gastroplasty "band" impregnated into liver

Has anyone heard or experienced this.  He must remove all of previous wls (2003)  "gastroplasty" + a portion of my liver+scar tissue from WLS and 2 c- sections and perform a RNY. 

Someone else had mentioned recently that their lapband had insinuated itself into her liver, as well. I can see how it would happen, most definitely.

Come over to the Failed Bands Group, if you'd like. I have a dearth of memory at the moment and can't remember who it was who had a similar situation, but I am thinking she posts there, as well.

Sorry you're going through this. I have a ton of adhesions from my multiple abdominal surgeries, as well. I know how painful that can be. I hope the RnY goes really well for you, Jana.

~Nicci

Thank you Nicci,

Joined!!

Thanks for the response and invite.

This is the lonely side of WLS.  We are told there are risks with every surgery, but want to cling to the positive.  Support groups are limited because no one wants to talk about the scary risks and complications of wls.  I get it.... I was there 8 yrs ago.  I don't regret the surgery.  I regret my lack of research and allowing the insurance company to decide on my doctor and procedure. 
I read your story and I'm glad you are here

I just added you, Jana! Looking forward to knowing you, but sorry for the cir****tances.

I know what you mean about the lonely side of WLS. It's very hard to go through complications. It's a lonely feeling.

Thanks for being glad I'm still here!    I'm kinda glad I am, too! 

Thanks Nicci
I should have said........Really glad you are here in this support group for those that can benefit from your story.



 

What is a VGB? Is it the same as the VBG (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty). It sounds like the band used to create your pouch has become imbeded in your liver. This is a very complicated procedure, I hope you have researched your surgeon carefully.

Have you researched all your weight loss surgery options? Is there a particular reason you want the RNY? Have you heard of the VSG and DS? If not, you should really read up on all of these before going ahead with your RNY surgery.

Thank you for your response and concern .

Yes, the VBG is also called the VGB (vertical gastric banding). The doctor said the band has "impregnated" itself into my liver and the scar tissue has fused everthing together.

My research has been very extensive and a little compulsive at times (according to my husband). I have chosen a revisions specialist that I have complete faith in. He was the most experienced and took the time to explain my new anatomy in detail. I have looked at blogs and reviews and all have been positive......Thank God for the Internet!! He has performed MANY revisions mostly on VBG/VBG due to complications like my own. I do not regret my surgery at all just my lack of research on the VBG and allowing the insurance to choose my procedure and surgeon. This time I am choosing and paying out of pocket. The insurance company approved an open VBG surgery when most bariatric surgeons stopped performing them 10 years prior to my procedure.

So I totally agree with you research is very important and more people should be asking that question and asking WHY.

Because of the amount of scar tissue and my silastic ring now embedded inside a portion of my liver, the 3 surgeons I have interviewed and consulted said the RNY would be the best option.

It sounds like you have done good research and I wish you luck with your upcoming surgery. My only other question would be, do any of the three surgeons you consulted perform the VSG or DS? I only ask because you won't get beef from a chicken salesman, right? It is often said on here to pick your surgery first and then your surgeon as there have been many cases of surgeons misleading people about certain surgeries and steering them only toward what they can perform. I'm asking this out of concern as you have already experienced serious regain after one procedure and the RNY 's statistics also show regain (after the malabsorption runs out at 18-24 months many people experience this), as well as the increased risks for iron deficient anemia (50-60+% for women of childbearing age) and reactive hypoglycaemia (up to 80%). I hope these surgeons have gone over these risks with you so you know what to expect in the long-term.

I believe that with the VBG it isn't possible to create a sleeve stomach, which is part of the DS.  Maybe someone who knows more then me can expound on that but I believe this has come up before.

If the surgeon is turning it into a RNY, which can be converted to a VSG, then why not?