Little2be

Hi, I'm on my second port as of January 22/10 and that incision is now leaking. The surgeon cut it open and cleaned it and left it to be packed. I"m 8 days port open and pack and yesterday I noticed increased drainage on the dressings. Today it is not clear. I have just finished 10 days of Cipro, so I really shouldn't be infected, but... Does anyone else have this experience? If so, what was the outcome? I know they are talking about taking this port out too with the thought I'm rejecting it for some reason. But, why am I not rejecting the band? No issues what-so-ever. I've lost 85 pounds and feel generally, pretty good. Please, I would appreciate anything anyone can suggest. This is the first success in weight loss I've experienced and I am absolutely terrified to go back. Thanx, I'd really appreciate anything. Sheri

Well, I thought I would post an update. Not doing so good with this new port. After a strong start with the surgery and the new port on January 22/10, I started to drain from my incision again a week ago yesterday. The doc froze the site and cut it open, and then cleaned it up and packed it. I did not like it much. But today, the dressing change yielded drainage that is more than should be coming off at this point,and certainly not a clear drainage. So, any suggestions? I am sick with worry and anxiety. I know the port will again be taken out, and that means I can't work the band. I have failed at every diet I've ever tried. This was actually working. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be so grateful. Thanx Sheri

I hope at this point I am as lucky. Although I really don't find luck has anything to do with it. I am 10 days post op from my port replacement. I started strong, but, about 5 weeks in, my port incision opened up and started to drain. I've been on more antibiotics since July 29/09 than I had the previous 15 years. When the drainage didn't show any signs of stopping, they sedated me and opened it up, cleaned it out and closed it. Unfortunately, about 4 weeks later, it happend again. That meant more antibiotics and another surgery. This time they took out the port. Checked everywhere in the abdomen and left my incision open to be clean packed. Not so nice, but I healed 'beautifully' or so I'm told. 10 days ago my new port was put in. I have all new lap access openings and a new port incision. Plus a new port site. My staples came out last friday and there is a small localize spot of infection, but it is clearing up. I'm so scared right now that the whole thing will go again, I'm having trouble sleeping. I think the world of the surgeon and his staff, but am afraid to tell them about my fears. This is the first time I've been successful losing weight. I am almost at goal and so proud of myself. I actually let someone take my picture about 3 weeks ago. That is so a first in a very long time. I am still shocked when I see my face and it isn't blurred and distorted from the weight. I"m not ashamed of how I look or how people perceive me now. I am feeling mostly good, and enjoy increased activity and energy. And I am absolutely terrified the port will reinfect and I'll lose it all. Every day out without infection is a bonus, and I"m still losing. But, the fear is sort of getting to me. How long since your port was replaced? Even tho it wasn't from infection. Do you have any problems? Concerns?

Hi, I"m having problems with my port incision. My surgery was July 29 and I was doing great other than a defill two days post op due to excessive swelling. After that, nothing but smooth sailing. Until my first fill that is. I don't know what happend, but it hurt like crazy. And bled all the way home. The bandaid was saturated and I was a mess. Shortly after that I developed a huge bruise over the port site. My incision became puffy and dark purple and then a small hole developed. It leaks all the time. SOmetimes pus and sometimes just a bloody mixture. I have been to the surgeons and my family Md's twice now and both say, don't worry it's just a local infection. On friday, I was allowed to have another fill. I still have drainage from the one end, and now the other end is starting the same thing. It is getting darker and darker and it looks like it's almost ready to pop there too. I feel like a goof everytime I go to either the family MD or the surgeon, but I'm worried and they dont' seem to be. How is it I know pus is abnormal and they aren't bothered? Any suggestions?

I know I was told to relax a bit as this is not a diet. It is a life change. My doc and his staff also told me not to worry as much as I normally do as it would come off. It wasn't a matter of "if" but of "when." I have been stuck where I am for over 2 weeks so todays fill is an unknown for me. I"m having trouble not worrying(mines a self pay) but will give them the benefit of the doubt for now. Sheri

Hi all. I just got my first fill. And, I survived. hahaha. Who would have guessed. They didn't fill me up to the original defill level, but close. I had a pre op shake to take me to dinner and will see how that goes. I've had the shake down for a bit and it feels pretty good. How about everyone else. We all got banded in the same month. How is everyone doing? Well I hope Sheri:smile2:

I had it infrequently pre op. Usually if I had coffee at a specific restaurant. My surgery revealed a hernia which was repaired July 29/09. Now I have a bit of reflux almost every day. It started with me waking up in the morning. Now I'm taking gaviscon daily. When I wake up and when I go to sleep. I see the doc tomorrow for a fill, so will talk to them then. Glad to hear I"m not the only one. Thanx

Ok, I realize this is probably a stupid question/concern, but here it is. I am two weeks post op today. I had my stitch out Monday. Today, I am noticing that my port seems to be moving about. I had to have my band defilled 2 days post op due to excessive swelling. Today, my port is not where they stuck the needle to defill me. It is only moving around an area of about 3-5 inches, but it is definitely moving. At least that is my perception. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this a problem? Please let me know. Thanx so much.

Camsonge, I'm so glad everything worked out. I knew from your description that was exactly how I had felt. And then the relief when they removed the fill. Better than some kind of food I currently can't think of. And Dita, I also had the hernia repair. I think it caused me more discomfort repaired than it ever did when it was there. Specifically, I didn't even know I had one, although most women do. Glad everyone is feeling better today. :sneaky:

I had problems with my band almost immediately. I swelled more than they expected me to. 48 hours after my surgery, I had to go back and have about 3 cc removed from my band. I didn't feel a thing. Honest, and I'm a whimp. The hardest part is what we think it will be like. The reality is completely different. Good luck. Sheri

Great question and answer. Thanx. I start a new job in September, and there will be travelling 2-3 days most months. I was wondering what to do. You guys are great. Thanx again. Sheri:smile:

This would seem a bit of a hard butt response, but Missy, if this co worker continues to try to undermine your decision and success, that would/could be seen as harrassment. If it doesn't stop, you might want to talk to your manager or someone in HR, Good luck that it doesn't have to go that far. Sheri

Camsong, I"m just checking up on you to see how you are doing. I hope things have improved a bit over the weekend. Did you get hold of your doc? What did he have to say. I hope you are hanging touch after all you've been through. Please let me know how it is for you today. Take good care Sheri

Hey Bashful, how are you doing today? Did you get hold of your doc? What did he say? I hope all is well or at least getting there. Take care Sheri+:smile2:

I'd agree with calling the doc. If you require antibiotics or an ointment, the sooner it gets started, the sooner you are clearing this up. Also let him know the history of the site. Make sure he is aware you did call in once before. And good luck. Sheri