What Can I expect at my first fill?

[Martha78 0]

Hi all, I am scheduled for my first band fill on 10/3/2011. I have the 10cc band. I am wondering if there is a standard number of cc's they usually start you off with and how will I feel after having my fill? I heard some people say it hurts, while others say it doesn't hurt at all. I know I am not going to feel full restriction with my first fill, but I just want to prepare myself for what to expect.

[Steffie45 0]

I was so nervous my first time also. I went in asking if they were gonna numb the area first and my doc said that hurt worse than the fill so "No". Doctors do this procedure different because my sister just had her first fill and they did numb the area and she said that hurt. My doctor has me lay on a table, raise my legs about six inches and hold while he palpated the port. This makes the stomach muscles contract and pushed the port up where it can be felt easily. Then he accesses the port with a syringe and I swear it literally takes about 60 seconds and it is over. I barely feel the needle prick and that was it. What a relief and what a difference that first fill made. I have since had a second fill and am up to 4cc and feel very comfortable with the restriction at this point. The only regret I have is that I did not do this sooner. Best of luck to you and don't sweat that first fill, it will be over so fast!!!

[honk 780]

I would not say that is hurts badly. They are sticking you with a needle and that "hurts" it you get my drift. One thing I did experiences was after the first fill; when I stood up I felt this tightening sensation at the band area. It did'nt really hurt just felt weird. The nurse said some people mention that sensation. Post fill please follow your surgeon's food orders. Some people come on this site and say "My doctor told me to be on liquids for a day but I wanted a burger and it got stuck and now I feel horrible. What should I do?" Your stomach will be sensative after a fill so most doctor's require liquid for so many hours and mushies for so many more (mine is 24 full liquids and 24 mushies).

[Stargurrl* 5]

I don't think the fills are bad at all. My doc does fills under fluro (xray) so when I get there I stand i/f/o the machine and he looks at the band placement. Then they tip the table all the way down so I'm laying flat. They sterilize the area then a little pinch when he numbs the area. After that I feel a little pressure when he accesses the port. Then they put the table back in the upright position, he injects the Fluid, then I take a sip of the chalky stuff and they watch on the monitor how it goes thru. If it travels right thru too fast, he might put a tiny more then I drink again and he makes sure it passes thru okay.and I'm done. The entire process only takes like 5 minutes. And I'm terriffied of needles..so if I can do it anyone can : ) I didnt really have any restriction with the first fill. But the second which I got like 3 weeks ago is another story. Its like night and day. I don't ask how much he puts in but I feel really lucky to feel this restriction so early. Good luck you'll do great!

[Martha78 0]

Thanks guys. I feel a little more prepared.