I am awaiting insurance approval. I had the seminar yesterday but the doctor did not address fills. He merely said that we would be returning to him regularly. What is a fill?.:smile:

A fill is when saline is inserted through a port into the band, causing it to tighten around the esophagus, hence "fill"ing the band.

Hi there!

A "fill" is when you get saline put into your band (via a port) to make the opening to the stomach smaller. Some doctors call it an "adjustment." This is the essence of how the lap band works. Bandsters try to find their "sweet spot" -- the perfect amount of tightness, or restriction, that allows them to lose weight while eating healthy solid foods. The amount that works varies for everybody, which is why it's so great that the band is adjustable.

You can learn more here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/how-lap-band-actually-works-fills-refills-45563/[/url]

Edited March 28, 200818 yr by GreenChrysalis

See image below. Needle pierces the skin and enters the self-closing port. Saline travels through the tubing and into the band. The band is lined with a "balloon" that can be blown up or deflated with saline, hence adjustable gastric band.

Thanks for the answers. I have been reading threads about the PBs. Now I understand how they occur. You've gotta admit, it sounds a little frightening.:confused2:

Do you have to be put under for fillings? Is the port linked to the outside of your skin?

No, you aren't put out for a fill. It is like getting a shot. Some people request that the area be numbed, but I don't. The port is under your skin and accessed with a needle.

LOTS of information in the FAQ

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