Self-Payers -- Port Relocation Cost

Randi · December 3, 2006

Self-payers,

Have any of you had to have your port relocated because it interfered with bending or was just causing general discomfort based on its location? If so, what were the port relocation costs?

Here's my story:

Prior to banding on November 20th, I made it a point to discuss with my surgeon the fact that I'm very short-waisted and that port placement was a concern to me both during an office visit and just prior to the actual surgery. After examining my waist during the office visit, my surgeon agreed that my waist was indeed short and indicated that hopefully the low profile port would help in my circumstance and acknowledged my port placement concern again prior to wheeling me into surgery.

Now, I realize I'm only 14 days post-op, but I swear the port is sitting right on my waistline! I've even heard a muffled click when I've bent over a couple of times -- WTF?! Has anyone else had this happen? Does it go away when your belly fat diminishes? Or, am I gonna have to PAY MORE MONEY for the port relocation when I specifically and consistently addressed this issue prior to banding?

I do plan on discussing port relocaton with my surgeon on 6 December to see if there is any provision for rectifying this situation without more funds from me. However, I am self-pay and knew the future might hold additional costs, but come on . . .

Folks, any information or advice that you can offer on this topic will be greatly appreciated.

babsintx3 · December 4, 2006

Hi,

Port relocation is expensive and may not be covered by insurance. The low profile port costs 700.00 and then you have to have the surgeon fees to relocate the port . Dunno what that would cost, but since they have to use some form of anesthesia or twilight in office to do this, it could be very expensive. If its really a problem, you need to discuss it with your original surgeon. I have had this problem too and as you lose weight, it does seem to shift position a little and that might help.

Babs in TX

334/190 ish

Trace Curry · December 5, 2006

Give it a little time Randi, right now it's swollen and sore--chances are a month from now you won't even notice it.

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

Self-payers,
Have any of you had to have your port relocated because it interfered with bending or was just causing general discomfort based on its location? If so, what were the port relocation costs?

Here's my story:

Prior to banding on November 20th, I made it a point to discuss with my surgeon the fact that I'm very short-waisted and that port placement was a concern to me both during an office visit and just prior to the actual surgery. After examining my waist during the office visit, my surgeon agreed that my waist was indeed short and indicated that hopefully the low profile port would help in my circumstance and acknowledged my port placement concern again prior to wheeling me into surgery.

Now, I realize I'm only 14 days post-op, but I swear the port is sitting right on my waistline! I've even heard a muffled click when I've bent over a couple of times -- WTF?! Has anyone else had this happen? Does it go away when your belly fat diminishes? Or, am I gonna have to PAY MORE MONEY for the port relocation when I specifically and consistently addressed this issue prior to banding?

I do plan on discussing port relocaton with my surgeon on 6 December to see if there is any provision for rectifying this situation without more funds from me. However, I am self-pay and knew the future might hold additional costs, but come on . . .

Folks, any information or advice that you can offer on this topic will be greatly appreciated.

BJean · December 5, 2006

Randi: I was very concerned about my port placement too. I didn't know it was going to be so high. I was banded in September.

It was bothersome at first. Then I lost 30 lbs and it has been a lot better. The only time it bothers me now is when I overeat or eat something that causes a lot of bloating. There have been times that it bulges out and causes some discomfort - enough that I have to put pressure on it until it feels better - like for a half hour or so.

I am not in enough discomfort on a regular basis to consider having it relocated. I am sure that when I lose another 30 lbs. it won't cause any problems.

Good luck. I hope the good doctor agrees that after your initial swelling, it really won't be a problem!

Randi · December 10, 2006

Thanks, Everyone, for your input. I will give it some time and some pounds. Hopefully, when I reach the low 200's range, I'll be able to make a better assessment.

BJean · December 10, 2006

Dr. C from Cincinnati: I would like to send you a big ole' hug for participating on this forum! I really appreciate getting to read your input from time to time. Thanks!! BJean