I had surgery Dec. 31, 2007 with Dr. Ferrara in Ft. Worth. Surgery went will. Recovery was slow. The gas they pump into you is the worst. I have lost 14 pounds so far an will have my first fill on Jan. 21st. What should I expect when getting a fill?

Hi Brandi -

I was banded in December also (12/11). The pain from the CO2 lasted 2 weeks with me, but from what my support group tells me, it varies. Make sure you get up and walk around, that might help dissipate the gas.

3 days after surgery they took out the small out of Fluid already in my band due to dehydration. To be honest, I was pretty much in a bad state due to the dehydration and still swollen from surgery, so it was very unconfortable and somewhat painful.

I went back in on 1/3 to get filled and it was much, much better. It didn't hurt at all, and I have a low profile port.

As far as the procedure goes, my doctor had me lie flat & put a hard pillow under my left side. He manipulated my belly & found the port. The needle stings at first, but it wasn't painful. He filled me up all the way and then sat me up (with the needle in) to drink Water. We made some adjustments for about 5 minutes until I could swallow confortably. And then it was done!

Hope this helps - congrats on your weight loss!

Thanks for the info! I am a weenie about going to the doctor! I am concerned that I am not losing weight right now. I do not have any restriction in my band but have been following the diet they gave me. I have not weighed-- scared to! I am not really hungry ever but still have cravings. Is this normal?

Totally normal! My stomach is not hungry but my brain is starving for the food! LOL I am hoping through this journey that I can reconcile the mental part of this.