I had lap band 11-08 and have had 2 fills so far. Both times the doc had a hard time either finding the port or getting the needle in the port (I'm not su:scared2:re which). It took a while for him to do this and it hurt while he was pushing on my stomach finding it. Has anyone else experienced this?

I haven't been filled yet, but have pressure on my port when bending over (putting on shoes, picking up kids toys, etc). I wonder if we are experiencing a similar sensation?

Yes, my first few fills were a little painful and had left bruising. But once I lost some fat around my belly, it has gotten much easier.

Did they do the Flouro light at the fill? My first they did, but not since then. I have had 8 fills. only one time he had to stick 2x. I sorta do a ab crunch and have a pillow under lower back. I feel the push when he hits the port and it sorta fills like a firm push when the needle goes into the Self-sealing stuff on the port. I have had (for whatever reason) some soreness after a fill around the port, both when they have used the novacain and without it. Goes away after a couple days. Not a big deal you become accustomed to what they feel like. Goodluck:thumbup:

My port is tilted and two of the four times I've had fills, my Doc has needed to mash a bit to find it. Personally I don't find it too miserable. I don't expect to need fills forever and like another poster said, as I lose it will get easier to find. The little pain involved (and I've had lots worse!) is minor compared to the misery the band saves me, so I just ignore it. It hasn't ever been so bad that I've needed pain killer afterward etc.

If the port is too badly tilted you can require surgery to reattach it so I mostly am just glad he can access it at all.