I'm supposed to have my first fill on April 2nd. Does it hurt when they use the needle? Do they use any kind of numbing medicine?:cursing:

Honestly, I dont know why it hurt for you guys. I have had three fills already. The first two were done by Physician's assistants and I never had to have the area numbed and it was only a little pinch to get the needle in and a little pressure when they pulled it out. They made me do a half situp to find the port and thats all. My doctor did the 3rd fill and believe it or not, he was the one who hurt a little. But, if you have someone who knows what they are doing, I really dont know why it would hurt. No one that I personally know from the support groups ever has a problem with pain during fills. We all go to The Westchester Medical Center in White Plains, New York. We have a well-known team of people who specialize in Bariatric Surgery. Maybe you are all just tensing up too much in anticipation of the pain. Good luck next time.

It makes me feel better to know that it was not just me. I have such a high tolerance for pain. I actually started crying. (This is not to scare anyone, because I think dissappointment and frustration set in also). My surgeon nor my NP could not find the port... great it is to the fluoroscope for me... I do not know when yet though. I am so hungry and it was supposed to be my first fill.

I am going tomorrow (3/24/09) . I also had the same fear of getting my first fill and it being painful. Boy was I shocked ! No pain at all .I was so easy !! only one thing you need to know is that the needle is a nice size and if you have a fear of needles just dont look at it . I promise it does not hurt . I am a ninnie baby when it comes to needles, please dont be afraid it is very easy!!:frown:

Ok, after reading this, i'm nervous now...I get my first fill in about an hour...lol I was hoping to hear that it was simple and pain free. My Dr is doing the first one, and the PA will do the rest.

*update* Ok...I just got back from my first fill...4cc's. I was nervous for nothing....that was absolutely painless, hell, the pressure wasn't even that bad, like some of you stated, the doc had me do a crunch and he found it, stuck me, and injected, it was over in 30 seconds. No sweat.

Edited March 25, 200917 yr by AirMech74

I just had my second fill and I have to agree---the doctor feeling for my pouch hurt more than the actual needle, but I have gotten the numbing shot both times too. Don't worry too much, it takes like 5 seconds. Good luck!

Hi , I got banded 3-4 and will get my first fill 4-3 can you tell me how it went. also I am having so much pain around my port area and in the back I started to take pain meds again, it feels like my muscles are being torn apart. Does anyone else have this experience. Please help. I started eating solid foods at my 2 1/2 mark and hope I didn't do any damage. My Dr. didn't seem too concerned.