I am due for my second fill and didn't receive any numbing agent for the first one so I am just wondering how many of you get something to numb you first. I called the nurse today and she said they don't promote it - whatever that means (I guess it means no, never). I'm going to try to post this with a poll but I'm not sure how to do it. So it may not work.

I've had 3 fills, and only the very first one the doctor used the numbing agent. The other two, I had my fill with the PA and she didn't use the numbing agent, but then again she got it on the first try both times. The doctor (not my surgeon) needed a few tries before he got it.

It doesn't hurt either way, barely a pinch, so I dont mind not having the numbing agent, but I"m glad I have the option.

I have had 4 fills without any numbing agent. I wasn't aware fellow lapbanders were getting numbed. While the four times weren't "real" painful, the first took a couple of pokes, the second hurt somewhat and I made some sort of groan and the doctor commented to stop being a baby, I think if I had my choice I would get numbed. I think it would help me more mentally than physically.

I guess I should not complain as my grown daughter had to have tubes put into her ears and they inserted them via a cut in the eardrum without any numbing--she said it hurt like hell. So maybe I am a baby.

I have not gotten anything for the needles when getting a fill but I do have something that I use when I get two needles inserted when I go to dialysis

it helps

Lidocaine and Prilocaine Cream, 2.5%/2.5%

I place this cream on the site to be stuck and cover it with plastic wrap

this should be none at least an hour before you get the needle

it helps

the cream is topical prescription

I had a numbing shot the very first fill but none since that. I haven't asked and he hasn't offered. It isn't too bad without it as long as he hits the port quickly.

Hi, I am new to this site and doing research. Am I reading your scale right? Have you lost 30 pounds in 2.5 months? WOW! Also, the doctor I am going to use does not numb. I have had cortizone shots before - do you know if it is any worse than this?

Hi, I am new to this site and doing research. Am I reading your scale right? Have you lost 30 pounds in 2.5 months? WOW! Also, the doctor I am going to use does not numb. I have had cortizone shots before - do you know if it is any worse than this?

OMG, I have had cortisone shots too. I'm sure it's safe to say that fills do not even compare to those shots in the knees!!! I'll take fills anyday!!

I've had 5 fills, plus one attempt at a fill, my port was twisted or something. I've never had anything. They've offered each time. But I decline. It doesn't hurt. Not for me either.

BIG PAPA: yes I've had to, when they thought my port was flipped.

teri

I am due for my second fill and didn't receive any numbing agent for the first one so I am just wondering how many of you get something to numb you first. I called the nurse today and she said they don't promote it - whatever that means (I guess it means no, never). I'm going to try to post this with a poll but I'm not sure how to do it. So it may not work.

I did not have it with my first fill with my surgeon but did have it with the PA for my second fill. I needed it for that it was more painful than the first I am not sure if it is because my surgeon has more experience or not.

If your port is easily accessible it really isn't necessary; infiltrating the numbing medicine hurts more than an in and out with the needle to do the actual procedure.

I had 2 amniocenteses (bigger needle, threw whole abdominal wall and uterine wall) without numbing medicine for just that reason.

Now, if they are going to have to dig around and take multiple pokes, it's probably worth it to get numbed.

They did have to poke around usually I don't mind a needle but the numbing agent did help again it might be because I had a PA instead of the surgeon.

Update on my second fill. I bought some gel with lidocaine and put some on my skin (twice) before the fill. He found the center of the port first time and I didn't feel anything - either due to this or the gel. The first fill he couldn't find the port center and it was very painful.

It is standard procedure with my doc to numb the area first before a fill I don't even have to ask for it. I couldn't imagine having that big needle poked into my tummy without it. He also uses fluro.. My fill was quick and painless! Yayyy!