samndaisy64

Hello everyone.Haven"t been on here in quite a while. All was going well with my band (or so I thought)...The holidays and recent stress sent me backwards. I've gained about 10 lbs. I went last week for a fill, and the nurse couldn't find my port. I was sent for an ultrasound and the tech couldn't find it...or at least wouldn't say for certain. Went today to see the surgeon...he was called to an emergency, so the nurse tried again. No luck. She numbed me up, but, at times I get a stabbing pain while she's trying to find the port. My question is this...the needle is maybe 4.5 inches or longer, is there any chance of hitting something vital?? Colon?Organs? I have lost 100 lbs, but still have a ways to go, so I'm thinner than I was, but, not thin by any means. Just curious. Don't want to borrow trouble, but, maybe if I felt more confident of no iminent danger, I would relax a little and it wouldn't be so uncomfortable. Also, has anyone ever flipped their port multiple times...I have flipped twice already, so this is kind of freaking me out that they can't find it. I have asked for an xray, but, they think it's ok and want me to wait until I see the surgeon. If it was turned sideways, would they have difficulty finding the port or would they still hit something like they do when it is flipped completely over??

I agree you should stay local if possible. I have had problems with ports flipping, so it is beneficial that my surgeon is nearby. Also, a lot of Dr.'s will not fill if another did the surgery, so, you may have to travel just to get fills. Check with your hospital billing dept. Some will offer discounts if you pay cash up front. You might also check into a private insurance policy. Blue cross offers some individual coverage policies for self employed persons...maybe you can find someone that will offer something to work with your current coverage that will help pay. Keep after your insurance company. Sometimes they just need you to prove you need the surgery, enlist the help of your dr. get them to send evidence and a letter that you need this surgery, appealing the decision. As for cost, I live in south Alabama, my cost would have been over 17000. without insurance...then add the two flipped ports another 12k ...I hope any of this helps. Keep fighting!

Hi Tym4me, Yes the port is sutured in place. It also has little "spikes/staples" that are supposed to hold it in place. But, it can on occasion still flip. My surgeon can not give me an explanation why it flips. Sometimes they just do. Mine has flipped twice, so far...so you can understand my frustration this time. I hate not knowing. A simple xray would answer my questions. I've asked twice, but, been told "it's gonna be fine, wait for the dr." Thing is, the last two times I was told the same thing, only to have the xray done and confirm it had flipped. Good luck with your band. Do not let my frustrations dishearten you The band is still a great tool. Even though I've had this flipping problem, I still want my band! Have a great day.

Haven't had a chance to get on for a while, but could use a little support and some prayers... Went two weeks ago for a fill and had absolutely no problem with the fill, until about a week later... I started noticing I could eat less and less. I went on liquids for 24 hours to give everything a rest, and then tried solid food again. Was a little better, but I still noticed I couldn't eat much and after 3 or 4 bites I felt a lot of pressure just below the sternum. I went back to liquids, for another 24 hrs, but this time started noticing the liquids were getting harder to go down, and could not drink as much comfortably, 1/2 cup of yogurt was making me full as opposed to a full cup just the day before. I went in for an un-fill, yesterday, and the doc couldn't get into the port. "Oh no, I hope it's not flipped, again," I said. "Again?" he asked (my surgeon's associate was doing the fill). He told me he doubted that I would be flipped again since they always "anchor it down tightly" if it ever flips. He asked if I wanted an xray or to wait and see my regular surgeon when he got back? I opted for the xray. The xray shows that the port has indeed flipped again and I have multiple loops in the tubing! My husbands first response is to take it out. One flip...okay, but two and who's to say it won't keep flipping. I am a massage therapist, so my job is very physical and I am self employed...having port revision is not my idea of a vacation. I missed 6 weeks of work last year due to surgery (band placement and port revision). I took extra time off to assure that everything was properly healed, and I'm still flipping my ports...Now the big question is what do I do? My band helps me overcome so many temptations that have caused repeated failures in the past. It is my ace in the hole when the waitress brings bread to the table or I have to make a Pasta dish for my husband. These things no longer tempt me, because I have convinced myself I will not eat them because of the risk to the band....I know many people do....and I'm happy for each of you, this is my personal NO-NO. I'm afraid if I go with my husbands, and mom's wishes that I will go backwards. I never want to see 310 pounds again.Big SIGH.... Sorry, for being so wordy, but, I'm really floundering right now. Any words of advice, encouragement, or similar stories would be appreciated. Thanks! Jana

