Jean sorry to hear you need a revision

Melly,

My surgeon says my band may have slipped again - not drastically - she hadn't yet seen the images from my upper GI, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Another surgeon I talked to about this said that if my band has slipped again (on top of everything else), he wouldn't try to save my band. I love my band, but it''d be foolish not to pay attention to the writing on the wall.

Good luck with your appointment with your surgeon...

Jean

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if mine slipped slightly again.  Like I said earlier, I don't have the reflux and night coughs, but the way it's tightened up lately has me worried.  They say once slipped, the stats aren't that great.  *sigh*

Good luck to both of us!!

(((((((((( Melly )))))))))) I'm sorry that your having difficulty with your band. I hope that your surgeon is successful with getting your removal or revision approved.

I've been doing a teeny tiny bit of digging regarding post op long term lapband related esophageal damage, and it's link to esophageal cancer. I have absolutely NOTHING conclusive to back up this suspicion that I have, HOWEVER I have serious concerns about long term lap band reflux and what all that acid is doing to our esophagus.

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition:.
Obesity. A number of studies suggest that obesity contributes to GERD, and it may increase the risk for erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation in the esophagus) in GERD patients. Having a large amount of fat in the abdomen may be the most important risk factor for the development of acid reflux and associated complications such as Barrett's esophagus and cancer of the esophagus, studies indicate. Researchers have also reported that increased BMI is associated with more severe GERD symptoms. Losing weight appears to help reduce GERD symptoms. However, gastric banding surgery to combat obesity may actually increase the risk for, or worsen symptoms of GERD.

www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_3-145. html

GERD, often known as acid reflux disease, occurs when stomach contents regularly back up into the esophagus. When the stomach acid irritates the esophagus, it often causes heartburn. Some individuals who suffer from GERD develop a condition called Barrett's esophagus, when the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid, which can also increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234982.php

Hopefully you will be able to get your band out, good luck at your appointment tomorrow Melly.

Well, I'll be watching you to see how things go. I was diagnosed with a "mild" dilation at my last appointment, and I've been trying to be careful ever since. I accept that I may end up revising at some point, although I don't know WHEN since I'm pregnant now and will have a newborn and be breastfeeding later on. I do have concerns that reflux is a fairly common issue with the sleeve as well, and I tend to be nervous about reflux issues because of the risk of Barrett's Esophagus.

Jean - you have been a great mentor! My BFF had the same issue and had a new band inserted. I am sending you positive vibes for your journey ahead! Keep us posted! Take care of yourself :).

Hugs,
Kristi

I am sorry for your friend Kristi!  A new band for a dilated esophagus with motility issues is a terrible idea and any doc to suggest this well is not taking heed the facts.  Some of us can't handle the pressure from the band alone even when it is not tight EVEN when we follow all the rules.  If this indeed was her issue there is no doubt (I am very, very sorry) that she will once again have ongoing problems and additional damage from the band.

I wish you much success on your band journey

Blessings,
Leila

Sorry To hear this Jean, we all go into this knowing things can happen. But praying they don't.  You have done a fantastic joband I am sure you will continue to do just a great. Good luck hope all trurns out for the best for you. We are always here.

Jean, hope things work out for you.  I know you have worked with your band and whatever you are able to do I wish you well.  We got on this bandwagon around the same time.  I have had only a few problems and have not reached goal but the band has helped me. 
Sometimes in life there comes a time and a reason for change.  Obviously its necessary for you to make a change.  I hope it is possible for you to get whatever you need.  Take care,
Z

Sometimes in life there comes a time and a reason for change.  Obviously its necessary for you to make a change. 

That is so true. In the past few months, a lot of things in my life have been changing, quite apart from my status as a band patient. I've applied to the OAC (Obesity Action Coalition) to join their obesity bias committee, I've been working as a medical writer for a magazine (not bariatric), I'm still writing and publishing my e-newsletter, I'm working on 2 new books (one bariatric, the other one about the life lessons I learned from my mom), and I'm trying to find a way to open a local business that will provide employment and donate its profits to the needy. In the middle of all that, I've been trying to figure out what my #1 passion is now. I'm hoping all of that will help prevent my band problems from taking over my entire life.

Thanks so much for your support, Z!

Jean

 Sorry for your problems, Jean!  Hope you can get the sleeve without a hitch.  You going to write a new book?  The (Sleeved) Bandwagon?