. . . by that I mean BY a beginner, for other beginners. I had my first fill today. I found other descriptive posts very helpful in answering my questions and allaying my fears, so I thought I'd post a little step-by-step guide of my own, in case it helps any other readers who wonder what a fill involves and feels like.

First of all, I should mention that I was banded in Mexico and am getting aftercare in the US. This was made relatively easy because (1) I live in a big city, and (2) one of my surgeon's former students has a large, well-established Lap-Band practice here, and this doctor agreed to do my fills for a fraction of what he usually charges other docs' patients ($250 vs. $1000).

My surgeon, Dr. Rumbaut, had told me that I'd probably want a fill after six weeks; no matter what, he said, I shouldn't get one any earlier, and I may not need one until later. The day after my six-week anniversary I started feeling hungrier, and was able to pack away more food than before. I figured I should at least get checked out.

My appointment was at 2 pm today. I arrived at Dr. Horgan's posh Michigan Avenue office 15 minutes early, completed a new-patient info form and a questionnaire about obesity-related health problems and whether I'd noticed a change since banding, and just after 2 pm I was shown to an examination room where an assistant, Michelle, weighed me on a body-composition scale (photo #2 below) and took my pulse and blood pressure. I was asked to change into a giant hospital gown. (I should mention that both the gowns and many of the waiting room chairs are sized to accommodate very large people. Someone was thinking ahead.)

I asked Michelle if I could take pictures, and after an initial hesitation she said yes, and suggested that I ask for a duplicate copy of my fluoroscope image. She then led me to the room holding the machine (photo #1). In a few minutes Dr. Horgan and a male technician came in and briefly explained the procedure. I should mention that, except for the gown replacing my blouse, I was wearing all my clothes. Dr. H asked me to lower my trousers so that he could get access to the port, which in my case is a few inches above my left hipbone. He guided me into position in front of the fluoro machine. I remained standing the entire time, and never actually touched the equipment. To my disappointment I realized that I would not be facing the image of my belly, which (weirdo that I am) I was kind of looking forward to. So far, easy as could be, no discomfort of any kind.

Next, Dr. H sprayed a "freezing agent" near my port; I forgot to ask what it was. The freezing agent really did feel cold, and it looked as if a half-dollar-size spot on my belly had been in the back of a refrigerator that needed defrosting, little ice crystals and all! Still no discomfort. He asked me to take a swig of a thick white barium drink. It wasn't as bad as I expected (the technician joked that Starbucks was selling it, but that's pushing it) -- just a little chalky, with a slight vanilla scent and taste. The barium makes its way down the esophagus to the stomach (and, later, beyond) and allows the technician to see a rough outline of the patient's insides.

At this point I noticed Dr. H preparing a big hypodermic needle. Yikes! After adjusting my position, he aimed right for the port. I won't lie -- I definitely felt it. I know many other bandsters don't even notice the needle go in, but not me. However, it wasn't bad, and I think if I hadn't expected the entire procedure to be a total breeze, it probably wouldn't have bothered me at all.

Unfortunately I couldn't take a picture of the needle going into my belly, because I had to hold my arms straight down at my side -- and I sure didn't want to ask the doc to drop that giant needle and pick up my camera!

I think it was at this point that I took another swig of the barium drink so they could monitor the response of the band and my body. That needle was definitely in, and the doc injected some saline. I blithely thought I'd get 1.5 cc, since that seems to be average, and so far I'm your average bandster. Nope! First I was injected with 1.4 cc, then as the two guys watched the fluoro, Dr. Horgan said, "Oh, that's too much. Let's take out .2." So he did. So here I am with 1.2 cc of saline in my Inamed band, which Dr. H said should give me good restriction.

I did get a copy of my fluoroscope picture (#3). Hey, I've had less flattering photos! By the way, the small bit highlighted by the ink rectangle in the left image is my band, and the dark hairy-looking bit is the barium drifting through my stomach. I had to ask.

Well, I'm on liquids for 48 hours, then onto the real bandster eating routine. Dr. Horgan said I should lose two pounds a week. When I said I didn't mind losing more slowly, he was adamant, and said if I didn't lose those two pounds every week I should give him a call. He wants me to see him in another two months -- sooner if I have trouble. And in case this initial fill is too tight or too loose, I can have it readjusted for free as long as I do so within a week.

One last thing I can't resist adding: Dr. H asked me why I had surgery in Mexico. "Financial concerns," I said. "What kind?" he asked. I was taken aback. "Well, it's a lot cheaper in Mexico," I shrugged. He didn't have a response to that!

Good luck to everyone getting their first fill -- it's not bad, and the whole thing, including paperwork and tests, took about 45 minutes.

He does have a great reputation, and lots of people here have been banded by him. He was very careful with my first fill, for which I'm grateful. And his associate Dr. Baptista was good, too. No complaints here.

Zoe,

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It has been very helpful.

Bumping for Nickie

Thanks Zoe, this really helped.

Zoe this was excellent information. I go for my first fill today and I am nervous, scared and excited. My doctor is going to try to fill for the area and if he can't find it we will do floro. I had a upper gi 2 weeks ago so I think he looks at that to get an idea of where my port is and then try it.

Thank you agin for all the great information.

Wow! Thank you...this information was very helpful!

Thanks, Nickie, Teresa, and DVSABoss. Good luck with your fills!

I just got back from Tajuana for a Jumpstart fill. Its a new way to get you going when the weight stops coming off. They filled me really good, and I waited 2 days and they did it again, I have already lost another 7 pounds since Friday September 16 until today. I only need to lose 35 more pounds for my body lift.. These guys have been so great to me. I can't believe in April I weighed 351, and now 235....sorry for tooting my own horn, but I love Betancourt Medical and Dr. Lopez, not the other Dr. Lopez and Andres has taken great care of me through out the whole thing..

WOW Shirly are you able to eat and drink ok? Good Luck with your body lift.

I had my first fill, I had my first fill. It wasn't thatttttt bad. He numbed it and then dove in looking for the port. It took a while but he eventually found it and I am now the proud owner of 1.3 cc's in a 4cc band.

Shirley, did I read right? You got one fill & then another one 2 days later? I've never heard of that cause it takes quite a few people a couple of weeks to know how the fill is really working. How much did you get each time.

BTW, I thought $175/fill was a lot. I guess it's a steal, & with a good person too!

my fills cost 250 in Virginia

Wow, thank you on behalf of all of us who are needing to know the ins and outs of fills!