Lap Band Needles

[heresdeb 0]

Does anyone know where to buy non-coring needles or huber needles or needles that can be used for fills in the UK? There are several places in the us but they don't ship to the uk

[elcee 3,343]

Why do you need to get your own needles? I hope you are not thinking of doing your own fills.

[Corrigan 75]

Why stop there? You could do your own lap band. Just think of the money you'd save!

[Acadia 20]

While you can buy them they cost a lot and require specific experience about your band and its position, port depth, tubing location, current fill amount, ideal fill amount, and much more in order to be used effectively.

If you buy them and use them you will very likely puncture the tubing or tear the port and you will ruin your band and no hospital will touch you to get it out because you decided to practice medicine on yourself without a license. This will also put your psychological wellness in question.

If you can't find a physician there to give you fills then look for a nurse who is willing (and who has experience and ideally who works with a Dr who does this) or take the opportunity to use one of the great seat sales and go somewhere where someone can help you.

Do not do your own fills. You are taking your band and potentially your life in your own hands.

I speak from my medical experience not just opinion.

[heresdeb 0]

Thank you all for your advise but my question was, if anyone knew where to buy the needles use for fills.

[elcee 3,343]

We know what your question was but it is a very strange question. Patients don't usually need to know where to get the needles as the Dr or other trained professional doing the fills has all their own equipment. I can't imagine that they would ever ask you to supply your own.

[heresdeb 0]

Well regardless to my question being strange or not if you can't answer the question then don't reply. You have no idea of what the circumstances are you are only assuming. So please if no one knows or wants to say where they can be bought then do not reply to my question. I am not looking for a debate on should or shouldn't ppl do their own fills.If you are worried that others may follow what you think I am doing and don't want to put the answer on here then there is always private messaging.

Thank You

[Giggles_syd 2]

Actually it is a good question. There is a website by a well known Lap Band surgeon that actually recommends having a needle at home in case of emergency unfills. Not to use at home of course, but to take to the hospital with you if for whatever reason you can't get hold of your regular Lap Band Dr. He said this is because while most nurses/doctors can unfill (but not fill) the band, not all hospitals carry the special needle used. I'm actually thinking of asking my Dr about this to see if it's relevant in Australia.

[heresdeb 0]

Thank You Giggles_syd

[Giggles_syd 2]

Welcome :-)

[gdkeller 7]

My doctor who was doing my fills, used a regular 25g 1 1/2 ". You can research using regular needles.

[abphilippi 0]

I feel your pain. Alot of people on this site are ubercritical and make this a lousy place for advice. Luckily I have found a group of 70 people and we are supportive of each other. Not like the "experts" on this site. As far as someone "adjusting" anyone's band; most physicians will not touch you period, unless it is life threatening or you "bribe" them with a large office visit fee. I did not research my surgeon and now I am paying the price. It's my fault and I take the full blame on this one. Good luck getting your needles.

[weightogo 2]

Actually it is a good question. There is a website by a well known Lap Band surgeon that actually recommends having a needle at home in case of emergency unfills. Not to use at home of course, but to take to the hospital with you if for whatever reason you can't get hold of your regular Lap Band Dr. He said this is because while most nurses/doctors can unfill (but not fill) the band, not all hospitals carry the special needle used. I'm actually thinking of asking my Dr about this to see if it's relevant in Australia.

I was told I should have a needle also in case of emergencies.

[Gipsyvicky 0]

Could our own doctors and nurses do it instead off going to the hospital x v

[Gipsyvicky 0]

And is it really dangerous to do it yourself it does look easy and only takes a minute x v