I was originally lap banded on Aug 6, 2003 and lost around 90 lbs. Last August, 2009, I had to have my port replaced due to a leak. a seroma developed, but it receeded and all went well.

I had one fill in November, then January '10, and finally late march '10. The radiologist who did the fill had to jab me at least 3 times before he accessed the port. Within one week's time I had to revisit him 3 times because he did not get enough liquid in the port for suffient restriction, BUT I AM SURE that his "jabbing" sessions introduced some sort of infection that caused my port to get infected, leak, and finally be taken out this past August 4, 2010 leaving me with a 3 inch hole that has to get packed by a nurse everyday.

Can a port get infected by someone who does not do a fill correctly? :eek:

What a horrible experience! I imagine the more times they have to poke in there, the greater the chance of infection. Hopefully the skin surrounding the area was fully disinfected, hands were washed, gloves were worn, the needle was not set down somewhere in between attempts... but even if all this was done, it seems to me that the needle is only sterile the first time it goes in.

I hope you heal quickly! Will they replace your port eventually when the infection is cleared up?

What worries me is that an infected port could also mean band erosion. Everytime I read a post about port infections I worry. I am sorry this infection happened to you and I hope you heal quickly.

Mimi

Hi Mimilou

It was determined that I do not have band erosion, although they suspected it because of the symptoms. I had a cat scan and 2 endoscopies the Cat Scan and first endoscopy was done July 8th when they thought I had the erosion, then the other day, Aug. 4th when they took the port out. The dr. did the endoscopy while I was on the table just in case if they was a sign of erosion, he would take everything out all at once. Right now I am recovering with my port out and a 3 inch deep hole in my side that I get packed by a nurse each day. It'll keep you all posted, but I am pretty sure I got the infection when I got my March 26th fill and I had to go back to the radiologist 3 times in one week because he couldn't get the fill correct. I am happy with my surgeon though, and I have had this band 7 years August 6th with relatively no complications.

Also I love your poodle, I have a standard black girl (even though they said she is supposed to be blue).

How did you guys get that weight loss ticker on your screen?

Mary:thumbup:

Hi Mary, you would need to go to Tickerfactory.com and choose the weight loss ticker. Walk thru the steps of choosing your ticker and then right click, copy and go back to your profile on lapbandtalk. Just to the right of your photo on your profile, choose edit profile, then edit signature and paste it in there. When you want to update your ticker, just click on it and it will take you back to the ticker site where you can put in your password and update your new weight and date. Let me know you if need help.

I am glad you could tell Mary how to put up the ticker, Kimmy, because I couldn't.

Mary, I am so happy you don't have band erosion and I agree with you, the proximity of the infection date to the fill dates is highly suspect. I do so hope you heal quickly and can get re-ported soon. Thank you for your compliment on my girl, have you posted a picture of yours?

Mimi

Hi Kimmy and Mimi

Thank you for the info on getting the weight loss tracker. I'll keep you ladies posted on my progress with the healing of the port. Right now I have a gapping hole in my side.

Mimi, how did you post a picture of your girl on this. I post one of my girl, but i have been having problems with getting pictures on this site.

Thanks

Mary

Are your pictures too big? I click on the Avatar button and upload my pictures via brouse. Good luck!!!! It is about time for me to change to my miniature's picture....he isn't as pretty as my girl, LOL.

Mimi

Hey Mimi

Here is the latest....I still have fevers up to 101.8 almost each day, then they go down to normal. I called my Dr.'s office and although he is away, he called me today. I have some pain by the incision site, and I am going to have a CT scan tomorrow morning followed by a blood workup a the hospital to determine if the infection is worse, or what the story is. The visiting nurse told me that she thinks the wound is getting better, and there is not sign of infection or excessive drainage from her point of view, but the fevers aren't good. So all......the saga continues, and I am afraid to get a new port put in when the time comes. I'll keep you all posted when I find out tomorrow or Friday.

Mary

P.S. Mimi, how do I get my beautiful poodle's picture on this post like you did? Im having trouble.:thumbup:

Mary, I hope the CT shows what the problem is....fevers are a sure fire symptom of something brewing!!!!

As far as putting your dear poodles picture up, I just click on the change avatar button and then browse my pictures and double click. I am a lousy teacher!!!!

Good luck, Mimi

Here's the latest and the greatest guys,

I had gone to the surgeon covering for my doc today. The CT scan showed that I have an infection going up the tube to the lapband; no surprise!!! In any event he put me on Levaquin and I will see my regular surgeon on Friday. No sure if the entire band and tube will be coming out. So in one way I am a bit discouraged.

There is an Allergan Lap Band web site that tells how fills should be done. It is more a site for the doctors and people who do the fills but it is available to everyone.

I did find it:

LAP BAND AP System Adjustable Gastric Banding System with Omniform Design is the title. On page 7, Step 8, Steps for Performing Adjustments. Last sentence. "If you cannot advance (the needle) then re-enter the port with another sterile needle".

If that guy used the same needle, there you are.

I hope this helps.

I am sure there are others on here that know more about this and can give you more information.

I am so sorry for your bad news. I will send good thoughts your way.

Mimi

The Band is made of silicone rubber, and cannot be rejected. Of course it can become infected and require removal, but this is not the same as being rejected like a transplanted organ. Most surgeons use antibiotics to prevent infection, but rarely, some patients may develop an infection around the port site.

I've had my lap band for 7 years and this port that became infected was put in Aug of '09. This past march of '10 I had a fill where I had to go back to the radiologist 3 times in one week for him to get it right, and I feel I possibly got an infection.

:lol:You poor thing. Hope you are recovering day at a time getting better.

I just had band 8/4 and lots of chest/back pain issues and just had to be hospitalized for tests etc. Seems like 2 doses of IV Dilaudid broke the pain chain and now I'm in my pureed week trying to deal with the digestive gurgles and abdominal gas issues which I understand will last for some time.

Any thoughts or advice or tips from a vet to a rookie at this stage?