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

[ProudWife99 4]

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 !

[labwalker 1,177]

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.

[mrsto 2,925]

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.

[ProudWife99 4]

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.

[ProudWife99 4]

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?

[ProudWife99 4]

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.

[ProudWife99 4]

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.

[mrsto 2,925]

Please let us know the outcome :-)

[Bandista 7,466]

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.

[ProudWife99 4]

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 October 9, 2014 by ProudWife99

[ProudWife99 4]

Please let us know the outcome :-)

[ProudWife99 4]

Thank you ! I will !

[oui1213 29]

Hey proud wife what happened???

[ProudWife99 4]

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.

[Jendkopp 62]

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.