katleen

When the doctor fills the band he has me sit up and drink water and see if it is tight enough or too tight. I have a hard time being sure with this test! So I left the office and proceeded to have vomiting issues once a week or more for many weeks. I just told myself I was not chewing well. And thought it was my fault, my punishment if you will. But the incidence of food getting stuck was too often and at all the wrong times, (ie social situations)! When I returned I had to have it completely un-filled because the Dr said the band might have slipped with all the vomiting. I am supposed to go back, but will have to pay another 300.00 dollars. Each visit is 300.00 dollars, fill, unfill whatever. I am self pay. This is getting expensive. How can I be sure that it is the proper fill while I am there?:cool:

I agree with short gal don't let your fill be too tight! You should be able to be very normal!! I have lost 50 lbs already and have never given up anything! Just eating smaller portions , thats it! Check that fill!!!

That sounds soooo much eaiser! I think I will talk to my dr. Thanks for the input

I have my port in my left abdomen fairly low. I didn't know anyone had it up in their chest. But maybe that would be a good thing, it might be found eaiser ?

I had my first fill after surgery about a month ago. I was a little apprehensive, as I didn't know what to expect. The Dr told me to stand up and bend over backwards, over the exam table, for the fill procedure. As soon as he started to find the port I felt dizzy and started to black out! I told him I felt like I was fainting so he let me lie down on the exam table. He then prodeeded to give me the fill. Then he sat me up to try to drink some water, with the needle sticking out of me until he could determine if it was too much or too little. Whew! I was shakey, nauseated and I thought the procedure would never be over! I am not really afraid of needles or necessarily afraid of medical procedures. In fact the surgery was all OK, no problems! But this procedure was very hard for me. So difficult, in fact, that I am scared to go back for another fill, when the time comes. The good news is I have lost 48 lbs. but I really hope I can get some courage back when another fill is due. Has any one had experiences like this? Or am I just a sissy? :help:

Pam, I am 58 and had the surgery Oct 2007. I too thought I was too old. But now that I have gone through with it I am sooooo happy I did! I have already lost from 249 to 215. I can tell you I feel younger already! I am able to exercise walk etc and never get tired! I can't advice you on insurance but I can tell you that this was the right choice for me. My insurance didnt pay either but I just decided to save for it. They usually give you deals when you are cash pay and will let you know ahead the costs all listed. Your insurance will most probably pay for the tests prior. As far as how it works, well, I guess the easiest way to explain it is I feel like I have eaten a huge Thanksgiving dinner after just a few bites!! And thats the beauty of it. Best Wishes on your success whatever you decide. But most of all, go for it!! Whatever manner of weight loss tools that you decide on, it will be worth it!

Thanks for the supportive words! I appreciate it! And happy to hear no real pain for the fill.

I'm new to this forum but had my surgery on August 4, 2007. I had my last child in 1985 and now that he has graduated from college, feel I can no longer say I am still getting rid of that baby fat! (yes I have been 100 pounds over weight since his birth!) The surgery went well and just this week I have begun to feel hungry and am starting to eat more. I have lost 33 pounds since the surgery and don't want to fail now! But suddenly I feel I can eat more than I should be able to. I am exercising, doing step class and weight class and walking. I called today to get my first fill. It is scheduled in a week. I'm very nervous about it, because it has been nice not doing anything at the doctors! I just hope it doesn't hurt. I'm very done with pain after the hurting from the surgery. I am a little shy about posting my feelings on any site! But just think it's time to see how others are doing with this procedure. :paranoid