Port Discomfort

Hapygrl · March 3, 2007

I have wondered about my port since day 1. I could always feel it. When I asked the doc about it, he said that I did not have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat and that the port could be more noticeable. I went for my first fill the other day though-different doc since it is actually more expensive to travel back to MX, and he told me that my port is beginning to tilt. I asked why and he said that there are events that occur in ~4 % of people. I have been following the rules as well, so I know that I have not caused this. I have a VG band and the doc stated surprise :eek: and said that he probably would have used a smaller band with me. I am only 5 feet tall and apparently, because I am lower BMI bandster, this was his recommendation. Oh well, too late now! He said that he will continue to monitor my port and if it moves more, he is going to try and reposition it to the correct placement under fleuro. I guess he does a lot of poking and prodding to try and manipulate it with his hands. Has anyone else ever had this done? I don't anticipate that will be very comfortable, but if it works, that will be better then another surgery. Of course, if the port completely flips then I will require another surgery if I would like to continue with fills and good weight loss. I hope that if my port flips, then it waits until I have lost most if not all of my weight! **Sigh**

Davyna · March 3, 2007

I'm starting to hear more and more stories of flipped ports. How common is this problem?

On the day I was banded, there was a lady there whose port had flipped over. I'm not sure how long she had been banded but I got the impression she did a lot of crunches. Not sure if that had anything to do with it...

I guess I just don't understand how this happens. The port is stitched to the abdomen wall. Does half of it come loose and then it flips over?

chubster808 · March 4, 2007

I really feel like my port is moving around even though my doctor says that I have a hematoma (sp?). I just dont feel the port near my incision site anymore but I do feel it off to the right. My doctor says that there is a hemetoma which I guess is a build up of Fluid and scar tissue. He

said that my body would eventually reabsorb it. But just knowing my body, I think it is the port. It is sensitive to touch. Initially I could feel both my port and a solid mass (the hematoma). But now I dont feel anything where my port should be. They are going to try and do a fill under fluoroscopy on 3/7. I hope they are able to do it because I SO do NOT want another surgery to correct the port and because I currently have no restriction and can eat whatever I want to. Has anyone ever experienced this situation where you believe that your port has broken lose and has moved away from the original placement? GRRRR.

fitzgerald · March 4, 2007

I had surgery Nov. 3 and have lost 28 pounds. My port hasn't been a problem but within the last week, it has been sore. Tender. And I can feel it, whereas I couldn't feel it before.

Does this mean it flipped? If I need surgery to correct, will insurance pay for it? I'm a little worried about this development.