I am afraid to say this but I am terrified to get my first fill. I had the surgery on Dec 12, 2007. I didn't have a two week check up but had a one month check up in January. The doctor said that I was doing so well that she didn't think I needed a fill. I wanted to make an appointment for February, but they didn't have anything available until March 13. I have lost over 30 pounds since then I am struggling as to whether I should get a fill yet. All this sliming and PBing scares the crap out of me. I could use a little advice as to what you all think. Thanks alot!:blushing:

I felt the same way, I was scared of the pain (no pain) I was scared about not being able to eat normally (have had a few stuck episodes, slowly adjusting)

I didn't need a fill the first month and when I went in for my 2 month visit, I thought to myself, 7 lbs lost, wont need a fill, but Doc said "lets give you a fill" the next thing you know I have a 2cc fill. and I thought what the hell just happened.

I always told myself I would be conservative with fills and look at me 2cc's on first fill. I will take it slowly and see want happens.

Good luck, be brave, you'll do fine

Get the fill. If they give you the option for lidocaine, opt OUT. (IMO) Don't be afraid of sliming and PBing. Eventually you're going to need your restriction, aka artificial will power, and when you have restriction they're kind of just part of the game. Our stories are horrible, sure, but you don't see many saying "OMFG I can't stand PBs take my band out." :blushing:

Get the fill. Most times slimming and PBing is our own fault - either we eat too fast or don't chew enough. I've had a couple of episodes of both - my fault - while they aren't pleasant, and if they happen too often you should be concerned - but otherwise they're nothing to be scared of. Once you have got some restriction you will start to appreciate what the band can do for you.

Danna

I have to agree. Any stuck sliming or PB eppisodes I have had were my fault. I ate too fast or didnt chew enough. So it is a lesson for me to remember to chew and slow down. one of the big reasons I got the band.

I NEED that reminder of my eatting behaviors.

Get the fill. the first one is always nerve racking. but then after that is done you will be like what was I so worried about.lol

at least I was

I was banded on 12/6 and have not yet had a fill. I have been losing - albeit slowly - so my doc has not recommended a fill yet. I go back next week; maybe I'll get my first fill then. I understand your fears, as I share them as well. First, I'm a weanie when it comes to needles, so I'm not looking forward to the actual procedure. I'm sure I'll live through it (drama queen sigh inserted here). I am also concerned about PB'ing and sliming. I've had very little problem with anything getting stuck. I'm religious about not having bread, rice or Pasta, and rarely have mased potatoes, but worry that there are other things I have been eating that I won't be able to once I have more restriction.

I know that I will make it once I've had a fill; I'm guessing that my fears will prove to be worse that the actual process. That's the case for a lot of my fears. Anyway, good luck to you and I'm happy to discuss the subject with you, since I am in a very similar place.

Cynthia

299/285/257/?

Banded 12/6/07

I have just got my second fill last week and I did have couple PB/Slime episodes from salad...chicken.. and other foods but i'm sure alota of it is my fault by not taking it slow and chewing well. I was in the Army and was always taught to eat fast and get out, which lead me eat same way while out without thinking...

For me I use the scar, port bump and restriction to remind me that I gotta eat right and smart... which have helped me loose 50+ pounds so far.

You should go to doctor office and get fill and probally ask to be fill with small dose so you can get used to it. Since you already at steady weight lost the extra restriction should increase your lost.

This is all up to you and PB isnt that bad but it is gross... lol

I have had one fill, I had it about 6wks out from my surgery which was on 12-5-07. I can't really feel a difference, so i guess i need to go get another one. I haven't lost that much weight because i can eat whatever and however much i want and don't really feel any restrictions. I guess that is a big key to go and get a fill, huh. Anyways, If you are losing weight and don't have any trouble with portions or getting hungry then i wouldn't get a fill either. If you start getting hungry and can eat more and aren't losing weight then it is probably time to get a fill

I was afraid to get my first fill, it was a little painful due to my port being deep. But all in all it wasn't too bad

Brooke

banded 12-5-07:thumbup:

SW 355, CW 305, GW 165

I was also banded on Dec 12:) Band buddies:)

I just had my 3rd fill yesterday. I have a total of 7.5 cc in a 10cc band. The first 2 I had no restrictions:( The 3rd OMG-have a lot of restrictions today - which is what I was waiting for.

As far as the pain - there wasn't any!!! It took 1 minute in and filled.

Good luck, sounds like you are doing really well without the fills:)

Hello all. I was banded on 11/23/07. 42 pounds down and about 75 more to go. I was also scared of the first fill, but it was fine. They numb your stomach, so you dont even feel the fill and it is so fast, you wont even believe it! DONT look at the needles. I am at 4 CCs...I just started the slimy stuff right after my second fill. It is gross and terrible! I agree though, it is typically my fault. Here are some helpful hints:

1) Chew at least 30 times each bite

2) Put your fork down and count to 20...like, one thousand one, one thousand two...etc.

3) Small bites

4) Dont let yourself get too hungry or you will want to eat fast and that is bad bad bad

5) Make sure after your fill, you only do soft foods for at least 3 days. I couldnt do meat at all for 1 and a half weeks after fill.

6) Bread and Peanut Butter are bad news for me. I can do wraps fine and like them just as much.

Hmmm...that is all I can think of right now.

We can do this!!!!

Tanya, Dayton, OH

:thumbup:

I dont get numbed when I get a fill. but it dosent hurt. at least not more then a shot does.

Quiltergirl, that is what I want to feel. I want that restriction!

End of the month for my 3rd fill ack! I cant wait.

Wraps are my fav but I have PB on them couple days ago but ill try again soon.

I usually make a Wheat low carb & fat wrap with some fat free ranch and chicken breast and just a touch of hot sauce ;p yumm

I canceled my fill for tomorrow (3-13) - seems I have to go to Disneyland instead with my BFF who is having a really tough time . . . so my next appointment is a month away again - I'll survive! Actually, considering I only have 1.5 cc in my 10cc band, I'm doing ok . . .

Heck with a 50 lb loss I think your doing great too.

I want to go to disneyland too.

Man I wish I lived out west...but then again...last time I was there 9 years ago I could just barley ride the rides...And I havent lost enought to be there yet.

Cerrin - You will get there too:) I was soooo impatent also. I am glad to hear someone else has over 7 mm in there band - it seems like we are in the majority?

Oooo, no numbing stuff!!! My doctor keeps missing my port and so I can't imagine not being numb:)

I get my fills under fluro. So no missing. They have this awsome new machiene in the hospital just for bariatric patients. it is wider and has a x-ray part that is further away from the table for bigger patients and my dr can put the needle in while I am under the x-ray. it is great. I feel very confidant in him and his whole staff.

They are all very good about talking things thru. he had a medical student in the room when he did my last fluro. The student was great he was asking me if I could feel the port or if I had any weird pain. It was like he REALLY wanted to know about the Lap band. It was very inspiring.

The hospital I go to is not a teaching facility but my Dr is the one for the area that teaches other doctors about the band and how to preform the surgery. It is great.