Ouch Ouch Ouch!

OK, so I'm coming up on 6 months post op, and until Saturday, I have been pretty much complication free. However, on Saturday, I started having s sharp hot pain just above and to the left of my belly button. That day it was not too big of a deal -- about like a quick hot pin ***** Then yesterday, it increased in severity. Now it feels like a hot ripping, tearing sensation that lasts between 5 and 20 seconds each time it happens. It isn't constant, but does happen several times a day (maybe 20 or so times through out the day). If I lay flat and press on the spot, I feel a large lump under my fle**** is in near proximity to the incision where my port was placed, but I know where my port has been accessed during fills and it is not that place. I'm wondering if it is possible that my port has dislodged and is moving around? I don't think it's a galstone issue because of location, but I've never experienced galstones personally so maybe it's refered pain? I have no fever. The area isn't hot to the touch. Maybe hernia if not my port? I just don't know?? My Doc doesn't come here until June 3rd (which isn't too long to wait if this is no big deal, but I don't even know if I should be worried or not?) and I do have an appointment to see him -- I was just wondering if anyone could offer some advice or has had a similar experience? I am so happy with my band (I've lost 73Lbs since it was placed) and don't want to lose it -- I think that's my biggest fear regarding the pain I am experiencing. Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks

This might not be related to your band at all...when I was pregnant with my first child, I developed an umbilical hernia and it felt like what you are describing.  I would make an appt with my PCP to discuss it and rule out any big problem.  If it is your port and it has become dislodged (rare with Realize bands) it isn't an emergency.  After seeing your PCP call your Bariatric Surgeon and advise the office of the findings from your PCP appt so they are prepared for you.

If you have been doing strenuous abdominal exercise, you can get some pulling and pain in the port area, since the port is attached to your abdominal muscle facia.

Thanks. I did end up calling my surgeon. I spoke with his PA and told her what was happening. She said she would speak to him and call me back.

I just got her call back, and she said my doc said some of what I was describing was normal and to be expected with the band (I sure hope I don't have to expect this forever!?) He said that he felt I would be OK to wait until June 3rd, when he comes up, to see him -- but he said if the pain becomes more severe and unbearable or if it becomes constant, that I should call and he will make me an emergency appointment and see me sooner.

I will keep you updated to the results once I see the doc.

I am sorry this is happening to you. Please keep us posted.

Thanks Kim  I will. I'm doing a bit better today -- we'll see what the doctor says when I see him -K-

While I am not a Doctor, nor do I play one on television, I don't think this is normal and should be expected with a band. Honestly, if it wasn't for my own stupidity (like eating too fast), I would never know I had the band. Sure I can feel the port if I press in the area, but I have NO PAIN what-so-ever.

If it doesn't go away in a day, I would go to the hospital just to be sure.

Thanks Tom
Up until Saturday, that was my experience also. I'm with you -- I don't believe this is normal. I am on a liquid diet right now just incase it is a hernia (to keep from having anything get stuck in it), Today is better than this weekend or yesterday was. I am just trying to keep it that way until my doctor comes to town. If the pain comes back worse or constant, I will definitely go to the ER. Thanks for you advice -- even if you don't play a doctor on TV (LOL)! -K-