Hey there! Any Baton Rouge bandsters here! If so, I need some help - click in! :)
I reposted this from the main board here for hopefully some local advice! 
This is long... but I just had to type it out! lol
I am 5 months post op and developed a small blister at the edge of my port incision. The area was tender but nothing really bad. The blister burst and oozed clear fluids and I kept it dry and clean thinking it was just irritated because it sits at my waistline.
My port is actually about 2 inches below the incision so I didnt think it was directly port related.
Well almost 2 1/2 weeks later the incision sort of just opened bigger and started oozing a tremendous amount of fluids. Not smelly, not even ***** looking. Just yellowish with a tinge of pink. I developed a fever but wondered if it was the flu because my kids were recovering from having the flu. I ended up going to the ER with 103 fever. I had chills, fever, port incision was KILLING ME at this point. I was pretty miserable.
So I have not yet mentioned that I had my surgery Aug 7th in Tijuana. I have to say I have had NO problems until now. I have lost 78 lbs, and gone from a size 26 to an 18. I feel GREAT! Hair thinning has been my only negative side effect from the band. I have 2cc in a 4cc band.
Well they get me in a bed (nearly 2 1/2 hours later) and then I lay there for about 1 1/2 hours before anyone comes in to see me. Finally my husband had enough and went the nurses desk asking when I would be seen. They immediately came to my room... we think they forgot about me. They started an IV line and tried to get blood and cultered my incision.I was dehydrated so my blood was thick and I wouldnt give them much, so they stuck me 3 times. Finally got enough blood then asked for a urine sample. Went to the potty, peed, stood up and went face first to the floor. Good thing hubby was there to catch me, and might I add thank goodness I have lost the weight I have or he might have dropped me. After I came to... the wheeled me to the bed, immediately started IV fluids. Gave me IV antibiotics as well.
Then had to drink some stuff to have a cat scan of my tummy *YUCK* That stuff made protein shakes taste like the best chocolate milk ever made! lol
Results are... inflammation around port but no abscess or puss pocket so to speak. A slight tunnel from port site to incision site. They called a local lap band doctor at my request and he said my port would most likely have to come out. 
They decided to release me with 2 antibiotics (bactrim and rifampin) and tomorrow (Monday) I am to followup immediately with a lap band doctor. I have had one fill by a doctor about an hour from me, he is the least expensive. I am a self pay patient. They called him and he said although he did my fill, he did not do the surgery. As if to say... it is not my problem. So... guess he will not get any more of my money!
So... now I have to hope that one of the local lap band surgeons will see me tomorrow. There are several in the area so I am just going to call and see if they will see me.
Anyone ever had port removed and is it done in the office? Do you lose your fill or can they cap it off somehow. How expensive is this gonna be??? Anyone in Baton Rouge or South Louisiana that have a lapband doctor they recommend. SO MANY QUESTIONS!
Thanks for letting me vent. I am so frustrated, nervous, scared all at the same time.
But looking back... so glad and proud of my progess so far. So I can be thankful for that!
Anyway... thanks again! Any ideas or support greatly appreciated!
This is long... but I just had to type it out! lol
I am 5 months post op and developed a small blister at the edge of my port incision. The area was tender but nothing really bad. The blister burst and oozed clear fluids and I kept it dry and clean thinking it was just irritated because it sits at my waistline.
My port is actually about 2 inches below the incision so I didnt think it was directly port related.
Well almost 2 1/2 weeks later the incision sort of just opened bigger and started oozing a tremendous amount of fluids. Not smelly, not even ***** looking. Just yellowish with a tinge of pink. I developed a fever but wondered if it was the flu because my kids were recovering from having the flu. I ended up going to the ER with 103 fever. I had chills, fever, port incision was KILLING ME at this point. I was pretty miserable.
So I have not yet mentioned that I had my surgery Aug 7th in Tijuana. I have to say I have had NO problems until now. I have lost 78 lbs, and gone from a size 26 to an 18. I feel GREAT! Hair thinning has been my only negative side effect from the band. I have 2cc in a 4cc band.
Well they get me in a bed (nearly 2 1/2 hours later) and then I lay there for about 1 1/2 hours before anyone comes in to see me. Finally my husband had enough and went the nurses desk asking when I would be seen. They immediately came to my room... we think they forgot about me. They started an IV line and tried to get blood and cultered my incision.I was dehydrated so my blood was thick and I wouldnt give them much, so they stuck me 3 times. Finally got enough blood then asked for a urine sample. Went to the potty, peed, stood up and went face first to the floor. Good thing hubby was there to catch me, and might I add thank goodness I have lost the weight I have or he might have dropped me. After I came to... the wheeled me to the bed, immediately started IV fluids. Gave me IV antibiotics as well.
Then had to drink some stuff to have a cat scan of my tummy *YUCK* That stuff made protein shakes taste like the best chocolate milk ever made! lol
Results are... inflammation around port but no abscess or puss pocket so to speak. A slight tunnel from port site to incision site. They called a local lap band doctor at my request and he said my port would most likely have to come out.
They decided to release me with 2 antibiotics (bactrim and rifampin) and tomorrow (Monday) I am to followup immediately with a lap band doctor. I have had one fill by a doctor about an hour from me, he is the least expensive. I am a self pay patient. They called him and he said although he did my fill, he did not do the surgery. As if to say... it is not my problem. So... guess he will not get any more of my money!
So... now I have to hope that one of the local lap band surgeons will see me tomorrow. There are several in the area so I am just going to call and see if they will see me.
Anyone ever had port removed and is it done in the office? Do you lose your fill or can they cap it off somehow. How expensive is this gonna be??? Anyone in Baton Rouge or South Louisiana that have a lapband doctor they recommend. SO MANY QUESTIONS!
Thanks for letting me vent. I am so frustrated, nervous, scared all at the same time.
But looking back... so glad and proud of my progess so far. So I can be thankful for that!
Anyway... thanks again! Any ideas or support greatly appreciated! 
Hi Charissa,
Not long after my lap band surgery, I contracted a very severe infection near the band from a hernia incision. My hernia specialist and lap band surgeon are the same doctor. He's awesome in these areas and I highly recommend him. The port removal is done outpatient and you can keep your fill while it's gone.
I'm going to private message you my contact information so you can shoot all your questions my way and I'll pass on the doctor's contact information.
Call me any time.
Frances
hey girl!!! i didnt know you were having problems until paula told me...why didnt you call me and let me know? i would have done whatever you needed done...i know you have a lot to do!! lol...anyways...i hear Dr Hargroder is a great dr in baton rouge...there are also some in covington...im scheduled for my seminar for jan 24th...im so excited!!! i talked to my insurance co and they pay 80/20 i have to pay a 500.00 deductible...anyways...you know im here for you so call me if ya need anything..also..slow down and take it easy!!! i know being mommie of twins and a son is alot and its hard to take it easy...but hey...we arent in highschool anymore!! werent those the fun days...lol...take it easy and call me if you need anthing and i mean ANYTHING at all!!!
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