Dear Bandedgal, I totally remember that pain. The port incision usually is the most uncomfortable. I used cold packs for 15 to 20 minutes (Cold rice packs, not ice) You can make a rice bag pretty easily. Clean sock or cloth bag with uncooked rice, Fill about halfway. Put it in the freezer for an hour or so until good and cold, then place around the painful area. This will be chilly, but not uncomfortably cold. The cold pack will help reduce inflamation, which will help the pain. Good luck. Hope this helps hang in there.

Definitely check on whether you should eat or not before your fill. Every dr. is different. Mine insists you eat something "chunky" before a fill and liquids for 24 hrs after the fill...then back to my chunkies. Hang in there~ YOU've already been through the worst part. Fills will be a cinch

LOL!!! Love the disclaimer!!! I have not been on here for a while due to computer issues, and when I finally get back on, it seems things have gotten a little "tense" between some posters. Sad! I hope those of you that are newest posters will not let this discourage you. It has generally been my experience the majority on here are ready and willing to help when they can...that said I'll try to answer your questions. 1. My experiences with fills have not been what you would call "painful". The nurse numbs the general area before the fill. The numbing stings, but isn't too bad. My 2nd fill was a bit of an adventure...my port flipped. The surgeon made several attempts, but no go...this was the most "uncomfortable" experience, but this could partly be because that WHOLE visit seemed to be bad. I had surgery to correct the flip, and have since had my 3rd fill. It was not bad at all. I will tell you that you might mention to the nurse that you have a fear of needles and get faint at times...this way they can take precautions if they need to. 2. The first fill I was sent for an ultrasound and marked with a pen where the port was. Some I think use fluoroscopy to identify placement. My last fill the surgeon palpated the area, I did have some seroma(like a liquid bruise) which he aspirated but he was able to get in with no problem. I hope this helps! Good luck with your journey!

I have insurance, but these are charges after the insurance pays. Good news today though. Surgeon is forgoing his charges and hospital has decreased their amount. Better news... NO MURMUR per my PCP! Things are finally settling down I think, I feel better about surgery on Friday.

I went in today for pre-anesthesia for port revision on Friday. This whole experience has been exasperating. I am just over 2 months post-op, so was hoping most or all of the expense for this surgery would be covered under my 90 day global fee's...apparently that is not the case. That was the first slam. I stopped by the surgeon's office and find out that I will also likely have to pay him a hefty amount:cursing: OH and I forgot to mention that the nurse doing my pre-anesthesia work up says she hears a heart murmur. A murmur that was not there 2 months ago before surgery! She seemed unconcerned. There were no labs ordered for me, no EKG, I can't even be sure she documented it. She just commented, "You have a murmur." When I told her I didn't she did listen again, and said "yes you do." I've been a nurse for 15 yrs (though am not currently working as a nurse) and I discussed this with a friend that is also a nurse. We both concluded I need to try to get in with my PCP tomorrow and let her take a listen and see if she is concerned. Whats so crazy about a possible new murmur is that I'm doing all this to get HEALTHIER. Okay...stepping off the soap box. Prayers are appreciated.

As suspected the port has flipped. Surgery has been scheduled for Friday. It's odd, but, ever since the surgeon "dug" around trying to access my port, it seems like I am more restricted than before. I did not get a fill, but, I was very upset about my visit to the wlc. I thought at first it was maybe from being upset...but I am no longer upset or angry about Tuesday, but it still seems that something is different. After a few bites it feels like someone is poking me around my sternum. I had hernia repair when the band was done, but, was never really bothered much by reflux or such. I have read that sometimes when the port flips it causes tension on the tubing, which causes tension on the band...Should I mention this to the surgeon or just wait and see what happens. I can still eat and drink...just a bit uncomfortable at times. Also, anyone else that has had port revision know if I should expect a fill after surgery or will I need to wait to heal some?

