Patsy's Story - ThinnerTimes

Patsy · 05-29-2008, 09:47 AM

This wont be very long.

I opted for a Lap band and self-funded the surgery in December 2005.

I didnt lose a lot of weight, maybe about 35lbs.

I always thought my band was tight enough, but looking back I realise it was not.

I have had 5 fills, the last one was in May 2006.

I have done a few long-haul flights, which always tightened the band, with the pressure, and every holiday we went on I came back lighter than when I went, cos I could never eat much.

That was a killer in Jamaica in an all-inclusive hotel, and when we went to Florida last year I had to suffer the others in our party downing big steaks and fries.

The plus side was that I never felt really hungry, but thats not to say my mouth wasn't watering

Anyway the weight loss was always slow when I came back home, but still I thought my band was tight enough due to the fact that there was so much I couldnt eat...it just wouldnt go down.

I woke up one morning in February of this year and thought I am hungry and I am going to eat an apple!!!!

I ate it, peel and all, and then found out that I could shovel anything in and it went down, just as if I didnt have a band at all!!!

I phoned the nearest Fill-provider and booked an appointment, but the earliest I could get was 5 weeks hence, this would then take me into the end of March.

Patsy · 05-29-2008, 10:12 AM

When the day finally arrived, I explained to the Radiologist that I hadnt had any restriction for some time, he said I'll check if everythings ok.

And that was it, he put in 3mls (my band holds 5mls) and sent me on my way.

The next day nothing had improved and I could still eat for England, though only small amounts and by this time I had put on 7lbs.

I phoned the hospital and explained, they said I would have to pay again....$300...(so you get the idea)

I refused and tried to make an appointment with Mr Van den Bossche.

I couldnt get one until 10th May

By the time that date came around I had put on 14lbs, my own fault, but after having restriction for 2 years I was like a kid in a candy shop, I just wanted to eat everything that I hadnt been able to before.

And I did.

Mr VDB found that I had no saline in my band at all, he proceeded to inject 3mls in...when he tried to take it out again, he discovered there was nothing in there.

That cost me $200

He told me I had a leak...somewhere, either the port, the band or in the tubing.

He told me I should go for a Contrast Study to ascertain just where the leak is.

Again a wait, and I finally went for the procedure on Tuesday 27th May, I think the cost is about $600, they are billing me.

The x-ray pictures will be sent to Mr VDB this week and he will contact the band manufacturer for their views!!

Now....am I going to have to pay for the surgical procedure that will be needed or what?

I dont have a clue as yet, I cannot afford it, thats all I know, but whats the point of a leaking band inside me

I hope my story helps someone, somewhere and I really hope it doesnt happen to anyone.

I know of a few people on a different forum that have had problems with their bands, and maybe some on here have also.

I havent had a chance to read all the posts yet.

But thats my story so far...and my weight has now increased by 19lbs.

Godsblessedme · 05-29-2008, 10:33 AM

is gastric bypass an option for you instead of fooling around with the band again? I'm sorry you had such and aweful experience and hope you can find a better path for you

BabyNicole · 05-29-2008, 10:37 AM

Thanks for sharing your story. Sorry you are having trouble with the band. When I hear stories like this it makes me so happy I'm going the RNY route. That really stinks that you're leaking and you have to self-pay. Would you think about getting a revision to RNY?

Patsy · 05-29-2008, 11:11 AM

Thanx hun, well I havent researched that, so cant really say as yet, but I will look.

EDIT: I didnt realise the RNY was a gastric bypass!!!

shereeks · 05-29-2008, 11:17 AM

Hi Patsy

Just wanted to say welcome. And so sorry to hear of all the hassle you are having. I have to say if I was you I would be kicking up quite a stink about this. You have paid your own money out for a service - you have not been provided with this service to your satisfaction.

If the band doesn't work, you didn't get what you paid for. We're not just talking about you haven't lost the weight you wanted to - we're talking about the fact that it leaks!

But anyways, I'm sure you're giving them enough of a hard time about that!

I hope they get some answers for you real soon. If you need any support or advice in the meantime we're all here to help.

And again - welcome!

Patsy · 06-03-2008, 04:33 PM

Thank you Shereek for your good wishes

I mailed MVDB today and he replied tonight saying he had recieved the report for the radiologist, well that took a week

He advises me that the BUPA no longer exists that they have been taken over by SPIRE, and he doesnt think there is much chance that they will allow a free hospital admission for replacement.

It has been a few years (2 actually, Michael) and the fixed price package does not include a guarantee!!!!..He ends with...having said that I will make some enquiries and he will do a report to the manufacturer and see what the reply will be.

I was so angry and upset I wrote back saying that the band was obviously faulty to start with and he fitted the band in good faith and I paid £6000 trustingly.

If we do not receive a favourable reply then I would be seeking legal advise, I asked him what his views were on that.

I will have to again wait.

shereeks · 06-04-2008, 01:06 PM

Good on you girl - you fight for what is righfully yours! The goods you purchased (the band) were faulty and you have a right to a replacement at least as far as I am concerned.

Take it all the way!

Patsy · 06-04-2008, 03:11 PM

Thank you Shereek for your support.