Question for Dr. C

First of all, thank you for all of the hours you spend reading, and answering our questions. No wonder your patients love you! I was banded 3-23-05. When I went for my 2nd fill on 6-1, my doc had trouble finding my port, and had to stick me several times. I went from 1cc to 1.5cc in my 10cm band. Over the next couple days I was tender around the port area, but that pain increased day by day to where it was downright horible. My doc started me on Levaquin 'til I could see him in the office on 6-8. He suspected that I have a seroma. Although the pain is better, I still am not able to find a comfortable position ( I feel like Al Bundy with my hand in my waistband!), or exercise. It's been 2 weeks today. Do you think I'm out of line to ask for a CT or some other test to verify that I do indeed have a seroma? How long does it normally take to disappate on it's own? Anything I can do to help it along? Thank you in advance! Brenda in KC 228/196/150?

Brenda, My guess is that you have a hematoma, not a seroma. A seroma is clear yellow-ish fluid that builds up in reaction to the foreign body of the port. This should occur right after surgery and probably hits maximum 2 or 3 weeks post op then be completely gone by 4-6 weeks post op. When you are poking around with the needle having trouble finding the port (been there, done that!) if you get into the muscle you can hit a blood vessel and cause some bleeding down in the rectus muscle. This bleeding will cause a collection called a hematoma. Because it happens fairly rapidly, it hurts like the dickens for awhile. It will go away on it's own, I don't see the need for any diagnostic testing. Good luck! Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

Thank you for your quick response, and the good info. You were right, my doc did say hematoma or seroma. His office had returned my call when I got home from work, and have scheduled me for an ultrasound of the left abdomen on 6-22 (to ease my worried mind!). Hopefully it will be gone by then. I think it was easier for me to handle the surgery pain, because I had a "cause and effect". This was a weird pull with a burning sensation that was unexpected. Thanks again for your advice. Best wishes to you! (((hugs))) Brenda in KC