Swelling Around Port After Band Removal

los4825 · November 21, 2011

Hello all. I had my lap-band removed (by choice) 12 days ago and was wondering if anyone else that's had it removed, experienced swelling around the port area. My doctor says it is just Fluid and that the body should absorb it, but it's been almost 2 weeks and it hasn't gone down much. Just wondering if anyone else experienced something similar.

Thanks.

Mimilou2004 · November 21, 2011

It is called a seroma and it is serous Fluid leaked from the muscle because it is mad that is was bothered. I don't know how long your port was on that muscle and whether it was stapled or stitched but the end result is that the muscle was superficially injured by the removal process and is leaking in retaliation. I promise you it will absorb over time....having it tapped/drawn/aspirated off is no promise that it will stay gone. Internet search seroma and it will tell you this plus more than you ever wanted to know, including that it could take months to resorb and is not harmful.

Best wishes,

Mimi

los4825 · November 21, 2011

It is called a seroma and it is serous Fluid leaked from the muscle because it is mad that is was bothered. I don't know how long your port was on that muscle and whether it was stapled or stitched but the end result is that the muscle was superficially injured by the removal process and is leaking in retaliation. I promise you it will absorb over time....having it tapped/drawn/aspirated off is no promise that it will stay gone. Internet search seroma and it will tell you this plus more than you ever wanted to know, including that it could take months to resorb and is not harmful.

Best wishes,

Mimi

Thanks for the reply Mimi. I had it on for 2 years and it was stitched but the doctor told me he had a hell of a time getting it loose from that muscle so I guess it got really aggravated. Well, at least I know it will go back down after some time . I was really worried about having that lump there. I lost 125 lbs and once my abs started showing, the port was becoming more and more visible. Would've been pissed if I removed it and had to be stuck with this huge lump on my stomach instead