrible surgeon) and I now have a hiatal hernia, ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis, vagus nerve damage... and who knows what else?!  And I had my band removed over 6 years ago. I still have pain from the damage it caused.

I really hope for the best for you. I really feel for you. Join the group in my signature line, if you're interested. We have a lot of former bandsters who have gone through similar situations.

Good luck, Brooke.
~Nicci

Find another surgeon that only DOES LAP BANDS and nothing else, and get you a good lawyer. This is NOT how the lap band works and you should not have to suffer like this. Don't wait to file a suit, many states have a statue of limitation.

Your case should be never found effective restriction with your lap band.

 *statute

Find another surgeon who specializes in lap band and have a consult with all your history. He/she may order some tests and fix the problem with the band. You need to talk to a surgeon and team *****ally care and want what's *******so agree about the lawyer issue if you don't get any resolution. Don't be in pain and uncomfortable. Find another lap band specialist.

What I would do ..... Call and schedule an appointment with the SURGEON.

See the surgeon and insist on a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy to accurately diagnose the GERD issues.
I would be checked for slippage, erosion, hernias, ulcers.

Then, schedule a follow up with turbans surgeon (make sure to have your endoscopy notes with you) and formulate a plan to either get the band working, or schedule to have it removed.

I would not live with a band inside my body that was not benefitting me...period.

I have to agree with everyone else, you should not be going through this. Insist upon an appointment with the surgeon, even if it takes mention of a lawyer. You do not deserve this. Have them completely unfill you so that you are more comfortable then get that EDG. Then discuss getting the thing out and if you could have a revision after things calm down. Obviously the band is not for you, and you have been treated in an irresponsible manner. I doubt I would have a revision with the same surgeon but it is not always easy to get someone to treat a patient another surgeon worked on. If your insurance won't pay for a different proceedure, consider Mexico.

You have to be your own advocate. Good luck with it all, and please keep us posted.
Sue