My doctor removed all liquid from my Realize Band and I'm feeling pain. Is that normal?

Question

Last week I had a fill appointment and my doctor said I was way too tight. So I was eating but the food was not going through fast enough and my pouch was stretched out. So she removed all of the liquid in my band to allow my stomach to return to normal. As soon as she removed the liquid I felt a strong pain under my breastbone that made it painful to breath. The pain went away after a couple of hours but now I feel this pain come and go even though I'm eating as I should. Is this normal?

Sehoon Kang, MD · Answer

If the pain lasts after adjustment , you need to be checked by your doctor because it may have slipped or erosion. The band may be removed or have pulled it up if yes.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

It's never normal to have pain.  Your band may be intermittently slipping.  It's a myth that your stomach can "return to normal" and you can them resume having the band filled.  It's over.Everybody else reading this:  This is why I go on and on "badmouthing" the band.  These problems are inevitable.  You may do well with a band for a while, but eventually something will go wrong and the band will need to be removed.  Why start down that road?

My doctor removed all liquid from my Realize Band and I'm feeling pain. Is that normal?

Answers (2)