Newly banded, port bulging out

[NoWorry]

I was banded 10 days ago. Immediately following surgery, my port incision was a little puckered. Now it is actually bulging out and I can feel the port quite clearly under the skin. Has anyone else experienced this? Just want to get some more information before I call Dr. Ortiz.

[Clynn]

From what I understand it is not unusual, and certainly not indicative of something being wrong as long as it is not accompanied by pain other than what you would expect 10 days out. One of the people I was banded with had the same issue. He called Dr Ortiz and the doc told him that as he lost weight it should go down, but if it does not, come on back and Dr Ortiz will fix it at no charge. If I were you I'd give it some more time to heal and see if the swelling goes down. If it's still the same, go ahead and give the doctor a call to get it documented and make sure that is still his policy.

[NoWorry]

From what I understand it is not unusual, and certainly not indicative of something being wrong as long as it is not accompanied by pain other than what you would expect 10 days out. One of the people I was banded with had the same issue. He called Dr Ortiz and the doc told him that as he lost weight it should go down, but if it does not, come on back and Dr Ortiz will fix it at no charge. If I were you I'd give it some more time to heal and see if the swelling goes down. If it's still the same, go ahead and give the doctor a call to get it documented and make sure that is still his policy.

Thanks very much for the info. It's very reassuring. I also have a call in to Dr. Ortiz and am waiting to hear back. I hope I get the same response as your fellow bandster. Do you know if his swelling went down or if he had to get it fixed?

[Kim927]

Hi, I was banded on 12/12/06 and had meant to ask to see the actual device that they would be putting in me, but with everything else that went on before the surgery, I forgot. A couple days after surgery, I felt like my port site was quite large and swollen, and was wondering if the port was actually pretty big, which concerned me. It took a few weeks to completely go down in that area (I was very bruised all over my stomach, but then I bruise easily) and by then I could tell it's actually quite small and doesn't show at all. I did see the band when I went for my first fill, but wasn't really concerned by that time. I've seen this question on here before, so I guess it's quite common and I don't think it's been a problem for anyone, just scared a few people. Hopefully you'll hear from the doctor soon.

[NoWorry]

I've seen this question on here before, so I guess it's quite common and I don't think it's been a problem for anyone, just scared a few people. Hopefully you'll hear from the doctor soon.

Count me amongst the scared people! It's so noticeable now that a friend observed it under my t-shirt and made a comment. If it wasn't for this forum, I would be in a state of total panic. Still waiting to hear back from the doctor. Time for another call, I think.

[barbflorida]

Count me amongst the scared people! It's so noticeable now that a friend observed it under my t-shirt and made a comment. If it wasn't for this forum, I would be in a state of total panic. Still waiting to hear back from the doctor. Time for another call, I think.

If he isn't calling right back, you might try his email - I emailed him once and he replied within a day. If he's anything like me, that's the best way to get a quick response.

[brandywilliams]

I had a huge bulge where my port was after surgery! I called it my tumor. It took a full six weeks for it to really go down and my port does protrude. It is not so bad that I am self consious about wearing a bikini, but it is there! I only weigh 134, so I guess

that's why it sticks out. It's no big deal to me, but I thought I would comment so that others would know that this is not unusual.

[PAMMIE]

WHEN FIRST BANDED PEOPLE THINK THEY CAN FEEL THEIR PORT WHEN THEY'RE REALLY FEELING THE SCAR TISSUE UNDER THE INCISION.

WHEN GETTING YOUR FIRST FILL, NOTE WHERE THE NEEDLES GOING IN, IT WAS SEVERAL INCHES FROM MY INCISION, SANDYS INCISION, AND SEVERAL OTHERS I'VE BEEN WITH GETTING FILLS

[RogerF]

I started a post the other day about the same thing, my bulge is noticible and only went down slightly after surgery. My wife's isn't noticable and I have to press down pretty hard to even feel it.

I know that OCC generally uses the low profile port. But in looking at the manufacturers site, I only see a "standard" port for the VG band that I have. It looks like its bigger/taller and that may be a difference in who's protrudes or not. As well as there is less covering it as you get thinner. But I don't know how it can be fixed either.

I'm getting a fill at a new place locally next week and I'll ask if they see many differences. They don't use fluro, but at least I know they can't miss my port.

Roger

[NoWorry]

But I don't know how it can be fixed either.

According to Dr. Martinez, it can be seated deeper in the muscle wall of the abdomen. It is a relatively simple procedure, done under local anaesthetic, and does not incur any additional charges, but requires an advance appointment. It is not required frequently, but nor is it uncommon, primarily for those who have lost a lot of weight.

[LoriBecky]

As you lose more weight, the port may become less noticeable, or you may have to have it repositioned. This is more common in men that tend to carry more weight in their stomach and have firmer fat (I know that sounds strange) but if your abdomen is large and more stretched... you'll feel your port more, as you lose weight, your port may become less prominent. If it is still a problem, it can be repositioned. I know you are scheduled for a fill next week so have it checked out while you are there. Dr. O is out of the office and stuck in a meeting, you can always call and speak to Dr. Romero at the clinic

Pammie is right, too - I thought I knew where my port was, but after my first fill and seeing where it is - I was wrong!! I was feeling the swelling, scar tissue and stitches under my skin! Now that i've lost weight my port is easier to find, but I still don't think anybody but me could find it without my guidance (or xray!)

[NoWorry]

Actually, my swelling is coming down very nicely and I expect it will be gone in a couple of weeks. I can also feel my port about an inch south of the incision and it is not visually noticeable at all. I needed Dr. Martinez to talk me through locating it over the phone. But I am definitely looking forward to having Dr. Romero check it out as well.

[bbuck]

Howdy, My port bulges out also and has done so right from the start. I knew immediately it needed buried deeper in my abdomen. Dr. Ortiz assured me it would not show after I lost weight, but I knew it would still show. I have lost 57 lbs now, and yes it still shows. Bugs the heck out of me. Dr Ortiz did say he would bury it deeper for free. However, I am going to eventually have a tummy tuck, and the plastic surgeon said he would do it then. No sense for me to make another trip to Mexico, but that option is still available. Good luck on the weight loss. bbuck

[katjab]

Howdy, My port bulges out also and has done so right from the start. I knew immediately it needed buried deeper in my abdomen. Dr. Ortiz assured me it would not show after I lost weight, but I knew it would still show. I have lost 57 lbs now, and yes it still shows. Bugs the heck out of me. Dr Ortiz did say he would bury it deeper for free. However, I am going to eventually have a tummy tuck, and the plastic surgeon said he would do it then. No sense for me to make another trip to Mexico, but that option is still available. Good luck on the weight loss. bbuck

My port, also known as "My valve stem" from my husband, is feelable and tender if I try pushing something with my belly, like the cart at Wal-mart.

I don't think it sticks out to be noticable but I don't wear clothing that is that tight either. My style is still like I was at a size 26, I like comforable clothing but I thing we get that way as we get older.