Moving Lap Band Port for Tummy Tuck

[wintobethin 5]

Does anybody know if they move your port for a Tummy Tuck? My port is to the upper right of my navel and I know they will have to make a new hole for the navel, but what about the port site??? I am just starting out on my weight loss journey, so it will be at least a year before I have this done. I have already had my breast down sized about 20 years ago and love them:thumbup:. I was a size triple D :ohmy:when I had this done. In high school I was a double D and weighed 99lbs!!! I know, I know what happeded with the weight, LONG STORY, but I gained over 100lbs so now it has to come off!

[lellow 1,713]

My PS said he would reposition my port during surgery, so even after all torso lifting, I would wake up with my port still 3 inches under my right rib.

He has a lot of experience with bariatric patients, so it was completely matter of fact for him. :biggrin:

[mrgrta 0]

Hi. My port is located exactly where yours is. I am having a Tummy Tuck in April with a hernia repair. Luckily, the surgeon who is repairing the hernia is also a lap band dr and he is going to move my port up higher near my sternum is also going to switch it to a low profile port. My plastic surgeon would not have been comfortable switching the ports out.

[wintobethin 5]

What is a low profile port? I can feel mine real well and my stomach kinda sticks out, but I am only 3 weeks post op as of today. Jan 16th, was the start of a new life style for me!

Jan

[JulieNYC 4]

I had a low profile port put in when I had my TT. The port stayed in the same place, they just dug out a little muscle and put in the smaller port so it doesn't stick out quite as much. Before, I could see it through clothes, even in pictures. You can still see it, but now people just think I have really well defined abs (as if, haha). In hindsight, I wouldn't have bothered. There is very little difference between the port sizes and it took me nearly a year to get my band properly adjusted again (the Fluid drains when they replace the port and even if you put back exactly what was supposedly in before, it's never exactly, exactly the same). I don't regret it, exactly, I just didn't find it really worth the trouble and expense.

[OH Juli 15]

Mine is being moved with the lower body lift. It's in the way where it's at currently. My doctor was very matter of fact about it too.

[Dolittle 2]

I had a Lower Body Lift at cosmed Clinic last October. Dr. Quiroz moved my port one layer deeper. It used to be between my skin and the muscle flaccida, it's still in the same spot but now its just under the muscle flaccida. That's as deep as you can go without going under your ab muscles. Just before my plastic surgery I could feel the port very easily and see it protruding like a small jaw breaker under my skin. Now,, with it one layer deeper I can't see it, but if I lay on my back I can still feel it. I have had an band adjustment since and the fill doctor had no problem finding it and hitting the target. I have no experience with the newer low profile ports. I do know that some patients once they make goal have no problems with this issue, but some,, like me,, could see the port protruding. I suggest that you talk it over with your plastic surgeon before surgery. Your plastic surgeon should be able to move the port with ease. If he can't,, you better find another plastic surgeon.

[mrskrzyz 1]

I just had a Tummy Tuck this past week. My port was located up by my sternum/ribcage. Now, with the tugging of skin, etc... my port has been pulled down much closer to my belly button area. Not sure how I will do with this???? Time will tell I guess!!:thumbup:

[Jachut 487]

That's interesting Julie, thanks for mentioning that.

My port sticks out big time already, if I were to remove any skin in my midsection it would be very visible. But I dont know that it bothers me that much, its just a reminder of where I've come from. It beats having a fat belly, that's for sure. Its interesting to know that the low profile port can still be visible.