Drainage

123sunny · May 1, 2005

I had lapband surgery last Monday, April 25th. Everything has been great (yes does hurt some. Today one of my stitches in the front (where theres three) has started leaking. It is not blood. Does anyone know what this could be? Is it the port? Have call into where I had it done but no answer back yet. Thanks.

Jorjet · May 2, 2005

Janet,

When are your stiches due to come out? Mine were removed after just 5 days, now I just have surgical tape coving the incisions. My port is above my belly button.

I'm not sure if everyone is the same. I doubt you are in any danger. Take care.

123sunny · May 2, 2005

Thank you for replying. The drainage has just about stopped now but boy it sure did scare me. They said 10 days for stitches to come out, it will be 7 days tomorrow, I'm making an appt to have them out. My port is to the left. I'm sure I'm OK and nothing to worry about.

DeLarla · May 2, 2005

I'm the big drainer around here! Please let your surgeon know that your wound is "weeping." I've had 2 infected ports already, both came with a lot of leaking from the port site.

Make sure the Fluid is clear or sligtly buttery, maybe a slight pinkish/orange tint. But if it's infected (green, foul odor, etc.) then you need to get to the surgeon A.S.A.P. They might give you more antibiotics.

My story is long, but my port incision began leaking about a week after surgery. I called the surgeon, but they just kept telling me "that's normal." After a month, I went to Urgent Care and ended up back in Mexico having a 2nd surgery to remove the port, since the area became infected. The only treatment for a badly infected port is to remove the port. Once it's removed, the area has to be completely healed before they do a 3rd surgery to replace a new port. Let's hope your wound heals nicely now.

Please keep a keen eye on the wound. If it's pink, warm, red, hot, inflammed or oozes infected Fluid, get to your band doctor ASAP. Let me know how it goes. Good luck. If you want to talk on the phone, send me a PM and I'll give you my number.

Keep in mind I was the "freak" patient where lots of stuff went wrong, so don't worry. Weeping wounds are not that uncommon.