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Gastric Band problems

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june29320
june29320

I had a gastric band done in March 2007. I did lose weight initially, due to the fact that I could not even swallow my own saliva.

I had several 'fills' and empties' until I rang out of money and had to 'just leave it where it was'.

Over the years, I had suffered intermittent vomiting, nausea and a terrible sense of 'unwellness'. I put on loads of weight, yet still, I cannot eat really solid food. Doctors ignore me as I had had the operation done privately, the NHS have been reluctant to take me seriously. I have been denied funded for replacement, or removal. I have now developed a large lump just below the sternum...is it related to the gastric band, a hernia, or heart. I don't know.

Today, I am waiting for the doctor to arrive to have a look at me, as my cardiac Dr. has suggested I go for a scan.

This will have to be removed..whatever it is.

Is there any body out there can give me any advice....do I, after all these years contac the surgeon in Harley street? or do I blame the NHS for their lack of care?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Bandid
    Bandid june29320

    Posted

    my personal opinion as a banded person but not a medical person is that you should never have been left in the situation where you could not even swallow your own saliva - the band was either too tight or had slipped  - and either way that is not good but then you probs already know that - it is my understanding that the NHS would act on your behalf if you had an emergency and turned up at A&E (preferably one attached to a hosp with a bariatric unit as otherwise they might not know how best to help you unless there were specialists in that field) - I have no idea what the lump could be but it should not be there so needs sorting out one way or another - everytime you have a prob go to your GP  so that it is documented and on your records - I dont think blaming anyone is going to do much good - what you need is the situation sorting out and if you can afford to return to your privately funded providor then that might be quicker than waiting for the NHS to help you, if at all - sorry i dont have any firm information or advice - you could try forums more specialied in wgt loss surgery where there would be a wider range of patients and maybe even some that have been in your situation - or a support group if there are any in your area where you could talk to people face to face - WLSinfo springs to mind as they operate both of these options - good luck in the meantime and hope you get something sorted as really it cannot be good for you to cont like this esp if you have a heart condition 

    • june29320
      june29320 Bandid

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply.  Since I last wrote, I have seen my doctor who has sent me for kidney and liver function tests and have also ordered a CT Scan for next week. This should make me very happy. However, since they have finally woken up and taken notice, I wonder if it is more serious. The lump is now quite large and continues to grow. 

      Again, my sincere thanks. I will keep in touch to let you know what's what.

       

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