Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What do fills feel like?



Recommended Posts

So I am just starting the process for the band. I was wondering where are the fill ports at and how painful is it? I am wuss at best with needles.... And what does restriction feel like? How do you know if its too much or not enough?

Thanks for answering all my silly ???s

Lori

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With my Doc all you feel is the pinch of the small needle to numb the port site. When he actually uses the bigger needle, to me it feels like you have butterflies at the site. It doesn't hurt. Sometimes sfterwards I am alittle sore but not painful.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a great NP that does my fills. He numbs the site which causes a little pinch. He locates the port and inserts the needle. He removed and measures how much saline is in the band...this feels strange but doesn't hurt. He puts the saline back in and adds an additional amount...this is cold to me and feels weird.

I'm always left with a little bruise at the port sight afterwards...about the size of a pencil eraser.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I am just starting the process for the band. I was wondering where are the fill ports at and how painful is it? I am wuss at best with needles.... And what does restriction feel like? How do you know if its too much or not enough?

Thanks for answering all my silly ???s

Lori

My port is about 3 inches below my breasts and a little to the right of center. I can feel it when I push, which is good, because it is easy for the NP to find it to do my fills. My NP doesn't numb the site, but it still doesn't hurt. DO NOT look at the needle at all when you go for your fill. Look at the ceiling. Getting the fill doesn't hurt me, but it does feel weird. THat is the only way I can explain it. After you fill they will have you drink some Water. If it goes down too slowly, LET THEM KNOW. You don't want to leave with the band too tight. It is much better to get small conservative fills and never be too tight.

Proper restriction will require you to take small bites, chew well and eat slowly. If you don't, you food will probably get stuck and will need to come back up. If you are ever so tight you can't eat meat at all, you are too tight and should get a small unfill.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

More answers than you ever expected:

It's time for my first "Fill" - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

My port (and everybody I know who has the lap band) is to the left of center and is inserted at the largest incision (about 2" long). The port is stitched into place and that location will be sore at first and tender for a while after surgery. I cannot feel my port if I press on the area but my nurse practitioners know exactly where it is. The whole process is painless for me, even without a numbing shot. It takes less than a couple of minutes to swab the site, prepare the hypodermic, draw out the Fluid in the band and then put it back with a little extra. I can kind of feel the decrease in pressure on my stomach when they take the fluid out and I get a sensation of a little pressure when they put the fluid in.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too did was worried about the "pain" of the needles for the fill. My doctor numbed the area and I felt that little tiny stick, then I felt nothing. I have only had one fill so far and go for the second in a couple of weeks. I did not know they take the Fluid out and put back in, I thought they would only add to what was there. Parrothead, thanks for that info. You are always so good at answering peoples questions. So, our new friend, don't be afraid, it is not that bad!

I suffer from MLS (multipal Lab syndrome) I am mom to to three black labs, or I should say I am owned by three black labs. My labs aren't spoiled I am just well trained!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think everyone is a little different. Sometimes fills are easy and sometimes they are not. My first fill was quite easy and I didn't feel a thing. The second fill however was a different story. She had a really hard time finding the little hole in the port so I felt a lot of stinging and burning. I'm not terribly squeemish about needles so I was ok. I also do not think my nurse who does my fills numbs the area. I don't think they do that at all where I go. As far as the feeling you get during the fill, I agree with a previous poster who said it feels like butterflies. It's a slightly fluttery pressure like feeling. Not uncomfortable, just weird. Also, my port is slightly to the left of center right between my belly button and my breast.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My doctor's office offers numbing but the way I figure it, I get one stick I'd feel no matter what. And it's not a bad stick at all. I was told they withdraw the Fluid in the band to make sure what's there. Apparently, over time, there can be a small amounto f evaporation and they want to keep you at the level you were and then add to that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I certainly had never heard that before, so I appreciate you letting us know about the taking out Fluid. Since I have only had one fill I guess I have that to look forward too. Thanks for the info.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, you would think by this stage of my life, i would be over the needle wussies, but oh well..:blink:

While it doesn't sound like best of things, but definately not the worst either. Thats a relief.

Thank you so much for all your advice...

Lori

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lori, I am totally with you on that! After my surgery for gall bladder I had a terrible infection and my surgeon cut my belly in several places to let the infection drain. He gave me nothing to numb the areas and then thinks I am a wimp! Needless to say, I am now very afraid of pain and messing with that tender belly fat, well, I am just plain old scared. My lap band doc numbs the area and it does not hurt at all. He also knows about my story and why I am afraid. He was upset that doctor would do that to me. Oh well, in the past. Just know you are not the only one who does not like needles. I am afraid of the dark too, but that is another story! Best of luck. Let us all know what you think when you have it done. jac

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I am just starting the process for the band. I was wondering where are the fill ports at and how painful is it? I am wuss at best with needles.... And what does restriction feel like? How do you know if its too much or not enough?

Thanks for answering all my silly ???s

Lori

I don't like needles at all, so when I decided to have the the Band surgery, I really had to think about the needle issue.:wink2:

I have had 6 fills so far and I have never experienced any pain during a fill. My port happens to be about 2 inches from the left side of my belly button. I sleep on my side and lay on my belly and don't have any pain either.

During the fill, my doctor utilizes a small needle with a numbing agent, which she inserts into my belly near the port. She then utilizes another needle, which goes through my belly into the port. She takes out the old fill to make sure I have the same amount of fill and then inserts new fill. Again, I have never had any pain with this procedure.

FYI: I never look at the needles. I am a big baby when it comes to needles, so I never look.:rolleyes:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×