going for 1st fill

March 21, 2004

Hi every one. I am going for my 1st fill Monday and was wondering what to expect. Is this painful? Also I was banded Jan 23 so its almost been 2 months and i have lost 19lbs. But i dont feel any restriction the last week. Did others experience this. I remember after being banded a popsicle stuffed me and now I can eat almost as much as before. Or is this just because my stomach has healed? I'd love to hear some input!

Mandy

angelatn2001 · March 21, 2004

Hey Mandy,

I experienced the same thing and even after my 8th fill i start to notice that I am able to eat more and also eat things that i was unable to eat. my doctor gives me a shot that numbs my stmoach and then gives me the fill. so basically all i feel is the burning from the numbing med and then pressure during the fill. i dont know if all docs do it that way but that has always been my experience. hope everything works out great!

angelatn2001

sassaay · March 22, 2004

Hi Mandy,

I just got my first fill on Friday. I was a little scared as my doctor does not do the fills under floro and I had heard too many horror stories on the boards... But, it really wasn't that bad. The N.P. was doing the fill under the Dr's supervision and at first she could not hit the port. They did not numb me first and the prick did not hurt, but when she could not find my port I did have some discomfort because the needle was just hitting tissue. The doctor then placed her fingers on the port and had the N.P. go between her fingers, this was just right and I was filled with 1 cc.

I have a little restriction now, but I can already tell it will not be my sweet spot. I go back in another 6 weeks. So far my weight loss has been very slow, but I am fine with this as I could never have lost this weight without my band.

I was in and out of my appointment in less than 30 mins. I am sure that you will be fine.

Take care and let us know how it goes.

Tamazon59 · March 31, 2004

Hi Anne,

That is the same date I was banded. I lost 40 before and 10 after surgery. I hurt my knee so I have been laid up and unable to exercise much. I need to get moving now though. Good Luck to you. Tammy

donali · March 31, 2004

Hi Mandy -

You are my band "twin" one year late.

Yes, it is extremely common to lose any feeling of restriction once your stomach heals, and prior to your first fill. In fact, you may not feel that much restriction with your first fills, either, so do not be disappointed! Eventually you will get to the restriction that you need/want.

As far as the fill procedure, most people recommend having the fill done on an empty stomach. Then generally your doc will have you do liquids for 1 day to a week after the fill, to let the stomach release any reactionary swelling from the fill.

I have always had my fills done under fluoro, which I think is the best way, but many (most?) docs do them without. If you have the option, it's always nice to have at least the first fill done under fluoro, as your doc can check your band placement, etc., and it's a nice reassurance to know that all is well in there. But again, I think most people here have never had their fills done under fluoro, and they're fine, so if you can't have yours done that way, or it's too expensive, I wouldn't sweat it.

My doc does not use a numbing shot, and as big a weenie as I am about needles, and pain in general, even I have to admit that it was no big deal. I really did not even feel the needle go in - just pressure from the doc pushing down on the port to hold it in place while he inserted the needle. All four times. The last time was more difficult because my port had flipped, but again, it wasn't painful.

Hope this helps.

~c~ · April 1, 2004

I don't recall anyone mentioning this and wasn't expecting it but on my first fill I was surprised when i actually felt my stomach being squeezed when he injected the saline.It is a VERY strange feeling!but not at all painful.

C