Let's look at this from different perspectives...yes our time as patients is important and doctor's offices often do overbook appointments. Many times this has nothing to do with the doctor personally( especially if he is in a practice with other physicians ) they often have someone else determining how many patients they have to see in a day and their support staff such as secretaries, receptionists, nurses etc, book the patients, Also, many days start off smooth and uneventful, but with sick folks you can't always predict...sometimes emergencies happen!!! I can speak from experience on both ends as a patient that has had to wait longer than I wanted and as a nurse that has worked in several different doctors offices...the doctors I have worked with were always looking for ways to make the process faster and to keep patients satisfied. We don't always know what is going on behind the scenes. I know it is frustrating, but the advice Betsy and others have offered is sound...try to relax, take a book with you or magazines and use as a "down time", if you have another pressing appointment, notify the receptionist and ask her to let the nurse know...if you still have to keep waiting if all else fails offer to reschedule or voice your complaints nicely...often they will not want to have to go through rescheduling and office managers monitor how many patients cancel or reschedule and try to find ways to help avoid this. I hope your next appointment goes better!

Curse, curse, curse, curse, curse, curse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Went in for my second fill today. Surgeon couldn't get into the port. After "digging around" for a while, he tells me he thinks he's hitting the back of the port, that it has flipped. This after he's reemed me out about what I'm eating. His nurse had just told me what I was eating was healthy, just to watch my calorie intake, which I told her I was. That I'm keeping my calories between 1100 and 1550/day. I've lost 7 pounds since my last fill 1 month ago (Grand total 64 pounds since Dec. 09):thumbup: I know it's not the worst thing that could happen having the port flip, but, I am frustrated just the same...I wanted to get a fill today. Even though I am keeping my calories down, I am still getting hungry a lot. Of course my surgeon told me he wants me to eat more "chunkies" so I'm hungry less often, not to focus on calories but getting in good solid food. I have been eating a Protein bar some mornings for Breakfast...he says NO Protein Bars OR shakes. I have yogurt some nights as a snack...NO MORE YOGURT! Oh well, it will all work out the way it is supposed to in the long run. For now pray that my x-ray comes back "NOT FLIPPED" just surgeon having a bad day.

still waiting to hear from the xray...have to say this has been a crappy day.

Thanks! Still waiting to hear from the xray.

one of my clients telling me that my face is changing, more defined

I'm about 6 wks post op. Had my first fill on Sept 23. 1.5 cc added to the 1 cc given in surgery for 2.5cc total. I wasn't feeling hungry, had lost 12 lbs surgery date to 1st fill. After about a week I noticed my appetite was increasing.:thumbup: At times I could eat almost a full "normal" (pre-op size) meal and sometimes not. When I say "almost normal meal", I mean I can eat a 6 oz steak, part of a salad and a bite or two of potato vs.NORMAL for ME pre-op would be a 9 oz steak the whole salad and baked potato. I know I am eating less than I was before surgery. There have been days when I track my calories and have eaten less than 1000 calories, and some days when I've averaged 1200 to 1300. I am making healthier choices, but this week I gained 3 pounds. I have been exercising, but struggling to drink enough Water. Have my 2nd fill on Tues. Don't want the surgeon to think I'm not being compliant. I see lots of posts where people talk about eating 1 cup of food. Is this TOTAL food intake? Sorry if sounds like I'm babbling and running on and on, but I really want to do this right and if I am doing something wrong I want to get it straight NOW. Thanks for any comments and suggestions =)

Hi Anderson, Please don't be discouraged! I'm not feeling that the band isn't working by any means. I'm just being very concious of all the changes I'm making, and making sure I'm doing them right, here at the beginning of my journey. I don't want to risk stretching the stoma, and I do "panic" if the scale goes in the opposite direction any at all, but, that is just because I don't want to lose momentum. I want this to work, want this weight off once and for all. We can do this! Hang in there.

