Hello I am still learning about the banding process and was wondering if the band is removed after you reach your goal weight or if it is a life long thing. If it is a lifelong thing do you have to eventually have them replaced? Another thing that concerned me is the process of getting fills. I am not real fond of needles on some of the threads, I have read some people say they have had to be stuck as many as 20 times before their port was hit is this common? I don't think I can handle that even if I am numb (ouch). Just looking for input from those who have experienced the process any help would be great!

The band is meant to be a permanent implant. Unless you're unfortunate enough to have an erosion or some other complication, it should remain.

Additionally, my experience with fills has been nothing but positive. I'm not afraid of needles but I can honestly tell you that out of my 4 fills, I've never once felt the needle. A word of advice, if you're afraid of needles, don't watch while you're getting a fill.

I heard that, Tricia. My wife is the one with the band and I was getting queasy watching her get her first fill. The PA stuck it in and wiggled it around and left it hanging there. They had to stand my wife up and do the whole process over again. Ouch! I'm glad they numbed her first.

Thanks for all of your input that has eased my mind about the needle issue. I guess it's just one of those things that being a person who does not like needles must consider before going through with the procedure. Your feedback has helped me take another step towards the process thanks to you all!!!!!

Another thing to consider is the "three stick rule". Many bandsters subscribe to this. 'if you have poke me more than three times, then you need to stop and put me under a flouro (xray) machine to fine th port'.

I'm not banded yet - next Tuesday *gulp* - but I went for a meet and greet to the doctor I'm planning to use for after-care in the states - I'm being banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. Anyway, while I was at the doctor's office I met a very nice lady who was there for a fill. She was put in the room next to me while we were both waiting to see the doc and she overheard me asking to see the room/equipment, etc. they use for fills so I wouldn't be so nervous when it came to be my turn. I've been soooo nervous about this - not a big fan of the needle either Ellymay! That wonderful woman - her name is Shirley - thank you thank you Shirley - offered to let me watch while the doc did her fill. It was so not a big deal. He laid the fleuro wand on her tummy, pointed out the port. Picked up the syringe and popped it in. He asked her if she was in any pain - nope - moved the needle around a tiny bit, pulled the plunger back to show me he measures what's in the band to be sure there's no leakage, then pushed the plunger back in with the new fill amount. Out comes the needle - no pain, no blood, no bandage - and shirley adjusts her waistband and smiles at me. No problems. I know I'm rambling but it's because I've been sooooo incredibly tense these past few days as it's getting closer and closer to my surgery date but I'm starting to calm down a bit. After her fill Shirley did a barium swallow - while I watched - everything looked good so she went home and I went back to the docs office to discuss my upcoming surgery and aftercare. I was so grateful to that generous woman. She eased some of my fear by allowing me to be (a very small) part of her lap band journey. God bless all generous people and lap-banders in particular! :-)

DonnaB

03-07-06 Surgery Date *chewing on cuticle*

Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, Monterrey, Mexico

282/150

5' 9"

DonnaB,

Thank you for sharing your story with me glad to know I'm not the only newbie who is nervous about this procedure and needles. Your story also helped me feel at ease about the whole fill process. I hope you still have a cuticle left before the time for your surgery, I know I won't get a bit of sleep the night before my surgery if I get approved for it. I will say a prayer for you for your surgery next tuesday, have a safe trip and when you feel like it let me know how you are doing. Best wishes.