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??

Ive never had this prob but im still new . I hope all is well. I thought the port was sewn in place?? Id like to see the answer too

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.

The needle is likely too small to do any real damage...for you, this needs to be done by a real doctor with the ultrasound machine.

the port could be flipped if the surgeon didn't suture it on. Mine was not sutured initially and it flipped. I had to have a port revision surgery to have it flipped back and at that point he sewed it to my abdominal wall. It also could have moved if it isn't sewed. Mine moved from my upper rib cage to nearly my belly button.