I am on my 4th day since banding (2/7/7, after a 1 year insurance wait). Everyone I have seen to this point who is banded,has their port site over thier ribs, midway below breast and waist. Mine seems to be below my waist, more on my belly/abdomin. I never discussed the location w my dr, I just assumed it would be higher. Also having a good deal of pain at my waist and abdomin when I try to sit up, get out of a chair, turn over in bed, etc. I didn't expect the muscles in my lower abdomin to be so involved. Also I am reading about people mall walking on their third day! I have walked (slowly) down the block a few times, but I am still having pretty good pain. Should I be farther along?

Sounds like you're doing just fine to me! I was banded on Feb 5, and I'm still having some pain in my abdomen. My port is about in the middle of my belly, off to the left just a bit. Well under my ribs.

The pain lessens a bit every day. Hang in there, you'll be fine. As far as mall walking, NO WAY! Not this chick! I went to the doctor yesterday, and then in to Sam's Club to get some necessities yesterday, and was SORE and worn out when I got home. I just pace around my house when I have gas pains, and that helps a lot. Also, rocking in a rocking chair helps, too. Just try to not be sedentary, or you'll get really stiff.

Are you on the February 2007 Banster's thread already? I don't remember seeing your name. There's a wealth of timely information on there from other people being banded this month as well. See you there!

Travel Gal,

Just posted on Feb. Bandsters also. So is your port at waist height? and is does the abdominal pain feel like a muscle pain, not just from incision?

Yeah, it's muscle pain as well as incision. They have to cut through the muscle when they make the incisions. Also, your port is actually sutured right to the muscle to keep it in place. That's what hurts the worst. My port is about 4 inches above my waistline.

Well, I will be interested to hear if anyone else has it this low (2 - 3 inches below my waist). I asked the dr's nurse and she said it depends on where there is good muscle tissue to sew the port. I'm just surprised, and a bit frustrated, because I did not expect muscle healing/pain, in my lower abdomin. I do quite a bit heavy lifting in one of my jobs, (refinishing and repurposing antique furniture), and I kind of expected to get back to that fairly quickly. I have a sale in a couple of weeks, and now I am kind of concerned if I will be able to get my projects done! I know that should probably be the least of my concerns. I am just surprised.

My port is about four inches above my navel, which keeps it from being a navel port.