Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How To Tighten A Lap Band Without A Port Head?



Recommended Posts

Oh come on model, you've had your fun, but the game's up. Eveyone knows this is bs now.

Tubing coming thru skin is not unique, nor is shortening or trimming. But they are surgical situations. Your description of your treatment has gone over the line. Nobody is going to believe you now!

I would love to give you an award for the most successful troll, but alas, youve buggered itup by getting carried away. Shame, you started out pretty well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WTF? I’m incredibly bemused anyone would think I’d make a story up. Why on earth would I bother? As if I get incredible thrills by posting medical scenarios online. If anyone is that bothered, run the story by your lap band specialist to ask if its plausible.

Here is the summary

1. lady gets lapband in Mexico with bmi of 22

2. lady loses weight to reach bmi of 18

3. port head erodes through thin layer of skin as there is no protective fat layer

4. port is situated on outside of abdomen until the lady reluctantly goes to a public hospital

5. the unknowing doctors cut of port head and leave tube hanging out and send patient home

6. lady goes to highly skilled lap band specialist. The specialist adds fill to the tube by ladies request and puts a rubber plug in the tube. Doctor cuts off excess tubing and pushes remaining tube back inside abdomen.

7. the lady is very happy with the result

Unfortunately I don’t have the best photos but this is what I have. I was somewhat embarrassed by the highly prominent port head so never took photos of it.

Here is one photo showing its prominence and where it was situated on my body. The second photo shows my current wound which you can see is in the place where the port used to be if you use the proximatey from my bellybutton as a guide.

post-280802-13813140296663_thumb.jpg

post-280802-13813140298064_thumb.jpg

post-280802-13813140298942_thumb.jpg

post-280802-13813140299709_thumb.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

BMI of 22 is and ideal and healthy amount of body fat.

May I ask why did you still do the lap band? As your BMI is not high and definitely not high enough for the lap band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

BMI of 22 is and ideal and healthy amount of body fat.

May I ask why did you still do the lap band? As your BMI is not high and definitely not high enough for the lap band.

She states in the beginning that she had a hard time finding a doc to place the band, being at a normal BMI. Her situation certainly is different from mine and everybody else I know in the banded world. I imagine situations like this are more prevalent than we realize. Not the complication though. I don't know of anyone with a BMI of 18 with a band port but I can imagine that an abdomen thats sunken in like that could have port issues.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

She states in the beginning that she had a hard time finding a doc to place the band' date=' being at a normal BMI. Her situation certainly is different from mine and everybody else I know in the banded world. I imagine situations like this are more prevalent than we realize. Not the complication though. I don't know of anyone with a BMI of 18 with a band port but I can imagine that an abdomen thats sunken in like that could have port issues.[/quote']

Thank you for the explanation.

I agree with a flat stomach like that will have port complication unless a smaller one is used. There must be another underlying cause for getting get the band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Model, I first saw this thread last night & must admit that some of the responses continued to bother me today. 1st let me say that I apologize for some of the flat out mean & hateful responses. I think if you filter those you will see that there is a consensus that you should go see a doc/anywhere you can at whatever price to address your issue. It's always better to be safe than sorry. I would also like to express that I sympathize with the desire to be skinny & stay skinny so I will not pass judgement on your bmi or why you have a LapBand. So many smaller people pass judgement on the obese & i will not do the same on the skinny. Your struggle is yours alone. I will say that whatever your reason for this thread whether true or false I hope you received what you needed.

It has been my experience that when people reach out in whatever form it should be respected as its a attempt to connect in some way. And if indeed this is a real person with a real issue (mental or medical), well some should be ashamed at the things we will saying hiding behind a computer & keyboard.

