Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 1/2/2009

Question
Lap Band Surgery Nov 2007, Lost 52 lbs from Nov 28th to Jan 10, reported it many times to surgeon's nurse but was told i was not following guide lines.  I could not eat, barely could swallow and vomitting alot. Jan 10-Lap Band Fill>>very bad experience-Tech could not locate the port after being stuck 6 times with a 6in needle he decided to xray, stuck 4 more times with a longer needle that he would inject inside me until the syringe part would almost touch my skin.  When he injected the saline it felt as if someone was twisting my stomach and insides.  
I began projectile vomitting only to be told the band would loosen.  Jan 14 was taken to ER with what looked like seizures-that was ruled out by testing, Had a CAT scan but no tumors.  June I was put in ICU and given a Valium Drip that stopped the what doctors now call Cervical Dystonia / Torticollis.  Oh Lap Band was removed in April due to doctors do not know what is wrong with me.  In Aug had to have emergency Gall Bladder Removal Surgery spasms are back.  I could not lift my head off my shoulder and my neck was in a contant spasm again. Given Valium and Skelitan(muscle relaxer) Head is upright now but I still have 3-4 spasms per day where my head is jerked back and to the side and is very painful.  When this happens if anything is in my hand it will fly across the room or if I am close to anything that I can grab my grip cannot be loosen.  Can you help me with this.  I have lost my job, I am afraid to drive, and I cannot get any goverment assistance.  


Thank you and Bless you for what you do

Answer
Ms. Bearden,
I am really sorry to hear about your troubles.  I do have one thought that may help, but first and foremost I strongly urge you to be evaluated by a neurologist if you are not already seeing one.

My thought is that your case would put you at risk for deficiency of thiamine (Vitamin B1).  Severe deficiency of thiamine can lead to a variety of neurological problems, possibly consistent with those you are experiencing.

If you are not already on thiamine, I suggest you begin taking 100 mg each day - this is not a prescription and it is available over the counter.

Best of luck!
Dr JP