So, I went in to have my first fill today. I've been apprehensive and even dreamed about it last night. I was trying to stay chill. My doc says, "Let's get started. Don't worry, it isn't going to hurt." Initially he was right. The needle went in and I barely felt it. However, he then informs me that the needle he just used was too small. It couldn't quite reach my port. He starts apologizing and tells me he is going to have to stick me again. I know because he is apologizing that 1) the needle is going to be bigger, and 2) its going to hurt. Nothing could have prepared me for that. It hurt so bad and I am not a complete weiner when it comes to needles! All I could do was take slow, deep breaths and try not to think about what he was doing. It seemed like it took forever to get 3cc's in there. I bled right through the bandaid and it is so sore now...worse than my surgery! After I got through that, I went to do the barium check. The nurse asked if it felt ok or if it felt stuck. I felt fine but then I could hear the barium gurgling in my throat. She said that I might be too tight. Well, let me tell you--after that horrific experience I wasn't about to go back in there for a little unfill. I drank my bottle of water, told them I was fine (which honestly I was), and went home. I sure hope it isn't like this every time.

OMG, I just got banded yesterday, which went great and now I'm scared Sh*&less for my 1st fill. I don't love needles even though I used to get allergy shots in both my arms, I will just have to make sure not to watch...at all!! ughhh

LOL Tippy Toes,

Should'nt laugh but we all have our own horror story, Was it your Surgen who preformed the fill? I can relate to the needle thing, stupid as it sounds i have 9 tattoos and hate needles but will endure the pain for the love of art. I can only say I hope whomever did your 1st fill gets more practice under their belt, good news is you only have to go every few months from here one to get fill, i will reccomend you keep a chart for yourself of the fills, mistakes do happen. if I can help with anything please don't hesitate to as

good luck,

Steve

Were you laying down or standing up for me standing up is easiest. Doesn't he use a topical solution?? The only time mine hurt is when a new Dr. hit me 5 times. Otherwise piece of cake, have bled through the bandage too. But on a pain scale less then a 1.. Hope you are not to full .

Ok guys!! I promise as you lose weight it gets easier to access!

Sorry to read of your scary experience with your first fill...happily, I have read few first fill horror stories.

I would ask some serious questions directed to the staff at your surgeon's office before you have another one, just to avoid the same stupid mistakes that you experienced today.

Jeepers! I have typedthis story before: at my first fill the doc sticks the needle and says to the nurse " wow. Can you believe that? I hit it on the first try!". I told hinge may want to refrain from that sort of comment when the patients are awake. Hope yournext fill is better!!

Sorry for your bad experience I have had over a dozen fills and a couple unfills and have never had to be stuck more than once. I was horrified at my 1st fill when my surgeon told me he doesn't use a numbing cream 1st, but it didn't hurt, and never has hurt, one bit. I hope your fills get easier with time and this was just a fluke. Good luck to you!!!

fills never bother me - i always want them so badly that i know the couple seconds of pain from the needle are well worth the restriction and weight loss. Sorry it went so bad - hopefully next time is a lot easier!

My doctor doesn't do fills at all. The Nurse Practioners do them and they are VERY good. One time I think I needed to be stuck twice. I have bleed through the bandaid. One time I had a bruise because they had to twirl the needle around looking for the opening in the port. My office does not use numbing agent. Personally I don't think it hurts.

Sorry for your bad experience <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I have had over a dozen fills and a couple unfills and have never had to be stuck more than once. I was horrified at my 1st fill when my surgeon told me he doesn't use a numbing cream 1st' date=' but it didn't hurt, and never has hurt, one bit. I hope your fills get easier with time and this was just a fluke. Good luck to you!!![/quote']

To muelle

I see that u have had fills and unfills. I had an unfill because I felt too tight. I'm not losing so thinking about getting another fill. I'm worried it will be too tight again. How do the docs feel about fills and unfills ??

Irish 1, my doctor does little fills on me because I will have restriction, lose weight, and need another tiny fill to gain restriction again. I've had 2 unfills, and both times were when I had more than .10 ccs put in. My doctor is great and pretty much relies on how I feel as to fill or unfill me, but I know different doctors have different opinions. Good luck!

Maybe my Dr. Is the odd ball! He always gives me a numbing shot which doesn't hurt at all, and then he fills! He always has me lie on my back on the exam table with a pillow under my lumbar region. I've only had 2 fills, but both were a breez! Maybe try a different position or ask for some numbing stuff.

Maybe my Dr. Is the odd ball! He always gives me a numbing shot which doesn't hurt at all' date=' and then he fills! He always has me lie on my back on the exam table with a pillow under my lumbar region. I've only had 2 fills, but both were a breez! Maybe try a different position or ask for some numbing stuff.[/quote']

I guess mine is odd also. I got a numbing shot first.

Awww so sorry you had a bad experience. My first fill with my new surgeon was like that. Got stuck multiple times until he found the port. In all fairness he didn't place it. lol. Since my port replacement (which he did) he has no issues finding it!

It does get easier. I am 85 pounds down... and a lot of it was belly fat. I can feel my port now if I push in the area. I couldn't when I started.

Hang in there!!!

My fills have been painless too.