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

What is this swelling you're referring to?



Recommended Posts

I've just had the consult and am gearing up for pre-op tests (scared but dealing with the fear as it comes up). I've been reading all the posts, but wanted to ask about the reference to SWELLING after getting a fill? Why is there swelling; what causes it?

How painful is the needle poke for the fill and how (besides fluoroscopic exam) does the doc know where the port is? Can YOU feel it? Thanks for your explanations.:scared2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The swelling is, I think, your stomach etc swelling a little because when you get a fill the band tightens a little and agitates it! You don't notice it usually but it can impact how "full" your band is so most docs say to just drink liquids (no food) for a time after a fill to give the stomach etc time to settle back down.

The doc knows where the port is because, as the NP in my office says "He put it there". Seriously, they remember, plus good operative notes give them guidelines

Mine has never used fluoro on me and found it find. He does use lidocaine to numb the area and that stings a bit (not as bad as a bug bite) then I feel....nothing!

It's easy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Two things.... First one isn't really swelling but some people call it that. The doc will pump gas into your abdominal cavity to provide a larger working area. After he closes you up, that gas will make your belly seem a little bigger than before surgery....until the gas is absorbed by your blood stream and filtered out. Second, the doctor is going to mess with your stomach. He'll move it around, put a belt on it and then your stomach will say WTF??? And that will cause some swelling That can take as long as a week to go away. You will not have much of an appetite at all until that swelling goes away.

The needle stick for a fill doesn't hurt. It's a little prick. And, many docs will do a fill with lidocaine...a tiny prick numbs the area first. Then you don't feel the needle that goes into the port. Yes, you can feel your port...if you know what you are feeling. The doctor/physicians assistant/nurse practitioner knows what it feels like for sure. I have never had fluoroscopy and they've never missed, ever. Some docs feel more comfortable with the fluoro, and in those rare cases where a port turns or gets flipped, fluoro is very useful in guiding them to the exact spot. And here's the other potential for swelling -- when the do a fill, your stomach around the band area may get irritated and swell a little. I do not believe this has ever happened to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

/ Thanks guys, I knew you could 'splain it to me.:scared2:

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

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×