Frustrating day--port flipped :(

Today I spent 4 hours in the Dr. Office trying to get my 2nd fill.  After about 20 pokes by 3 different doctors, they finally decided to send me in for an Xray to see if my port was flipped.  They are pretty sure it has.  I am so sore after all the poking and prodding and so frustrated.  I had my surgery on 9/13/11 and feel sad that this setback has happened so soon.  My first fill was difficult too and my Dr. said that she thought my port was flipped but then decided maybe it wasnt and completed the fill.  I have had no restrictions since that fill so I am beginning to wonder if my band was even filled at all!  The doctor who did the xray said there were no binders put in that would hold my band in place.  Does anyone know anything about these binders?  I am feeling so frustrated that I will have to pay for another surgery to repair this and I am afraid that my Insurance will not cover it.  I am wondering if the doctor should be responsible for the repair?  Thoughts???

No. The Dr. is NOT responsible for the repair. This happens quite a bit. Port flips are common, though usually further out. However I have seem ppl develope erosion, esophageal dysmotility, slips, flips, leaks at 1-2 months. Very sad when this happens, but that's just part of band life.

Just b/c you have no restriction after 1 fill does not mean that there was no fill  injected. It is very rare for someone to have restriction from 1 fill. It usually takes several fills! On the other hand.........you could have unlimited fills and never reach restriction. I personally had 16 fills in 15 months and it never occured.......So good luck with that!

Since your band has flipped so soon I would not want to repair it. I would want it OUT! However if you have insurance, I don't think they would pay to have it removed this soon.

You could be one of the "lucky" ones that can get a repair and have things go well with the band for a few years? Keep in mind though that the band is generally NOT successful long term. Many ppl have to have it removed or revise to a better WLS. You will notice that you almost never see a bandster 5+ years out. And when you do........it's almost impossible to find one that hasn't had to have at least another band surgery!!! So if you get this repair done.............more than likely you will be facing another surgery in a few years for band removal or revision. So that would put you at 3 band related surgeries.

I don't think the surgeon could be held responsible as port flips are not exactly rare and are one of those possible complications they tell us about before surgery.

I would think if your insurance covered the initial procedure, they would cover the repair, but I could be wrong.

One thing you may want to do at this point though is get a second opinion if you have lost any confidence in your surgeon and are considering a secondary surgery for repair. Is there another surgeon you could take your X-ray to? It wouldn't hurt to get another opinion on the matter as well regarding if the band was placed poorly.

Of course, if you are frustrated with having to undergo a secondary surgery so soon after the initial placement and want to avoid further repairs, you could also see if you could use this opportunity to seek revision.

Best of luck to you and keep us updated on how things turn out,
Lindsey

Dear Calmomto3,

I'm SO sorry to read about your struggle.  I can only imagine your frustration and concern; more importantly, I can't imagine how scared you must be.  I had my lap-band surgery in February, 2006.  My port was on my waistline and very uncomfortable when wearing jeans, so I had my port moved in November 2009.  In recent months, I've developed a hernia at my port site which, in fact, moved the port.  As you know, the port should be flush with your body, but now is, in fact, perpendicular with my body.  I was scheduled for a new port and a hernia "fix" last week but came down with a terrible cold so I'm awaiting a new surgery date.

I, too, had an awful experience for my first adjustment but have faith in your decision to get the band.  I lost 50lbs, then fell in love and gained it all back!  My surgeon and I discussed other WLS options (when he discovered my port had moved....and I finally had a reason for the pain in my abdomen!) but I decided to keep my band and start from scratch with regular adjustments -- I haven't made an appointment to have an adjustment in 2 years -- I didn't know if I even wanted to keep the band at that point. 

Keep us posted on your progress.  I'm very intrigued to hear abour your journey.

Jessica