Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 8/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: i had lapband surgery in 12/2005 i have nothing but trouble.i was at 315 and would lose 1-2lbs then i would gain it back the dr would do a fill then he would have to much or not enough this has went on for 2yrs i am at 286 and am so tired of being poked on to wear i have stop seeing my drs.i am so upset and dont no what to do. i have two little boys that i cant even do anything with.i wont even go out of the house only if i got to.please please can you help me?

ANSWER: Goldie,
This is a really tough situation.  I'm not positive, but it sounds like you may be one of those few patients where your swallowing just does not work with the Band.  I recommend that you ask your surgeon about a revision from the Band to another operation such as a gastric bypass or a gastric sleeve.  It is a complex issue to decide if one of those operations might be good for you, but at least it is worth asking.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: dr jp thank you so much for answering my question. i am scared to death to have the gastric bypass done. but would like to no what the gastric sleeve is? also what do you mean about swallowing dose not work with the band?thank you so much waiting to here back from you. goldie

Answer
Goldie,
In order for the Band to be successful, it is necessary for the esophagus (swallowing tube from mouth to stomach) to push food actively down into the stomach.  If the swallowing function of the esophagus is weak, then the Band will feel either too tight or too loose and one can't find a happy medium.

The gastric sleeve is done by cutting away most of the large part of the stomach, leaving a narrow long tube of stomach that connects to the rest of the intestine.  You can find lots of good pictures and better description by searching "sleeve gastrectomy" on the internet.

Best of luck!
Dr JP