Hey Trishfish, Sorry about your upsetting day. i'm sure most of us on here can relate to eating emotionally. The difference now, (in my opinion), is that you recognized what you did. It took me a long time to recognize when I get emotional that I eat eat eat. Don't beat yourself up. Find something positive to do tonight...watch a movie, work out, both or anything else that will make you feel good. Focus on that positive tomorrow so that you remember today as a positive rather than a negative when you get back on the band wagon. Just my thoughts. Hope it helps, and hope tomorrow is a wonderful day! HUGS

I was about 10 days post op when I had a minor family emergency. I essentially OVER DID IT and my port site was actually more painful than it was immediately post op. I rested and used cold packs on the area. Note I said "cold packs" such as rice bag that has been in the freezer. Ice bags are great, but if you use Ice don't put it right next to the skin or leave on too long...my opinion cold packs such as rice bags, cherry pit bags etc. are cold enough to give relief without being too cold and uncomfortable or messy. HOPE you feel better SOON!

Thanks Everyone for your replies. Good news...the 3 lbs I gained are gone again, so apparently this was Water retention from too much sodium. I am still going to focus this weekend on decreasing portion sizes and calories. I think this will be a good idea prior to getting that second fill. I think sometimes I may go into panic mode now, because I don't want to become complacent(like I have in the past when I have lost weight). Still have to remind myself that I didn't develop bad habits in a day or week, or gain the weight either...it has been over my lifetime. But, now I'm taking back my life, ONE DAY AT A TIME, kicking bad habits to the curb! Hope everyone has a MARVELOUS weekend!:thumbup:

Thanks Wren! I am entering my foods and exercise on sparkpeople.com. According to their site i should eat between 1100 and 1550 calories a daily. For the most part I have been at or below this amount. I did go over today. I'm just not sure this is accurate on the calorie counting...this is not specifically for lapband individuals. I will be getting a fill on tuesday, guess the best advice I can give myself is to ask the doctor and his staff and see what they advise. Over the weekend I'm going to really try to decrease my portions some more and focus on the Water intake. May also have gained that 3 lbs from a Soup recipe I found for a chicken tortilla soup (no tortilla's were added) mostly chicken and Beans, but I did use chicken broth...may have gotten more salt than I am used to. Good luck to you!

PRICELESS Betsy B!!!:biggrin:

WOW! That's awesome that you have lost 14 lbs. I was banded august 23, had 1 cc at surgery and 1st fill 1.5 cc on sept 23. for the first week I was doing great with that...then I started getting my appetite back. I am still eatting less than I was pre-band, and I am very concious of everything I eat, but it is easier to eat more now. I think that 5th week was when all the swelling finally went down and that's when my appetite resumed. Sounds like you are doing great! Hang in there!

I've been banded for about 5 weeks now. I had several friends that voiced concerns prior to surgery. As you said I spent a lot of time researching and the more I learned, the more assured I was the band was for me. I did have some days that I would waffle, but, 3 weeks before surgery I realized I had to do this for myself and those that voiced concerns I answered back lovingly with the information I had obtained from my research. I also was making lifestyle changes along the way which they could see. Before surgery everyone was on board and supporting me and offering help and prayers. Surgery went great and I am doing great. All of my friends are now happy for me and encourage me whenever I see them. Encourage your friend to join you in your research. Good luck. It will be worth it:smile:

a little something I tred for migraine pain...two rice bags/nelly packs or something similar...put one bag in the freezer in a ziploc bag and keep cold until you have a migraine. Warm the other in the microwave. Place the warm pack on the lower abdomen and the cold pack on the back of the neck. **Make sure the warm pack is not too hot and not next to the skin to avoid burns. the heat pulls blood flow down to the abdomen...the cold causes the blood vessels to constrict in the neck. apply for about 15 minutes while lying down in a quiet/dark room. Hope this helps:smile2: