Hi everyone, I had my first fill last week and it was horrible. I landed in the ER. I am trying to figure out what I did wrong! Can the veterans tell me how do you prepare your body for fills? Going to try and convince my surgeon to give me another fill next week to see how my body will react this time around... And input will be greatly appreciated.

Edited September 20, 201411 yr by dayana4100

You need to elaborate....for me it was no big deal, nothing I could do to prepare.

He just sticks the needle in, does his thing and I'm out the door....10-15 minutes.

He had me hold the syringe once, sticking in me...while he took an emergency phone call....

There are a few precautions AFTER a fill I had to follow, usually for 24 hrs or so.

Edited September 20, 201411 yr by B-52

I did my own fills for the last 3 years I had the band ( in know I'm very naughty ) !! It's very straight forward. 1 huber needle, 1 syringe and some saline, oh and perhaps a band aid. Took me 30 seconds. I wouldn't advise it though. It kinda defeats the object, I would un-fill for a holiday, special occasion etc. Also risk of infection if not done properly. I am in the medical field so was a aseptic as possible, still don't try this as home lol !!

@ B-52... I mean should I go on a liquid diet the day before my fill... Etc...

Dayana4100, this is not normal. Mine have been very easy. What happened that put you in the ER?

I don't do any prep except to make sure I DO eat a few hours before since I have to go on liquids afterwards for 48 hours.

Please explain how you reacted.

@justwatchme... I have no idea.. She started me with 3cc and I could not drink a sip of water... Then went down to 1 cc and the pain at band site was excruciating to the point I fainted and was sent to the ER... The pain did not subside till the band was completed deflated and unfilled... I have no idea why this happened... Maybe my band does no like fluid I am not sure... This happened a week ago and I was able to eat for the first time yesterday cause I have been so tight... I ate the day of fill at 1 pm and mini bagel and was filled at 6pm... Is that the reason??? I don't know!!

Edited September 20, 201411 yr by dayana4100

Wow. Scary stuff. Please keep us posted. My only slightly irritating event was the nurse having slight trouble injecting the port, but only once in four fills. Even that time was s successful. I am always filled under X-ray. I even end the fill by swallowing two Tylenol arthritis caplets under X-ray. I never want to be so tight that I have to crush my Tylenol. Please keep us posted on what develops. Also I get the local anesthetic to numb the port site. Why opt for pain when I can skip it? That's only a small pinch.

Liquids only 2 hours pre fill and 24 hours post fill. No issues. I even get out sometimes without the drink of water test, but try to take bottle of water into office with me so I don't forget.