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Bariatric Surgery/Options after band erosion

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Expert: - 9/30/2008


Question
Hello Dr. Pilcher.  I had a lap-band surgery last year.  After three months, I was back into surgery because of an abscess around the band.  I was informed that one of the stitches had ripped through and had to be re-stitched.  Six months later (9 months after the original surgery) I was back into surgery again with another abscess and band erosion.  The band was removed.  This was eight months ago.  (I've gained back 50 of the 90 pounds I had lost.)

My question:  Do you feel it a safe option to be re-banded after an erosion?  I would consider a VSG, however, it's not an option financially.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Sam,
I'm sorry to say but in my mind it is pretty clear that one should not have another Band if one has had an erosion.  The scar that will have formed from the first erosion is quite likely to "wear through" again and a next erosion may not be something you get through easily.

I wish I had a better answer for you.

Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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