1St Fill

[iammisslinda 10]

My first fill is on Tuesday and I am scared. What should I expect?

[Sojourner 2,446]

Really, there is nothing to be scared about...all I felt was a needle prick. And it was over in less than a minute. Quite painless. My first fill was done at the hospital under fluoroscopic imaging to make certain that everything was placed properly and functioning as it should. It was fascinating to watch the images on the screen.

I've read where some doctors use Lidocaine to numb the port area topically so you don't feel the needle.

Be certain to take at least a small gulp of Water following the Fluid being added to your band, to make certain that you can swallow adequately and know that the band is not too tight for you.

Best wishes...you will be fine!

[marfar7 1,528]

I can tell you what my dr does: After getting my vitals checked, they ave me sign a fill form, stating that I agree to follow the rules of the band. They then have me lie on the table, he finds my port, and he injects some lidocaine to my port area to numb it. Then he injects whatever amt he's going to give me in there. Sometimes he removes all my Fluid to keep an accurate count as to how much is actually in there. While the needle is still in, he'll have me sit up to drink a cup of Water. Thats so if I'm too tight, he can pull some Fluid out without having to restick me. If all is fine, he takes the needle out, puts on a bandage, and I'm on my way home - with instructions to keep it to liquids only for 24 hrs, then a regular diet.

Tat's all there is to it. I've never had a fill under fluoro like some people do. They may be able to add something I can't.

It's very easy and painless. The worst pain is the slight burning from the lidocaine.

Good luck!

Marci