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Category: AdjustableGastric Band

Shared Success Story- Odessa D.

April 07, 2015 10:20 am

My name is Odessa D. I am going to talk about my weight loss journey with the lap band which started in 2006. At my heaviest I weighed 270 pounds and was a size 24 waist. I had high blood pressure, was a border line diabetic, had lower back pain, I had no energy, I was tired all the time, and I had sleep apnea.

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My family doctor had suggested weight loss surgery but I was hesitant because I was afraid of surgery. Until one night my 8 year old daughter found me not breathing in my sleep. I made the decision to go through with the surgery.

Prior to surgery I did as much research as I could about the lap band. At the time I felt it was the right decision. On the day of the surgery everything went well. The first few months were great. I was losing weight, feeling good, feeling happy, and healthier then I have in years.

Then it began, all the symptoms of a slipped band. I started vomiting, nausea, acid reflux, and I was having trouble drinking and eating on a daily basis. My doctor confirmed it was a slipped band. We decided to replace the band because I was still overweight. On day of surgery I weighed 210 lbs.

After a month I started having symptoms of a slipped band. My doctor performed x-rays but everything looked fine. After 2 years with these symptoms and numerous doctor visits and x-rays I just gave up and learned to live with it. In 2 years I lost 4 lbs. My high blood pressure and sleep apnea came back. I finally decided to get the lap band removed. I wanted my life back and if that meant gaining the weight back that I lost then I was willing to make that sacrifice.

Dr. Keshishian was referred to me by 2 of his past patients. From the moment I walked into his office I was already at ease. When I first met Dr. Keshishian, I knew I was in good hands and I knew he could help me. He confirmed I had another slipped band and a detached port. At this point we discussed removing the lap band and switching to the Sleeve Gastrectomy. Finally everything was going to be fixed and everything was going to be right.

I can’t express how much my life has improved since removing the second band and switching to the sleeve. I have lost 46 pounds in 9 months. I now weigh 160 pounds and wear a size 8 waist. Now I look forward to each and every day with joy and pleasure knowing I don’t have to deal with a bad band and all the horrible symptoms that came with it.

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Since the surgery and losing more weight I have been very active. I go hiking almost every weekend. I have literally climbed a mountain! I did my first 5k mud obstacle course in which my second 5k is in October. I even have a purple Mohawk! I have 100% confidence in myself and in everything that I do. My life has greatly improved since the sleeve. All thanks to Dr. Keshishian. It has been a very bumpy road with my weight loss journey but Dr. Keshishian has smoothed out the bumps and I plan on traveling the distance with many adventures along the way.

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I would like to leave a huge “Thank You” to Dr. Keshishian and his staff. Thank you for making me feel welcomed, being friendly, making me feel comfortable, and especially for giving my life back to me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my family!

Thank you Dr. Keshishian and staff!

Odessa D.

Hiatal Hernia Repair- Reflux and Adjustable Gastric Band Revision

January 14, 2015 3:47 pm

Hiatal Hernia is an anatomical weakening or enlargement of the opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus meets the stomach. The defect can allow a section of stomach to slide or roll into the chest cavity. This causes the reflux of stomach content back to the esophagus. Esophageal Reflux may also be occur without the presences of a Hiatal hernia. It is reported that approximately 60% of people over 50 have a Hiatal hernia with about 9% being symptomatic.

However, over the years we have also noticed a significant increase in reflux disease in patients who have had adjustable gastric band placed.  Quite frequently the reflux symptoms after the band is ” blamed” on the patient’s eating habit. Most of the time all studies are reported as “normal” and the  complaints are discounted. Other symptoms of Hiatal hernia may or may not include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or a feeling of food being stuck.

It is important to confirm the presence or absence of a hiatal hernia when considering revision from an  adjustable gastric band procedure.   Any hiatal hernia identified either before surgery or at the time of the operation will need to be repaired surgically.

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With a hiatal hernia repair, the opening is made smaller, and the esophagus, stomach and the junction between them is returned to the proper location to minimize-eliminate reflux.