1st Fill...whats going on??

[us plus 3 0]

So I just had my 1st fill a few hours ago, and it feels like someone is sitting on my chest. When my doc first 'filled' me, I immediatly felt pressure in my chest, and I told him. He told me that it was normal and some people feel that. I am a paranoia freak, and wasnt satisfied with that answer. So then I sit up and drink some Water. Everything goes down fine and stays there. But I still have that pressure feeling in my chest, and I tell the doc again about it. So then he says maybe he put too much in and has me lie down again and takes some Fluid out. (he put in 4, and took out 1) I drink some more water, everthing still stays down.

Is this feeling in my chest 'normal'? I have to drive over an hour to get to the docs office and am REALLY hoping that I dont have to make another trip, and have it be nothing.

Im just really disappointed in this doctors office. In the beginning I thought it would be great because I heard some good reviews, the doctor calls you to check on you and you have his cell number in case you need anything. But really, I havent gotten any soild advice. Everything I've learned has been from fellow banded patients on this site. Today I had to ask him how much he put in and how much he took out. I asked how much could the band hold, he said "14" but didnt seem to sure about it...And during my visit today, his cell rang...AND HE ANSWERED IT!!! I was a little irritated. Not to mention I walk into the EMPTY waiting room, but have to wait an HOUR before I get called to see the doctor?? And the girls at the front desk had walked into a back room (their break room maybe?) I am a cash patient and paid $13,000.00 for this surgery, and honestly I feel jipped with this whole thing. Ugh!! I asked when I should come back, how many weeks. He tells me whenever I start feeling like I need a fill. ...........ummm ok? I have heard from people on this site that its normally 4 weeks you go back after your first fill, and that sometimes you need that long to see how the fill is working for you. WHY is my doctor not telling me these things?!?

AND!...(yes there's and "AND") I got weighed while there and it said that I have only lost 4 1/2 lbs. My scale at home that I weighed myself on pre-surgery and everyday since has said I have lost close to 10 (2lbs being before I started my pre-surgery diet). Talk about frustration at the scales!!

So I hope anyone reading this can remember what my question was before I starting on my rant session and maybe give me some insight to this chest pressure feeling.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

First of all I would say that maybe you have some swelling which may go down after being on liquids for a few days. You must be your own advocate and If I was treated like that I would not have left the office until I was totally at ease to leave. You have to make some doctors know that you are not a push over and you want answers before you leave or you dont leave. Stay off the scale for now and no you dont always need a fill every four weeks I didnt get the first one until a year after surgery. Mr doctor tells me to come back when I need a fill because you know when you need one. You only need a fill when 1 you are constantly hungry and not losing weight or eating too much and not being satisfied for at least four hours. Fills do not make you lose weight they just stop the hunger.

[AlienBandit 10]

After my first fill I felt like i had just had the flu. My stomach hurt and i had no desire to eat the first day.

This is totally normal

As for your doctor, I would consider going somewhere else. It doesnt sound like he wants to help you.

However you should consider asking him more questions and maybe he will answer.

My doctor sees many patients and speaks two languages so sometimes he forgets he needs to give more info to his foreign patients because he has someone who speaks Korean educating his Korean patients.

I receive great care from him, but I do lots of research and ask lots of questions. Others feel he is a little cold to them because he doesnt tell them lots of things but he is willing to give lots of info if you ask what should I do now etc.

[Jess55 97]

I find some doctors follow up interesting. My doc wants me back every month for the first year regardless if I need a fill or not. I think he said after a year it's every three months. I would think they'd want to monitor your progress and make sure you're successful.

As for the pressure, not sure, I've only had one tiny fill. Maybe swelling. Id say if it lasts more than a few days to a week call him or go back.

As for the wait in the waiting room my last visit was the quickest I've ever been called in, usually I wait for an hour, last time it was only like 15 or 20 minutes.

[us plus 3 0]

Thanks everyone. Feeling much better today. I guess it was just swelling...which my doctor never told me about. I swear, as soon as I get my 3 fills I have already paid for, Im outt there! I am researching doctors that are closer to me. Im also looking for a support group near by (failing miserably ) Wish me luck!