Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Problems with my Lap Band (port). New here to this forum.



Recommended Posts

Hi !

I am hoping to get some insight. I had my surgery back in 2008 and for the past month,my port has been sore,especially in the evening. I didn't think much of it because it's been sore off and on before but now this past week,my skin gets red literally around the port area. The redness comes and goes. I've also noticed that I'm really bloated and have had bad stomach issues (for weeks now) . Last night I noticed that my port was sticking out more than usual. I'm getting no help from my doctor other than they set up an appt for me on Friday. I thought maybe the stomach issues were a seperate issue but now I'm not sure . The issues i've had are diarreah and changes in the stool color (sorry if that's TMI). I've also had little appetite.

Anyone else experiance something similar or know anyone who has ? Thanks for any info you can give me :)!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It could be an infection. And, the infection can follow the tube from the band to the port area. You need to see the doctor to find out what is going on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with labwalker......you need to see the doctor as soon as possible.

Regarding change in stool color, if you've taken anything like Pepto Bismol, it will turn your stools almost black. The first time I had that happen, I sort of freaked out; didn't realize that Pepto will do that. On the flip side, if they're really pale in color, it could be gallbladder issues. See your doc.....he or she is the only one who can diagnose.

I hope you feel better soon.

One more comment..... When I'm really constipated, my port sticks out more than normal. When everything is backed all the way up, it puts pressure on that area. But it doesn't sound like that is your issue.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It could be an infection. And, the infection can follow the tube from the band to the port area. You need to see the doctor to find out what is going on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for the reply ! I see the doctor on Friday . I'm a little frustrated because he has essentially been blowing me off. An infection makes sense , just wondering how it could have happened?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with labwalker......you need to see the doctor as soon as possible.

Regarding change in stool color, if you've taken anything like Pepto Bismol, it will turn your stools almost black. The first time I had that happen, I sort of freaked out; didn't realize that Pepto will do that. On the flip side, if they're really pale in color, it could be gallbladder issues. See your doc.....he or she is the only one who can diagnose.

I hope you feel better soon.

One more comment..... When I'm really constipated, my port sticks out more than normal. When everything is backed all the way up, it puts pressure on that area. But it doesn't sound like that is your issue.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you also for your response :). The surgeon said he doesn't need to see me any sooner since I don't have a fever. I had been trying to get an appt since Monday.

I had my Gallbladder taken out in 2012 so that's one thing I can rule out lol.

At the time I wasn't taking anythjng like that but the stools go from dark to yellow. Odd.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please let us know the outcome :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If the bariatric surgeon is not responsive or has something to offer is there some one you can see in GI? Not okay that he's been blowing you off! Labs may show something, touch of dysentery or something like that? Sending best wishes your way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree. I'll feel silly when I go in tomorrow and he may say it's nothing. I just have that feeling. Ugh.

Edited by ProudWife99

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey proud wife what happened???

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello! I posted another post under this forum in Friday titled "moving the port question". He had no solid answers for me other then suggesting moving the port and what he thinks might have happened. He never bothered running any tests either.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I thought you were describing symptoms consistent with band erosion. When a band erodes the stomach, the symptoms show via infection/pain in the port.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Liz R

      Trying to update my ticker - I'm down 100 pounds!! 
      · 1 reply
      1. alisasings

        I don't know how to update the ticker, but CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    • alisasings

      I joined BariatricPal in 2008 & I FINALLY made the descision to have WLS!! I'm so excited & not sure what I need to do to get the ball rolling, but I made an appointment with my PCP for 7/19. It's a start I guess.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Elnaz

      Losing weight is my dream
      · 1 reply
      1. alisasings

        I've been dreaming about it for 30 years or so. It's time to make it happen!

    • OhMyGawdItzKla

      I joined yesterday when I was struggling with this preop diet... 
      It typically comes and goes, the hard times and easier times. I'm on day 6 of 14  shakes, water, sf Popsicles and jello. And I might actually be losing my mind. But, oh dear lord has the fear set in. Not about the surgery itself, but life afterwards. If I feel this crappy on the preop diet, am I going to feel like this forever after? 
      I know most of the answers are no, not forever. It might be worse after for a while, then get better. I know it's a more of a mental challenge than physical after the first couple weeks of healing. I get all of that. But I'm starting to feel scared about losing myself afterwards. 
      It might be my hormones or desire to chew something salty talking.. It may go away soon or tomorrow.. I can hope, anyway. But right now.. The fear is real. 
       
      And this liquid diet can bite me. 
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Fear is normal, but if it makes you feel any better, I'm 4.5 months post-op and the pre-op diet was by far the hardest part of the whole process. There will be challenges and a lot of new things to learn, but I can honestly say at this point I feel so much more "back to normal" and was even able to go on a week-long vacation with my kids without stressing over it. It's so worthwhile.

      2. OhMyGawdItzKla

        @NickelChip This actually does make me feel better! Thank you so much! After the onslaught of Covid, we've all had to deal with a "new normal", so I know it's possible. It's just the fear and frustration in this moment that makes me question if I can find another "new normal" afterwards. The thought of just a few more months seems daunting some times, but I really do appreciate input and real experience. I'll use that to get me through for a few more hours! LOL. Thank you so much! And I'm glad everything is going so well for you! ❤️

    • mamabear30106

      I started my 10 day pre op diet yesterday I need flavor!! I'm not big on the chocolate protein shakes so I just got to use up what I have was thinking about freezing it to make it like a ice cream so its something I can chew a little. Idk this is hard but I know I can do it just need to find new things to try 
      · 1 reply
      1. JennyBeez

        You can try. I've read other people have had good results with protein-shake popsicles, etc. My personal experience with it? Sucked.

        I tried making 'fudgesicles' with a couple different flavors of a premade shake, as well as a protein powder I blended myself and all of them came out revolting? The powder ones, all the protein sunk to the middle; the premade shakes, the popsicle had a disgusting texture and the protein seemed to leave a weird fluffy film on the outside? I couldn't stomach it.

        Maybe look into flavoring additives? I was able to have sugar-free coffee /soda syrup flavorings, sugar-free drink flavorings and baking additives like almond, rum or pepperment extract. The extracts helped me the most as they added no extra sweetener.

        On the other hand, if you can get your hands on an unflavored/unsweetened protein powder, the syrup flavorings are perfect. I love to use Boost "Just Protein" (which is unflavored) with milk and a Chai-flavored sugarfree syrup.

        Good luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×