ugh. This is hard to write.
I had my upper GI yesterday morning.
Dr. B came into the recovery room and said. "I'm sorry, your band has eroded into your stomach". The nurse handed me the photos before he came in, so I could already see that something wasn't right, I was hoping that I was wrong... but I wasn't. He told me that it has to be removed. I asked him if that was it- if I could ever get another band. He said some people get a new band. Some can't.
I started crying right away. I could tell he was sad too. He gave me kleenex and told me to make an appointment for next week so that we can talk about what comes next (getting my band removed and options afterwards).
My appointment is Wednesday- I'm going to ask about a sleeve and odds of a second band eroding again... I don't even know what to think right now. I'm just sad and scared.
The weird thing about erosion is that MOST people have zero symptoms other than lack of restriction. I haven't had restriction for about a year- I've had 3 fills under floroscopy, everything looked normal until my May 2nd fill.
I HAD NO SYMPTOMS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG! I followed the rules, I've only slimed 2x's since getting my band, have NEVER thrown up with my band, pretty much smooth sailing the first year, and year two has been fine too- just no restriction. I really don't know what I could have done differently. I think the statistic is about 1 of 1000 have erosion. I'm trying really hard not to just fall in to a crumpled mess of "WHY ME!!!" It is what it is and I'm going to keep moving forward.
I am feeling pretty anxious of course about what comes next, but I know I have lots of support from all of you and my sweet hubby, family and friends here. Dave felt so bad for me, he knows how hard I have worked with my band and how much it helps me- he made sure to let me know that it doesn't matter if the next steps are covered by insurance or not- he supports me in what ever I want to do and will help me make it happen (we aren't poor, but we don't have an extra 15,000 bucks laying around for surgery or whatever comes next...).
I guess that is it for now. I'll let you guys know whatever I find out as soon as I meet with Dr. B on Wednesday.
Bullshit and Some Truth
7 years ago
So sorry to hear this Jen. All will turn out well. So many on here are getting the sleeve done so I would look into that if insurance will cover it. Sending you positive vibes!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Jen! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteOh no, Jen...I'm so sorry. You know we're all here for you, supporting you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are going through this right now. I'm glad to hear that you have your husband's support right now. He is there for you! And we are too.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear this Jen. I sent you an email with some of the links of the websites that i found very helpful on the sleeve. If you have any questions, please send me an email. I will help you as much as I can!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I'm so sorry to hear that Jen. We're all thinking of you and wishing you well through this extremely tough time.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you're having to go through this. I'm glad Dave is being so supportive. Don't forget to let me know if you need ANYTHING. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYou already know how I feel but I started crying again just reading this. This is where being close in distance would be helpful... I wish I could be there for you during this difficult time. I love you Girl! *M*
ReplyDeleteOh Jen...this is so not what I hoped to hear. I'll be sending you lots of good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAwww Jen, so sorry you got bad news. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, sweetie! I wish I knew the right thing to say, but I don't think there's anything anyone can. :( Just know we're all here for you. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this. {{{hus}}}
ReplyDeleteThinking about you Jen. I know this can't be easy but we are all supporting your through whatever the next step may be for you!
ReplyDeleteOh hun - I'm sorry. When my left eye surgery didn't work and I found out the odds were 1 out of 1000 - and I was that one - I couldn't stop asking why BUT the thing is - it happened, I can't un-happen it and it is what it is and I can only go forward. I am pissed and I would love to host a pity party every day but that will NOT fix my eye. I figure it happened to me because I can handle it - and maybe someone else wouldn't have been able to. You will and can get through this and help others along the way...and some day you'll find the reason and it'll all make sense then.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your erosion. Erosions can be much more serious than a slippage. I would ask to have the band removed ASAP - you have a high risk of infection with an erosion. I would not wait around on this at all if I were you. Also, from what I know -- once you've had a band erosion it's not recommended to get a second band as it's just too risky that you'll have the same thing happen again. The sleeve is a great surgery - the surgeon I work for does it. While it's a little riskier than the band and it's permanent, it's still much safer than gastric bypass -- the sleeve has very good results weight-loss wise. I wish you all the best :)
ReplyDeleteJen, I am so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine the emotions going through you right now. Big hugs to you and if you ever need to get together and talk just let me know!
ReplyDeleteI'm so so sorry, hope that you get some answers from your appointment next week.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that your band has eroded. Wierd how there were no symptoms, you would think with something so dramatic and life changing that you would at least have SOME warning.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you and I hope the next step is able to be as stress free as possible and accomplished in the shortest period of time for you. Remember we are here to listen and support.
I am so terribly sorry-- I'd agree with Sarah to move ahead as soon as you can, you'll feel better you are thinking through and moving on next steps.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I just wish this hadn't happened. But I am SURE you will be ok and come out the other side...xo
So sad to hear this news.
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, I hate to hear this. I am so glad to hear that your husband is 100% supportive.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this Jen. You're right, you do have our support-- and if the sleeve is the option you go with, just think-- this could end up being just what you need to meet your goals.
ReplyDeleteLots and lots of hugs.
My sweet baby Jen. I'm so sorry to hear this. However, I know you are a strong woman and you will get through this. You are going to succeed at whatever you decide to do. I love your husband for being so supportive of you.
ReplyDeleteWe are here for you in blogland. I'm sending you all kinds of virtual hugs!!!
Like everyone else, I am so sorry about this turn of events but I am glad they found it before it did serious damage. Your hubby sounds like a rock star and like him, we are all here for you. You are BOOB no matter what and I'm sending hugs and good vibes that you'll soon have good news about the next step.
ReplyDeleteNow I am ready to cry. This is SOOOO unfair. You can't blame yourself at all - like you said, you did everything right, and I am so sure you did. Also, I think those statistics are WAY off. I can name a number of people I know who had erosion, and I guarantee you I do not know 1000 people with a band! More like 1 in 100 or even higher odds than that. Honestly, I think both slippage and erosion is much, much more common than we were led to believe.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad about this. Your husband is awesome, and I know you will figure out a way to take the next steps - sleeve or whatever. For what its worth, no way would I get another band if I experienced a complication like this. Seems like the sleeve is a much better way to go for you.
Praying for you Jen. Hang in there.
I'm so sorry! Keeping you in my thoughts!!! HUGS!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, hun. *HUGS*
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Jen! Keep us posted. We are here to support you, let us know what you need. Wish I was there to hold your hand sweetie.
ReplyDelete(((HUG)))
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your band. Stay strong and don't give up. We are here for you!
Hey there, honey...I am jsut catching up with blogs, but just know I am so sorry to hear the bead news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and we are ALL here for you, our dear BOOBS sister...now and always!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late but stupid Blogger wouldn't let me comment. SO so so sorry you're going through this. I hope that the resolution is quick and relatively stress free. I've heard good things about the sleeve so that's certainly an avenue you may want to explore. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteSooooooooooo Sorry!!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!!!!
XO