Lassen

Banded 7/26, 30pds down. Knew something was wrong w/port site incision very early on, had incision checked and was told "looks beautiful". Last weekend I was in extreme pain, my incision had always been egg-shaped, but this was huge! I had no response from my pages to Dr so went to er Got antibiodics and appt w/dr. early next morn. He said still didn't look that bad, but if infection got to port, I'd lose it. Gave 3 different antibiotics and check up 4 days later. Today he removed my port and over 1/2 cup of pus! I have a huge open hole that I hv to clean and pack 3xs a day. I still don't know if I'll lose the band and I can't stop crying..I am self pay and would hate to see $10,700 down the drain,so I am adamant that I will not gain and continue to lose. Can anyone relate to my story or send me some good thoughts or prayers? I'd really appreciate it!

I have pain around my port site and towards middle. Happens after EVERY intake of liquid, jello. broth etc. I didn't have this the first couple of days, just the last two and it eventually passes. I also get gas pain in shoulder during this time. Is this normal? Is something wrong w/port or is this just plain gas? Anyone? Info:Surgery 7/26, went well, but need suplimental oxygen for at least 1week.

Unfortunately, I don't like to tt my surgeon unless absolutely necessary, he's "alittle busy", so I want to tt people who actually live the experience as oppose to performing the proceedure, so I thank u for the reply. My pain tolerance had been better in the past, so I guess I'm just being a weenie!

So sorry--I'm self pay too, so I understand..It seems stress tests,oxygen and meds ($5000, $200 etc. thank-you-very-much), are all out of pocket! But I'm trying to think of it this way: This is A LOT cheaper than the tests,surgeries and medications we would be paying for had we gotten heart disease and diabetes down the road. So now we'll have the extra years and years and years to pay off these loans!!

Thanks for the info-Please don't concern yourself about the crying..I think it's natural, infact, my doc sz depression maybe worse after surgery. I'm sure you'll feel better w/ each passing day! I have 1 day left til surgery. I'll be 1 nite at hosp. then w/family since I live out in the boonies..I'm sure as soon as I start the "post" experience, I'll be reading everyone's posts, looking for reassurance! This site has been a real blessing and I thank everyone for sharing. I wish you all healthy success! See you on the other side...

Thanks Gwendolyn and happy b-day to your youngest on Monday!! I love reading these posts because you guys on the "other side" give such great advice. I never thought of the gasX or poss gas pain in shoulder and neck. Now I have a better idea on what to expect, so if I do experience these things, it won't throw me for a loop. The more I read, the more prepared and positive I feel! :biggrin:

Finished the 2 day stress test= ischemia, but it's an "all go" for Monday the 26th!!! I'm so excited,scared and have gone through financial hell to get here..My problem is my chronic lower back pain!! I can't take pain meds other than Extra strength Tylenol and thats worthless.

Same here- I live 30 mins away from civilization, so I'd like to be prepared, but like the original post, I don't feel it. Surgery on 26th (if stress tests on 19th and 20th ok). No pre diet and that concerns me because I read most people have one. I have my clear liquids and soups etc for first couple of weeks and this week working on vitamins and protein supplements. Every doctor is different and mine seems to be concerned w/post op issues, vitamins and excercise. I guess it's all good, just like this forum- I appreciate the different views and personalities.

What Im doing to myself in my head is the worst! Know what I mean? I'm already having open heart surgery just because the ekg is abnormal!!! Geez! But it's only because I want this so much and I'm ready!

July 26th! Self pay/Care credit. Self pay went fast because you don't need ins approval, then WHAM! yesterday I'm told my ekg is abnormal! Gotta go to 2 day stress test. Will know more after this afternoon's phone conference w/nuclear med, but I PRAY I'm able to still be a July bandster like you guys!

Hi, this is my first time here. My surgery date is 7/26/10 and this forum is a Godsend. After reading for a couple of days I've discovered... I'M NORMAL! Who would have thought? Today I found out my ekg is abnormal and I'll have to take stress tests. Just the fleeting thought that my surgery wouldn't happen, has given me a new perspective on how much I want this! I've realized everyone here is/was scared,anxious and worried! But just knowing I'm not alone w/these feelings is priceless! Thanks