mommy_dearest

I wanted to ask how many of you have had a leaking Lap Band port? What if anything was done to resolve this? Did you pay out of pocket?

My Allergan port was leaking, I gained 20 pounds and had to go back on insulin, obviously this had a negative affect on my health. Got the port replaced (had to pay the cost myself). Dr. video'd the port while injecting saline and clearly the leak is visible from the back of the port. My doc has had several patients with the same problem and sent the ports back to Allergan for testing. I called Allergan and filed a report, several days later, another Allergan rep called, said my port was being tested and the results would go to my Dr., he would not discuss any of the other ports' test results. He also said he understood that I'd like to be reimbursed for my port replacement surgery and that he'd sent me the paperwork needed for them to begin the process. Wow. No argument, no questions. Seems to me that Allergan knows there's a problem. I'd like to speak to an attorney before I sign anything. And if you have had a similar issue with an Allergan band, call them and file a report. I think this problem is bigger than we think.

I also had a leaking port. From the back of the port also, Dr. took a video as they injected saline you can clearly see saline leaking around the back seal. My Dr. told me he had several patients with the same issue, and that he thinks they are heading toward a product recall. He sent these leaking ports to Allergan for testing. I called Allergan myself and reported my issue. Initally, the person I spoke with tried to tell me how ports will leak when incorrect (non Huber) needles are used to access them. I told her my Dr's. name (he's on their advisory board) she says, "Oh". Then I ask why a port would leak on the BACK side when the needle is inserted in the front side. And BTW, I gained weight, had to go back on insulin, obviously my health suffered, I had to pay out of pocket to have my port replaced, missed several days work and I felt I should be compensated. A few days later, another Allergan rep called me and essentially said that my port was being tested and the results would go to my Dr., as the other ports he sent in. He said he understood I would like to be reimbursed for the cost of surgery and that he'd send me the paperwork they needed to proceed. Hmmmm. Sounds like an admission of error to me. I'd like to speak to an attorney before I sign anything. If you have an Allergan band, call them. I think this leaking port problem is bigger than we (or they) think.