Good luck model

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree. They rude and mean responses were uncalled for. I had a cyst bust from under my skin. It is possible and we may not understand her plight because we are all in higher BMI's but she didn't ask for judgement just advice. I had a nurse tell me during my pre-op process that I wasn't big enough to need Lapband. She was going based on my appearance. I carry my weight well. However I am 5'5" and was 240 pre-surgery (6 days post-op at 233 -yayy!). That is a 43 BMI. I said that to say if any of us make it to a 22 BMI we won't be removing our bands and some of us may strive to 18. Will we remove our bands? Then don't judge her...give advice or move on. She is young and just looking for an ear. Rememer being supportive doesn't mean you have to agree

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You know there is a difference between being thin and being healthy.

I'm sorry for your plight model but both of your doctors (the one in Mexico and the one giving you fills and patching you up the way he did) should be ashamed and should not be doing what they have done. It is clear that you are willing to repeatedly risk your life to bring your weight down. Please, now that you are patched up, see a psychiatrist to help you become healthy in mind and body. I fear what could happen to you with another complication. Being thin is not worth dying. Aim for healthy and not just thin. I wish you luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The forum is clearly divided. On one hand there’s a bunch of pretty rude, judgemental people. It seems people who were probably judged quite harshly for their weight at some stage are pretty good at passing the same treatment to others.

On the other hand, I want to strongly and sincerely thank those people who supported me or had a kind word to say.

I have added my surgery story in the ‘my story’ section of my profile if anyone cares enough to read.

ALL IS WELL, THAT ENDS WELL

Thank you again

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Most of those people that you are calling rude and judgemental were the ones that were in disbelief that you seemed to be taking your health so lightly. They were the ones trying to tell you that you needed to get proper treatment, that the infection could be something like erosion, that your health and getting better should be your main focus.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm just in shock that a doctor (even in Mexico) would do the procedure with a BMI of 22. That blows my mind. Who is this dr?? he needs to be reported.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Elcee, seems like commonsense is not common. I take it the same way as you. Everyone was concerned with his/her physical & mental health.

I really don't think you should put something on a public forum if you have a problem with people speaking their mind.

Sorry but I am not going to support someone who is "hell bent" on trying to kill themselves.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok... Something isn't Kosher here... How does a medical device puncture through the skin without getting infected? I am not saying I dont believe you but it makes no sense ....because if that happened it would be medically necessary to repair it... They won't just leave it sticking out.... Would they ? Maybe I need to read the thread again...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I totally get the thin thing - totally. I've regained from a BMI of 19 to 21.5 and feel like an elephant. I hate it. I want to be that thin again.

Its not the first time I've heard of tubing puncturing the skin. But not without infection.

What I'm struggling with is the treatment, in a first world country. Unless I'm seriously misunderstanding. There is simply no way tubing would be pushed back inside in an office procedure - unless you mean just a tiny portion above the muscle. Any bariatric surgeon is going to understand that infection will travel up the tubing and lead to erosion. An removed port and open tubing is so risky!

If that is seriously the truth, your troubles are probably far from over Model. I would even guess the entire tubing should have been replaced and a new port added. And truthfully, from your photos, your port was tilted and half unattached anyway. That's what mine looked like (not as bad) at a BMI of 19 - it was visible all along, right from a BMI of 36. plastic surgeon removed the back off it and sewed it back down at a different location and you can barely see it now.

People arent mean, they just dont like to feel they're being made fools of by a troll. And your story is less than credible, which makes people suspicious. If its all true, then you really do need to face the prospect of losing that band at some stage and need to start getting your head around how you will cope with that. At the very least, you probably need a new port and tubing to save the band and make it functional for the future.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This thread has become like a bad car accident, I can't look away.

I DO NOT judge Model for wanting a band at any size, I wish I had that "problem" of being thin and wanting to stay thin.

I DO, however agree most of the curt responses where based on the way she phrased her question in the first place, whereas she was asking the common public for advice as to how to fill a broken band HERSELF and seal it up HERSELF and mend the wound HERSELF.

I am also glad that Model seems to have the problem rectified now and has seeked medical attention wherever that may be.

Yikes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×