Is my doctor trying to get rid of me?

[Rachelle]

I have had 8 adjustments since I was banded in Sep 2006. Half of my adjustments were due to being unfilled after a partial obstruction, and then I had to be gradually refilled again. When I went for a fill yesterday, my doctor suddenly annouced that he was concerned at how many fills I've had, and that it could damage my port so that he might possibly have to replace my port or, depending upon the damage, remove my port permanently. I was shocked. I asked him how many fills the LapBand manufacturer suggested before port damage, and he said the manufacturer doesn't say. So I asked him if he ever had to remove a port due to damage, and he said, "yes." I asked if the damage was due to too many adjustments, and he said, "Possibly, who knows why the port gets damaged, really."

Now, if there is a real problem of port damage from too many adjustments, wouldn't the manufacture have guidelines to that effect? Here's what I think. I think that my doctor has my $15,000 for the LapBand surgery, which includes free unlimited adjustments for a year. Now that he's got my money, I think my doctor simply wants to move on to new-revenue patients. I think that possibly this fear-tactic is maybe a standard routine he pulls to "get ride" of his patients that keep coming back for "free" adjustments. Am I being paranoid, or should I trust my doctor's concerns. I would like to find out if there is any validity to the idea that there is cause for concern of port damage after 8 adjustments, or ever. If my doctor is trying to pull a fast one, I want to call him on it! Does anyone know anything about this, or could you refer me to find out?

Rachelle

[PAMMIE]

I have had 8 adjustments since I was banded in Sep 2006. Half of my adjustments were due to being unfilled after a partial obstruction, and then I had to be gradually refilled again. When I went for a fill yesterday, my doctor suddenly annouced that he was concerned at how many fills I've had, and that it could damage my port so that he might possibly have to replace my port or, depending upon the damage, remove my port permanently. I was shocked. I asked him how many fills the LapBand manufacturer suggested before port damage, and he said the manufacturer doesn't say. So I asked him if he ever had to remove a port due to damage, and he said, "yes." I asked if the damage was due to too many adjustments, and he said, "Possibly, who knows why the port gets damaged, really."

Now, if there is a real problem of port damage from too many adjustments, wouldn't the manufacture have guidelines to that effect? Here's what I think. I think that my doctor has my $15,000 for the LapBand surgery, which includes free unlimited adjustments for a year. Now that he's got my money, I think my doctor simply wants to move on to new-revenue patients. I think that possibly this fear-tactic is maybe a standard routine he pulls to "get ride" of his patients that keep coming back for "free" adjustments. Am I being paranoid, or should I trust my doctor's concerns. I would like to find out if there is any validity to the idea that there is cause for concern of port damage after 8 adjustments, or ever. If my doctor is trying to pull a fast one, I want to call him on it! Does anyone know anything about this, or could you refer me to find out?

Rachelle

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THIS. KEEP US POSTED RACHELLE, THAT'S REALLY INTERESTING AND I'D LOVE TO KNOW THE ANSWERS MYSELF

[KatieB]

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THIS. KEEP US POSTED RACHELLE, THAT'S REALLY INTERESTING AND I'VE LOVE TO KNOW THE ANSWERS MYSELF

Ok Ladies, Now Im not a Doctor but seeing how I do work in the ER and have access to many Doctors, I decided to ask this question. Now what I was told by a surgeon is this, The port, which is made of rubber, CAN eventually become damaged after MANY years of accessing it. But like with everything, everyone and every port is different but I was told the chances of the rubber port being damaged would take many years and many accesses. But, like I said, I am not a Doctor, so use this information as you wish. Hope this was of some help to you.

[fat2nrml]

Hello Rachelle, Do you mind me asking who your Dr. is? I'm planning on getting banded soon by Dr. Ortiz and I was hoping that it wasn't him. I've been reading this forum for a while now gathering info. to help with my decision. Thanks, and I sure hope you can find a Dr. to help you! Darlene

[katjab]

That is strange that he would says that and not have any real info about that or maybe he just didn't want to take the time to explain what is known about too many adjustments. Many there are various different reasons why the port could be damaged. However you would think he would have thought of that when he was adjusting you and adjusted you different like maybe a small amount of increase so that you would have less adjustments since you did have to be unfilled.

I had to be unfilled 1cc and I go back next week. It's been about 6 weeks so I'm hoping for an adjustment.

Do you know what brand of band you have or how much it holds? I've been told there are several different brands. How do the doctors deceide which band is for you?

Keep searching for the truth and keep your chin up!!