I was banded May 27th and can get my first fill in 6 weeks. I can probably eat about 1/2 of what I used to but I still think that is too much. I am kind of nervous about the fill. Does it hurt? Does the doctor numb the area. Is the need huge? My doctor does it with the xray thing maybe called a floroscope I think. The area where my port is located is the only place that has really bothered me and it is still tender at three weeks past surgery. The other cuts are not tender at all. Is this normal? I went to work yesterday and someone I don't know very well commented that I was losing weight (9 lbs so far). I was thrilled. Thanks Connie

Hi Connie,

I think the first fill is the worst... mostly due to the anxiety of not knowing what to expect. The only pain I felt was the poke for the numbing medicine and a bit of a burn that went along with it. After that... it was just a sensation of pressure. Once I got over the fear of the whole thing... twas a breeze.

Darcy

Talk about luck with needles, I went for a support meeting tonight and spoke to my Doctor, I was teasing him about being stingy with that full 1cc, because of my lack of restriction. He said he was going to call me that he didn't think things went exactly right with my fill on Monday and wants me to come in and make sure he didn't hit the side of the port instead of the port!

I reminded him of how I almost passed out and I did not do well with the fill, he said he was gonna give me a valium. He thought he had put in .75, boy this is going to be fun. First he's going to try to withdraw any that may be in there, then fill with 1 cc.

He said he did a fill a few hours after mine and the lady sat up and immediately felt a difference, which made him wonder if mine worked, He also said there was a different feel when the needle hit the port with her.

I also asked for a script of the cream.

Well, Pat, not to add to your anxiety, but couldn't the dr. have figured this out while you were in the room, "hooked up"? Maybe that's why it hurt so bad, he hit something he wasn't supposed to. When do you go back in? Maybe get someone to drive you there and take 1 1/2 valiums?

Pat, not everyone feels a difference right away. I felt a little bit, but not much till later, then it only lasted a couple of days which I guess was just the swelling. I haven't had any restriction either. I go tomorrow for my second fill, hopefully then I will get my restriction. Good luck with your appointment.

I hope you tell him he has THREE tries only. Tubing leaks are most always the result of someone TRYING to hit the port and missing. This is GOOD for them, but not so good for you. I tell my doc, 3 strikes and you're out. We can go to flouro.

Good point from everyone. I hadn't thought about him puncturing the tube. I plan on giving him a call tomorrow, there were about 100 people there tonight and only 3 banders out of all those. What scares me is if he thought he hit the port, does that mean that it has flipped. I don't feel any different today around the port area than I did the day after surgery.

Leatha would you pm me the picture you posted with tummy sutured around the band please.

Betty good luck on your fill.

Marie, I'm doing the valium, cream and maybe the spray, lol. I think he really thought he had hit the target, but something was different enough between my fill and the other lady after me to cause him concern.

It's funny, I did my 24 hours of liquid, then started on some chili, taking tiny bites, basically dipping my spoon into the sauce without much of the Beans or beef. I kept thinking I've really got to be careful, I don't want to pb with my first food. I probably felt less restriction than I did prior to the "fill".

I think since this is a package deal, with fills included for the first year, and self pay to boot, I really think he should arrange for the next fill to be flouro, especially since there's a chance there's been a puncture.

My cream script was called in today along with Valium for me to take for my the second attempt at a fill next Wed. Anybody got a cow they don't want, I could probably eat it.

Hang in there Pat, hopefully since all this happened you will get a great fill this time.

Pat, why don't you see if they have a cream that will deaden our taste buds? If they do, I'll take a large vat of it - ASAP!

Marie - You will have to share that one!

Wouldn't we be rich? I don't know if its psychological or what, but since I found out the fill went foul it's been the toughest time controlling the appetite since my surgery. I just don't want to gain my weight back, it's bad enough not loosing, but will be worse if I gain. I'll keep looking for the cream, LOL.

Hiya pat

I think you should definately ask for a fill with flouro rather than risk another disapointing fill experience even if its just to put your mind at rest. i think you have done really well with your weight loss compared to me ( i know we are all different)

As for pain i think the only thiing i had smeared on my tummy was antiseptic cleaning fluid about 30 secs before he got the needle in. To be honest it didnt hurt at all so i must be one of the lucky ones. Just as well as i am a right fairy when it comes to pain...lol...

love tracey

Pat, I finally found your description of your fill experience, LOL!!! You poor thing! I'm sorry it was so tough on you. I have been deadened with a shot of lidocain before every fill. Its a shot, but very quick and with just an itty bitty bee sting and then I imediately feel nothing. Yes, definitely ask for flouro for this next fill. According to my dr, fills are much harder to do than what they were originally told. Have you seen the pic of the port tubing that has all the holes in it in Dr. Ortiz's book??? Scares the peewaddle outta me!!!

I've had two fills, neither one hurt and the doctor only stuck me once each time. I hope he hit the right spot! He makes it look and feel very easy!