M.T. in Indy

LOL! I'm the same way when it comes to needles!! Unfortunately for me I couldn't watch them fill my band because of the xray machine. I was able to watch on the monitor though. I planned to be off work for 5 days but it turned into nearly 2 weeks because of a stupid dream I was having one morning. I dreamt I was using the bathroom and jumped out of bed forgetting I had just had surgery and uh oh..I felt like I ripped my port out of place!!! Ouch!!! So I felt like I had just come out of surgery! So my advise to you is be VERY careful and you may be able to return to work by Tuesday. Dont push it though! Everyone is different in how fast they heal. Take a liquid protein supplement if you can it aides in wound healing. As far as how I felt after my fill, I felt fine no weird feelings or anything well maybe a little but that was from that yucky barium you have to take sips of if you have your fill done by xray and after your surgery to check the placement of the band. I hope this helps. BTW congrats on your band date and I wish you well....

I had my first fill 4-16-10 and could be more happier with the process! I thought it would be a bit painful due to my port site still being a bit sore. But nope PAINLESS and that's always a plus and it was performed using xray (do think I'll have it done any other way). My friend said "No pain no gain (weight gain that is!)

Well at this point I can lay on my side with the port comfortably however I dont apply my full weight. On a scale of 1-10 I'd say 1. I only notice the port when I bend over or I press on the site. But in the beginning I had to take Vicodin for a few days (not to spook ya but I want ya to be informed).

Yep my surgeon told me the same thing. He also said it can cause slippage. But it's funny how when you never really eat/drink something then you're told you cant have it, it makes you want it! At least every now and then. I paid out of pocket so definitely wont be having any soda ever!

Thank you for the clarification! I've been holding steady with no weightloss although I was warned I may not lose any and may in fact gain some before my 1st fill :cool: So it seems we're in the same boat. Thanks for your input and good luck to you!

I was banded 3/20/10 and feel that I'm ready for my 1st fill since the swelling has just about gone down and my incisions are healed excepted for the port site which is still a little sore. My question is this: Has anyone gotten a fill before their port site was completely healed? If so what was the experience like? I'm a little apprehensive but am anxious to move on to the next phase...:confused:

Good morning! I have the Allergan band and from my understanding it's more about placement. The closer to the surface the more raised it appears. Dont think you'll actually be able to see it through the skin though. Mine is placed at the surface just below my rib cage which is a bit of an odd place simply because when I bend over I can feel it pressing against my ribs. Not painful at all just noticable. My doc said this placement was necessary for easier fills...

Congrats!!! Wont your dad be sooooo surprised! Cant wait to be where you are. Keep up the great work..:thumbup:

I'm so glad for you!! Sorry to raise your concern tho! I'm about the same as far as not feeling anything until I press on my site or lay on it but that really got me thinkin. My weightloss is holding steady and I'm ready to turn the corner. Keep me posted on how things go Thursday. Good luck!!!

My incisions have healed very quickly and I'm super glad of that! I only wear a bandage over my port site as a precaution really because of my job, but my other 3 are completely healed! I am excited to be moving on to the next "phase" if you will. Glad to know all went well with your 1st fill it truely gives me hope. Thanks again for your input and I wish you well!!!

I'll be about 5 weeks out from surgery date but I'm still pretty sore. Were you sore at the port site when you had your first fill?

4, including my port!

Welcome to "banderland"! You will find lots of info here and many nice and knowledgeable people . Dont hesitate to ask any questions you may have. I was sore for about 10 days after surgery but each day was definitely better than the one before! May I make one suggestion? Be extremely careful in bed! I turned over a few times and felt like I ripped my port completely out! Not a good feeling to say the least. Good luck to you on your journey! Marina

Good morning! Found this one in my Hungry Girl 1-2-3 cookbook. My family loves it! Hope you like... 1 4 serving pkg sugar free Lime Gelatin 1 pkt sugar substitute 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 2 c Cool Whip Free, thawed 2 sheets (8 crackers) Low fat honey graham crackers, lightly crushed In med bowl, combine 1 c boiling Water with gelatin mix & sweetner. Stir for at least 2 mins., until completely dissolved. Mix lemon juice, vanilla extract, and 1/2 c cold water. Refrigerate for about 45 mins, until slightly thickened but still mixable. Stir in the cool Whip. Whisk until thoroughly blended. Divide mixture among 5 small bowls. Refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hrs. Once ready to serve, evenly sprinkle crushed graham crackers over pies and ENJOY!

Thank you for your reply! Very helpful. No one told me it could be up to 12 mos for this site to heal completely. Did your doc numb you first before the fill? My band is so much smaller than most on this board. Mine is a 4cc capacity band & I have 2cc in it from surgery! The first fill should be interesting.

Thanks for your reply!! I'm not real found of needles either but we do what's neccessary huh? lol

I was banded 3/20/10 & my port definitely sticks out but how far not sure yet. Still a bit swollen & sore! My port is on the left and anytime I bend to the left, say tying my shoes for example it digs up into my ribs!! Does anyone else experience this. I was told the port is place so near the surface so that fills are easier...

Well I cant say the surgeon told me empty but it was implied! When they brought me my paperwork I see right on the box of my band that I had a prefill of 2cc! Of course I didn't object but I like to be aware of these things...

The "Magic Bullet" has been my saving grace! I bought mine many moons ago and am on my 2nd because I burned out my 1st from SO much use! Definitely worth the investment for anyone not just us bandsters!

Wow! Was your port site healed by the time you had your fill? I was banded 3/20/10 and am ready for a fill but my port site is still pretty sore so that has me a bit apprehensive.

I'm glad to be able to contribute in some small way to this forum!!! I bought myself a digital scale (these are more accurate) to weigh my food (bought it some time ago on one of my many weightloss ventures!) I just put my whole meal on there and try to keep it right at 4oz. I've never had anything come back up but felt like it a couple times! You can purchase a scale anywhere I bought mine at Walmart. Good luck to you!!!

Thank you for the reply!! I will be sure to ask questions as they come up or better yet to answer the ones my friends and family spring on me....lol I am taking this site in and trying not to ask the same quuestions that have been asked/answered already.

Good evening fellow bandits! I am Marina and newly banded on 3/20/10! I am still trying to find my way in this new way of life with the band. It took me a while to join because I thoughtIi could go it alone but was I wrong! My friends and family are extremely supportive but they cant relate to what I'm going through. So I'm here seeking any advice you all can give.

Happy Bandiverary indeed!!!!