Has my band failed, or do I need a fill?

Question

I was banded 11/16/07 and went from 334 to 184 lbs. maintained that weight for 6 yrs. in the past 2.5 yrs or so. I had to go in about two yrs ago for a partial infill with a new dr under fluoro due to nighttime reflux. Since then, I have put on 60 lbs and am absolutely MISERABLE. I feel I have no restriction but still have acid reflux periodically. Has my band failed, or do I need a fill?

Hugh L. Houston, MD · Answer

It all depends on what the band looks like when they try to fill it again.  If there is no slippage under flouroscopy, then a band adjustment would get you restriction and you could start losing weight again.  Since you still have some lingering acid reflux, I would be worried about a slippage and would only consider a band fill under flouroscopic guidance.  Obviously, if there is some slippage then the band has failed and a revision would be warranted.  Good luck!

Daniel J. Rosen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

You are able to see a full portion if you're not feeling restriction after six eight bites, then your Lap-Band needs to be tightened. It's just not as tight as it can be to limit how much food you take in, and then think if you visit your bariatric surgeon they'll feel that a tightening of your band is in order and it will help you lose weight. If your band is tight enough where a good portion of foods make you feel full or get stuck but you find that you're still gaining weight, it might be the types of things your eating, things that easily pass through even the tightest bands like liquid calories - cakes, cookies. Things of that nature that will short circuit your weight loss.

Has my band failed, or do I need a fill?

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Has my band failed, or do I need a fill?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.