I was banded on 3/27 and I had my first fill on Monday (5/11) I don't feel as if I have much restriction, but from what I have read, that is to be expected. Anyway, my doctor told me when I come back for my 2nd fill at the end of June, he will be doing it under the x-ray so he can see exactly what he is doing and not "guessing" at how much to put in. He told me that this is the new way of doing fills.

Has anyone experienced this x-ray technique before? Does it really work better than the current "guessing" method?

He's saying he'll do it under fluroscope. A lot of doctors do it. Mine doesn't. I've had 3 fills (my 4th is scheduled for Monday) and I haven't had any problems and I'm pretty close to my sweet spot. So, for me, I don't think I see the need. But that's not to say it's not a good choice. I just don't think I see the need when it applies to me.

sounds like a way to get more money out of our insurance companies...My Dr doesn't use X ray and he ceratinly has no problem deciding how much to put it...Maybe bec he keeps track ...Without X ray assistance, the charge to my insuarnce company is $660.00 dollars..l can only imagine what they will charge with X ray equipment.

it's always better to do it under fluroscope. If you don't have to pay extra for it, that's the way to go.

I don't think it's "better" necessarily; my doc does mine just fine without. He says he can tell because of the resistance putting Fluid in. (makes sense if you think about it) He hits the spot easily and my port is tilted...

if you have an inexperienced surgeon then I can see how fluoro would be better.

Just depends on your situation!

I have never had one under Xray...never saw the need my doc does not do it ..it just costs way more and its safer to do it gradually anyway.... i have had 4 fills and i am finally at my sweet spot 8cc in a 14 cc band...its so nice to finally have restriction!!!

i have mine done under fluro and would never think to have it done without fluro. they can look and see that everything is going ok in there. But i am also lucky enough to have it covered by my insurance.

I have had fills done both under fluroscopy and without. I can tell you that i prefer it done with the Xray machine for the simple reason that there is NO DOUBT that they are hitting your port and the fluid is actually making its way into your band. Think about it this way, with out the Xray machine it is like they are stabbing a needle through a pillow aiming for an area the size of a quarter and hoping to hit it. (of course the size of the pillow varies) LOL

Apparently like everything else, we're all different! I think having to have an x-ray would be a nuisance and a waste of my time, some swear by it!

It's nice because they can see the saline going through the band and can tell exactly how it's flowing and whether it's too tight or not tight enough.

See, my doc hits it without the fluoro. He can tell by the resistance of the fluid in the band. I guess it's just a knack some have! I'm glad I don't have to mess with the x-ray but it's good that it's there for those who want it.