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

Revised From Band to Sleeve: Did you have a large mass where your port was?



Recommended Posts

It's been a week since my surgery. I had a band to sleeve revision. I have (and have had since surgery) a large lump where my port was. I think it's the same incision they took the band, port, and stomache out of. There is no heat or redness. The incision is healing fine, just a bump.

Also, were your BM's green? Is this from the dye used for the leak test?

Thank you for any help.

Cheryl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Angel Nurse,

Thank you for your reply.

The mass is still there and even if I shouldn't worry about it, I do.

It is at the site where my port used to be. It is where the drain was and I'm sure where they removed the band, port and stomach. I don't know that it has gotten any bigger, but it is large. It was there when I left the hospital. My husband and I joked about it being the head of a baby. Anyway, there is no heat or redness. I don't have a fever. The incision seems to be healing well (no redness or swelling of the actual incision line).

My pants that were too big before surgery are tight in the waist, even though I am down 10 lbs since surgery.

My surgery was done in Mexicali so I would have to go to a doctor that may not know anything about this surgery. He may not know what is normal. Also, I'm sure I would have to pay for any treatment, so...don't want to act too quickly.

Now, here is a theory. I have lost all of my excess weight, plus some. I had a Tummy Tuck last March. Could it be that it's just that I have no excess skin for the mass to 'hide' in? I wonder if I would have even noticed it if I had all the skin I used to have on my stomach.

What do you think?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it's common to feel a mass under an incision. I've got a tiny hard spot under one of my tiny incisions. They usually go away as they heal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Angel Nurse,

Thank you for your reply.

The mass is still there and even if I shouldn't worry about it, I do.

It is at the site where my port used to be. It is where the drain was and I'm sure where they removed the band, port and stomach. I don't know that it has gotten any bigger, but it is large. It was there when I left the hospital. My husband and I joked about it being the head of a baby. Anyway, there is no heat or redness. I don't have a fever. The incision seems to be healing well (no redness or swelling of the actual incision line).

My pants that were too big before surgery are tight in the waist, even though I am down 10 lbs since surgery.

My surgery was done in Mexicali so I would have to go to a doctor that may not know anything about this surgery. He may not know what is normal. Also, I'm sure I would have to pay for any treatment, so...don't want to act too quickly.

Now, here is a theory. I have lost all of my excess weight, plus some. I had a Tummy Tuck last March. Could it be that it's just that I have no excess skin for the mass to 'hide' in? I wonder if I would have even noticed it if I had all the skin I used to have on my stomach.

What do you think?

4meonly,

Can you call your doc in MX? How large a "mass" are we talking about? It's probably just scar tissue, but if it was me, I'd want to make sure everything was okay.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's been a week since my surgery. I had a band to sleeve revision. I have (and have had since surgery) a large lump where my port was. I think it's the same incision they took the band, port, and stomache out of. There is no heat or redness. The incision is healing fine, just a bump.

Also, were your BM's green? Is this from the dye used for the leak test?

Thank you for any help.

Cheryl

Cheryl...

Remember when you got your band? Your port was the first to hurt and the last to heal.

Yeah, long lost memories come back again. Your export is the first to hurt and the last to heal. Lumps, bumps, pain... all normal.

Wait until you feel the bonfire going on... THAT hurts!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

dear 4meonly: Could you tell me your reason(s) for switching from the band to the sleeve? Please and thank you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do they remove some of the scar tissue that has built up between the port and the tubing to the band? I really want to get rid of this thickness at my waist which I am sure is mostly scar tissue around the tubing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am curious about that too, I tend to keloid and build up a lot of scar tissue.

WASa, you mentioned a feeling like a bonfire? That scares me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do they remove some of the scar tissue that has built up between the port and the tubing to the band? I really want to get rid of this thickness at my waist which I am sure is mostly scar tissue around the tubing.

It depends on your surgeon. Some remove just enough to get the band out. My surgeon removes it ALL.

I hated my port, it stuck out like a tumor.

Denise, I know you are considering revision from band to sleeve. I gotta tell you 12 different ways. The worst part of revision is removing your port. It feels like a fire in your belly for about 2 weeks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am curious about that too, I tend to keloid and build up a lot of scar tissue.

WASa, you mentioned a feeling like a bonfire? That scares me!

I'd be a liar if I said that it doesn't hurt. It does. I couldn't sit up in bed in the morning until I learned how. You lift a leg, either leg. Then pull yourself up by grabbing on to your bent leg. Otherwise you lay there yelling OUCH OUCH OUCH! ;o)

It's better than sliming on your own spit. At least THIS is temporary, sliming on your own spit is forever. ;o))))))

I refuse to lie or sugar coat anything. Revision surgery hurts. But it's a far cry from dealing with band complications.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd be a liar if I said that it doesn't hurt. It does. I couldn't sit up in bed in the morning until I learned how. You lift a leg, either leg. Then pull yourself up by grabbing on to your bent leg. Otherwise you lay there yelling OUCH OUCH OUCH! ;o)

It's better than sliming on your own spit. At least THIS is temporary, sliming on your own spit is forever. ;o))))))

I refuse to lie or sugar coat anything. Revision surgery hurts. But it's a far cry from dealing with band complications.

I have to repeat, we are talking two weeks. Aspirin or Toradol takes care of discomfort.

Susan.. what fixes your barfing on your own saliva?

See what I mean?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good thing I will be having it done in the spring. I may have to sleep in the recliner for awhile and it's cold in my family room! I know some people said they had to do that have after band surgery, but like I said before I experienced zero pain after my band surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good thing I will be having it done in the spring. I may have to sleep in the recliner for awhile and it's cold in my family room! I know some people said they had to do that have after band surgery, but like I said before I experienced zero pain after my band surgery.

Revision surgery is a different world. It's not horrific pain that you cannot tolerate, it's just more discomfort than with virgin banding.

You'll see. ;o)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am such a baby when it comes to pain, but I will take pain meds if I have to! Will dr. aceves send me home with a script?

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

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • 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

    ×