Problems during fills, doctor keeps missing port.

[RosyPosy 0]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience as me. I'm now at 9 mls in a 12 ml band - and I've no restriction. My doctor has always had problems locating my port with the needle and usually has at least five goes - which are quite painful. The last time he actually bent the needle and had to get another one to put in. I'm wondering since I don't have any restriction, could he possibly have punctured the side of the port or something and is the solution slowing leaking out? He's really surprised I haven't lost weight and it's now 8 months down the line. Has anyone else experienced this before? Do you think I'll need a replacement? Would welcome any responses.

Thanks. RosyPosy:unsure:

[christine8 0]

That just sounds like me. I find it very uncomfortable when he tries to locate the port and he misses it. I have been waiting for some restriction since my op last Sept and then after a second op to reverse the port. I am worried that something has punctured.

[Shamrockgirl60 1]

Wow where did you two have your bands done, sounds pretty scary to me that both your doctors have messed up. I wonder how many surgeries they have each done.

[OctoberGal 0]

Hi, I'm fairly new to the forum. Have done a lot of reading in preparation for the procedure and have attended support groups at our hospital where the bandsters have all stated they had no problems with the fills and that the technician would put some kind of numbing solution on the skin before inserting the needle. Have to admit your experiences are making me a little leary about that portion of the process. The surgeon at the support session said they are now installing newer, smaller ports so they can't be felt as readily -- I hope that doesn't mean they also can't be found as readily:ohmy:

Good luck to both of you. I hope your situations can be remedied soon.

My surgeon appointment is set for 11 September and then -- have to admit I'm getting a bit nervous!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Sounds funky to me, too.

[Tess415 1]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience as me. I'm now at 9 mls in a 12 ml band - and I've no restriction. My doctor has always had problems locating my port with the needle and usually has at least five goes - which are quite painful. The last time he actually bent the needle and had to get another one to put in. I'm wondering since I don't have any restriction, could he possibly have punctured the side of the port or something and is the solution slowing leaking out? He's really surprised I haven't lost weight and it's now 8 months down the line. Has anyone else experienced this before? Do you think I'll need a replacement? Would welcome any responses.

Thanks. RosyPosy:unsure:

I was wondering what does he do to access the port? My doctor looks with an ultasound first. Next he has me lay on the table and lift both legs off of the table... this makes my port "pop up" and very palpable, then he numbs the skin around that area. Again I lift my legs slightly off of the table and after cleansing the area with skin prep he is able to put the needle into it.

Next he pulled all of the Fluid out which except for maybe .5cc it was all there, then while I drank Water he put it in until the Fluid would trickle down. Then, after finishing a whole 16oz glass of Water could leave the office.

Is this similar to how he is doing your fills??

[RosyPosy 0]

I was wondering what does he do to access the port? My doctor looks with an ultasound first. Next he has me lay on the table and lift both legs off of the table... this makes my port "pop up" and very palpable, then he numbs the skin around that area. Again I lift my legs slightly off of the table and after cleansing the area with skin prep he is able to put the needle into it.

Next he pulled all of the Fluid out which except for maybe .5cc it was all there, then while I drank Water he put it in until the Fluid would trickle down. Then, after finishing a whole 16oz glass of Water could leave the office.

Is this similar to how he is doing your fills??

Hi The way your doc does it sounds very good. My doctor/surgeon just asks me to lie down and pokes about with his finger then plunges in with the needle - no skin prep, nothing. Then, when he eventually finds the port, injects whatever amount he's prepared to give me then tells me to go out and drink a glass of water and if there are any problems drinking to contact the receptionist. When I first went to see him he told me he's being doing this op for 30 years and was one of the first, but I can't believe I'm the only patient this has happened to.

[RosyPosy 0]

That's really bad. How many mls do you have in the band now? I got my band done in Glasgow, do you mind me asking where you got yours? Let's hope we can both get this sorted out.

[odamay 4]

My Dr. has me lay on the table feels where my port is has me do a little crunch and than puts the need in. Never had a problem. Its uncomfortable but who likes a needle in there stomach.

[lessme 0]

A nurse does my fill and she has me do a little crunch to locate my port. One time she numbed the skin and one time she didn't. It actually hurt more to get the numbing. Then she has me drink Water to see how that feels. Last time I starting sliming just with the water so I had her take some out. Can't they do a fluroscopy to study your actual anatomy while you drink to see what is going on. I have found that patients have to be their own advocates and speak up espescially with this proceedure. You might have to be more agressive with this issue. Please keep us posted.

[RosyPosy 0]

A nurse does my fill and she has me do a little crunch to locate my port. One time she numbed the skin and one time she didn't. It actually hurt more to get the numbing. Then she has me drink Water to see how that feels. Last time I starting sliming just with the Water so I had her take some out. Can't they do a fluroscopy to study your actual anatomy while you drink to see what is going on. I have found that patients have to be their own advocates and speak up espescially with this proceedure. You might have to be more agressive with this issue. Please keep us posted.

Hi, I will try to do a crunch type next time. I think you're right we do have to be proactive about our treatment. Tomorrow I'll ring my doctor and see what he has to say. Will fill you in - (as I hope I will be) Thanks all, RosyPosy

[nancy52 0]

Hi! I am having a problem after my last fill which was 3 days ago. I had restriction prior to that fill. After the fill i drank liquids no restriction. Yesterday I had eggs, pudding, crackers, no restriction. Today I had eggs, toast, a taco and I didn't have dinner yet but no restriction. I guess I will call the doctor tomorror, something probably went wrong with the last fill. This makes me really nervous because I am afraid I will gain.

[Tess415 1]

Rosy - I got my band done in Maumee, Ohio at St. Luke's Hospital by Dr. Duckett. I don't think the lapband has been around 30 years... so I think that is a bit of an exaggeration on his part. If he doesn't pull the Fluid out how can he know the integrity of the band? He may be completely missing the port and it would be no wonder you have no restriction and no weight loss to show for it. I don't know how assertive you wish to be, but I would consider even contacting your lapband manufacturer to see if they have a clinical educator that works in your area to touch base with your doctor. I have a band from Allergan, the more concrete information from the company, you will be able to advocate for yourself.

These doctors have to be certified and have a certain amount of hours of training to be able to be a lapband provider.

Another thought is... what about a fill center? Is there one near you? I see advertiser on LBT, you could check it out too.

Feel free to PM me if you want more information or support.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

The band's been around since 1993. So that isn't 30 years and that doc is FOS as we say here! Goodness.

[aubrie 6]

30 years? what a load of crap!! You need to find another doctor. I hope he's not misrepresenting himself at your expense. Bent the needle??? The specialized needles used for port access are much heavier grade and quite large. For him to "bend" it, would have done a LOT of damage. They are NOT supposed to use a regular needle. If he is, he isn't doing it right to begin with....... Please be careful. This sounds very suspect.......