Port placement

October 21, 2004

During my lapband research I read about good and bad placements sites of ports but I was unable to find the thread.

Does anyone have a suggestions of the best place to have your port?

Do you have any say so on where your port is located?

I read somewhere a bandsters port was located where her jeans went around her waist and it was very uncomfortable for her to wear them. I would like to try and avoid this if at all possible. Thank You

Marimaru · October 21, 2004

Well, I don't think it's something where they give you a list of possible locations and say "where do you want it", but I think there's probably a little leeway if you were to talk to your surgeon. My port is right at my waistline, and my doc said he did it on purpose because it wasn't going to be my waistline anymore .

I would ask the question, can't hurt right?

Zoe · October 21, 2004

Mine's a couple inches above my left hipbone (or where my hipbone supposedly is under all this padding). The doc didn't ask -- just gave me the standard placement. Since I'm not wearing low-slung hip-hop pants anytime soon, I don't think I'll have any trouble.

New Hope · October 21, 2004

Each surgeon has their own proven favorite. I have a "sternal port". It sits about 3" below my bra band, centered. It doesn't bother me at all and clothes don't restrict it.

Neicy · October 22, 2004

Zoe, my port is in the same vicinity as yours. That must be Dr. Rumbaut's pick. I haven't had any trouble with mine. Sometimes I will notice it if I am bending a certain way.

leatha_g · October 22, 2004

I do have the waistline problem with my port. It is on the left side right where my jeans waistband was and it DID really cause me some concern about the first year, however, since I have now lost 67lbs it has moved more to the center and lower so it doesn't give me fits as much anymore.

Usually the doc doesn't give you an option. They each have their own favs and reasons why they prefer it one way as opposed to the other. I've heard sternal ports are great! Easy access, no hinderance with waistbands, etc.

PamRN · October 22, 2004

My port is also below the sternum. I haven't had any pain at the site, or problem with it's placement. I did think at one point that I may have torn it loose, but it turned out that it wasn't a port site stitch I pulled.

Make sure you ask after surgery where it is from the surgeon. I was given info by my patient coordinator that mine was at the left hip area, where I had the most pain, and ended up popping the stitch, but a call to the surgeon reassured me that it wasn't the port, as my port is sternal.