Is it painful for a fill? What is the process?

Not particularly painful. It is about like getting a shot. First they will locate your port, sterilize the area, then insert the needle. You may feel a little pressure. Docs vary, some withdraw all the fluid to see what is there and then put it back with an added amount. Some just add. Either way you end up with more fill. It is important that you stay on liquids only for 24 hours after a fill, then soft foods for 24 hours. This protocol varies by doc too, but the liquid part seems pretty standard. Be very careful with bite size and chewing after you go back to solid food. If you band was looser, it may take getting used to food going down once it is filled.

Thank you very much for your reply. I will be sure to be careful.

My dr always used lidocaine ( a shot of numbing medicine) first, so I don't feel the bigger needle at all. If they don't automatically do this, just ask. Some drs use a numbing gel too. Good luck!

Marci

My dr always used lidocaine ( a shot of numbing medicine) first, so I don't feel the bigger needle at all. If they don't automatically do this, just ask. Some drs use a numbing gel too. Good luck!

Marci

Mine too! I don't usually feel anything, sometimes alittle pressure. It is pretty quick, my surgeon will take it out, and measure to make sure there is no leakage. He then might have me put my hand on the needle area while he has me move to the flouroscope.He doesn't always use the flourscope,sometimes he just puts the Fluid in, and then voila you are done! Karen

I get lidocane too, she doesn't always pull the liquid out. She puts the needle in, puts in the fill, makes me sit up with the needle still in and gulp a glass of water. If all does down okay she pulls the needle out. I guess she keeps it in in case she needs to unfill a bit and doesn't want to poke me again.

Its no more then a pin prick. In the time they numb you, you could have already gotten the fill. Lidocaine hurts more then the actual fill does. I would say go for it without the numbing.

It's like any other shot. Hurts a little for a sec then it's done. I just use what little pain there is as a reminder to take this seriously.

Some docs say liquids/soft foods for 48 hours post fill and some don't. I would recommend doing it either way.

Best!

Thank you for all the good information. Blessings!